"To Live Is To Die" is the unofficial tribute to Cliff Burton. The band has never publicly said it, but it is pretty much understood. The entire song is based off of the bassist, quite possibly one of the greatest of all time, who died in 1986 after being run over by a bus. The song displays the anger that the band felt with Cliff's death, as well as the peace and tranquility that was Cliff Burton.
The song begins with the soft, slow tones of Spanish guitars, idly repeating their tranquil tones. This symbolizes the peace of Cliff while he was still alive. The guitars fade out, to be replaced by the pounding of drums, which explode into an earthquake of power cords. This sudden replacement of mood shows the abruptness of Cliff’s death, and the anger that the band feels towards its injustice. After four or so minutes of rage, it stops, to yield to the soft tones of Jason Newstead, backed by violins. The solo that Newstead performs is a masterpiece, genuinely from the heart, and eye watering. The love, peace, and all around goodness of Cliff Burton are expressed through this. The only lyrics of the song are said shortly afterwards. Written originally by Burton, it expresses his hatred towards this world, but shows that there is hope beyond, in a higher realm of understanding. The power cords begin again, and slowly fade out to admit the Spanish guitars again, beginning the cycle once more. This shows that Cliff shall never really die, and that his legacy shall continue for as long as heavy metal exists.
God bless Cliff Burton, and may he find the Kingdom of Salvation that he tried so hard to find.
"To Live Is To Die" is the unofficial tribute to Cliff Burton. The band has never publicly said it, but it is pretty much understood. The entire song is based off of the bassist, quite possibly one of the greatest of all time, who died in 1986 after being run over by a bus. The song displays the anger that the band felt with Cliff's death, as well as the peace and tranquility that was Cliff Burton.
The song begins with the soft, slow tones of Spanish guitars, idly repeating their tranquil tones. This symbolizes the peace of Cliff while he was still alive. The guitars fade out, to be replaced by the pounding of drums, which explode into an earthquake of power cords. This sudden replacement of mood shows the abruptness of Cliff’s death, and the anger that the band feels towards its injustice. After four or so minutes of rage, it stops, to yield to the soft tones of Jason Newstead, backed by violins. The solo that Newstead performs is a masterpiece, genuinely from the heart, and eye watering. The love, peace, and all around goodness of Cliff Burton are expressed through this. The only lyrics of the song are said shortly afterwards. Written originally by Burton, it expresses his hatred towards this world, but shows that there is hope beyond, in a higher realm of understanding. The power cords begin again, and slowly fade out to admit the Spanish guitars again, beginning the cycle once more. This shows that Cliff shall never really die, and that his legacy shall continue for as long as heavy metal exists.
God bless Cliff Burton, and may he find the Kingdom of Salvation that he tried so hard to find.