I'm surprised no one has brought this up, but has anyone read the book The Call of the Wild, by Jack London?
I just finished this book a couple weeks ago, and right away this song came into my mind. The book basically tells the story of a pampered dog who is kidnapped and moved to the north in order to be a sled dog during the Klondike gold rush. Buck, the name of the dog, basically goes through a metamorphosis (shapeshift) and he becomes more aware of the wolf-nature within himself. He becomes a hunter, a killer of men, and a leader to dogs and wolves.
I could be almost certain Hetfield took inspiration from this story because he uses phrases that are directly from the book. London often mentions Buck's senses becoming "clean" and pure, and when Buck stares into the fire he he is taken back to the time "of wolf and man" when the two were both brothers in the hunt.
The overall theme of the book revolves around trusting primitive instincts and adapting to one's environment. I see this same message in the song as well. London repeats the message of "going back to the beginning" over and over again when referring to Buck's transition to a wild animal.
It is hard to discount the connection between the song and the story when there are so many similar phrases and themes... not to mention the actual words, "call of the wild," are found in the lyrics.
If this song has touched anyone, I STRONGLY recommend the book. It is a very harsh and brutal story, but memorable and thought provoking.
Haha I agree it took 4 years for people to even mention this? Unfortunately I just came across the book, Call of the Wild the other day and bear in mind I haven't even listened to Metallica in ages. I immediately recalled such a song by Metallica upon reading a couple chapters I was listening to the song once again noting the similarities.
Haha I agree it took 4 years for people to even mention this? Unfortunately I just came across the book, Call of the Wild the other day and bear in mind I haven't even listened to Metallica in ages. I immediately recalled such a song by Metallica upon reading a couple chapters I was listening to the song once again noting the similarities.
I'm surprised no one has brought this up, but has anyone read the book The Call of the Wild, by Jack London? I just finished this book a couple weeks ago, and right away this song came into my mind. The book basically tells the story of a pampered dog who is kidnapped and moved to the north in order to be a sled dog during the Klondike gold rush. Buck, the name of the dog, basically goes through a metamorphosis (shapeshift) and he becomes more aware of the wolf-nature within himself. He becomes a hunter, a killer of men, and a leader to dogs and wolves.
I could be almost certain Hetfield took inspiration from this story because he uses phrases that are directly from the book. London often mentions Buck's senses becoming "clean" and pure, and when Buck stares into the fire he he is taken back to the time "of wolf and man" when the two were both brothers in the hunt.
The overall theme of the book revolves around trusting primitive instincts and adapting to one's environment. I see this same message in the song as well. London repeats the message of "going back to the beginning" over and over again when referring to Buck's transition to a wild animal.
It is hard to discount the connection between the song and the story when there are so many similar phrases and themes... not to mention the actual words, "call of the wild," are found in the lyrics. If this song has touched anyone, I STRONGLY recommend the book. It is a very harsh and brutal story, but memorable and thought provoking.
Haha I agree it took 4 years for people to even mention this? Unfortunately I just came across the book, Call of the Wild the other day and bear in mind I haven't even listened to Metallica in ages. I immediately recalled such a song by Metallica upon reading a couple chapters I was listening to the song once again noting the similarities.
Haha I agree it took 4 years for people to even mention this? Unfortunately I just came across the book, Call of the Wild the other day and bear in mind I haven't even listened to Metallica in ages. I immediately recalled such a song by Metallica upon reading a couple chapters I was listening to the song once again noting the similarities.
Great song, great book.
Great song, great book.