Eye Of The Beholder
From MetallicaWiki
Eye Of The Beholder is the third track on Metallica's 1988 album ...And Justice For All. It was also released as the second single from the album.
Lyrically, the song concerns imposed limitations on freedom of speech and freedom of expression in general. Eye Of The Beholder is notable for its chorus section containing 12/8 time played, not as an ordinary compound quadruple time, but as a syncopated rhythm. The rest of the song is a more conventional 4/4 rhythm at a slower tempo than seen on Metallica's previous three albums.
It was released as a single in place of Harvester Of Sorrow in the United States (actually coming before the One single) but failed to chart. The B-side of the single was a cover of the Budgie song Breadfan.
The song has not been performed live in its entirety since 1989. However, it always formed part of the medleys of songs from ...And Justice For All often played by the band in concert during the 1990s as an alternative to playing full songs that were seen as too difficult because of the numerous guitar parts. One such Justice Medley was featured on its 1993 live album Live Shit: Binge & Purge.
Lyrics
Do you see what I see? Truth is an offence Your silence for your confidence Do you hear what I hear? Doors are slamming shut Limit your imagination, keep you where they must Do you feel what I feel? Bittering distress Who decides what you express? Do you take what I take? Endurance is the word Moving back instead of forward seems to me absurd Doesn't matter what you see Or into it what you read You can do it your own way If it's done just how I say Independence limited Freedom of choice Choice is made for you, my friend Freedom of speech Speech is words that they will bend Freedom with their exception Do you fear what I fear? Living properly Truths to you are lies to me Do you choose what I choose? More alternatives Energy derives from both the plus and negative Do you need what I need? Boundaries overthrown Look inside, to each his own Do you trust what I trust? Me, myself, and I Penetrate the smoke screen, I see through the selfish lie Doesn't matter what you see Or into it what you read You can do it your own way If it's done just how I say Independence limited Freedom of choice Choice is made for you, my friend Freedom of speech Speech is words that they will bend Freedom with their exception Do you know what I know? Your money and your wealth Your silence just to hear yourself Do you want what I want? Desire not a thing I hunger after independence, lengthen freedom's ring Doesn't matter what you see Or into it what you read You can do it your own way If it's done just how I say Independence limited Freedom of choice Choice is made for you, my friend Freedom of speech Speech is words that they will bend Freedom no longer for you Doesn't matter what you see Or into it what you read You can do it your own way If it's done just how I say
Notes
Written By: Hetfield/Ulrich/Hammett
Copyright © 1988 Creeping Death Music (ASCAP)
International Copyright Secured
All Rights Reserved
