Motorbreath

From MetallicaWiki

Motorbreath is the third track on Metallica's 1983 debut album Kill 'Em All. It's about "living life in the fast lane" and "not ending up like others [the] same song and dance." It means to live life to the fullest and enjoy being alive. During early shows former lead guitarist, Mustaine, said that it was their version of a love song.

This is the only song in the history of the band that is credited to Hetfield alone, one of two in which Ulrich doesn't have a credit (both on this album, the other is (Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth). Being only 3:08, it is the shortest original Metallica recording. (Only certain cover songs are shorter.)

Dave Mustaine later used the main riff to create "FFF" for Megadeth's Cryptic Writings.

The song was covered a couple of times, most notably by Canadian punk band D.O.A. on the "Punk Tribute to Metallica"-Sampler and in 2004 by Scott Ian and Page Hamilton.

"Motorbreath" is featured on the soundtrack to the game MTX: Mototrax. During the film Any Given Sunday the song can be heard playing in the locker room after one of the Miami Sharks' victories. The song "Love is a Danger Zone 2" in the Pump It Up series of rhythm dance video games is inspired by "Motorbreath."

Lyrics

Living and dying, laughing and crying
Once you have seen it you'll never be the same
Life in the fast lane is just how it seems
It's hot and it's heavy and dirty and mean

Motorbreath
It's how I live my life
I can't take it any other way
Motorbreath
The sign of living fast
It is going to take your breath away

Don't stop for nothing, it's full speed or nothing
I'm taking down, you know, whatever's in my way
Getting your kicks as you're shooting the line
Sending the shivers up and down my spine

Motorbreath
It's how I live my life
I can't take it any other way
Motorbreath
The sign of living fast
It is going to take your breath away

Those people who tell you not to take chances
They are all missing on what life's about
You only live once, so take hold of the chance
Don't end up like others, same song and dance

Motorbreath
It's how I live my life
I can't take it any other way
Motorbreath
The sign of living fast
It is going to take your breath away

Notes

Written By: Hetfield
Copyright © 1983 Creeping Death Music (ASCAP)
International Copyright Secured
All Rights Reserved