Hettfield has said in interviews that the song is about how terrifying it would be to be trapped inside your own head conscious but unable to communicate with the outside world at all. The Key lyric in the song is where the title of the song comes from "now the world is gone and I am just ONE". The whole song being about the isolation/torture this soldier is enduring due to his injuries.

Been listening to this one for years still get chills

Its so rare for people to really get this the first time they see it because there is so much going on. Kudos to you two

Background on this story: the novel was , Johnnie Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo, later made into a movie. The soldier has lost all his limbs, his sight, hearing and speech. He is trapped inside his mind. No one knows he is conscious. The last sentence in the book, if I remember correctly, is his terrible scream that no one can hear.

You guys get it. You’d be surprised at how many reactors don’t get what’s going on in the song or the video. Good job👍🏼

Love the reaction and how intense Asia was listening. Asia, you said that’s why people don’t want to be in the military. That’s why there is only one percent of us that serve. There is an unexplainable drive within us. I’m a disabled vet and I would do it all over again. Love how real you two are. Be blessed and have a wonderful day!

I Can Relate To This Song, Ive Been Wounded 3 Times In Combat Over A 22 Year Army Career, I'm Now A 51 Year Old Disabled Veteran, Who Lives Alone, In Pain, And With PTSD...It's Hard.

just a few months after this song came out i was in a car wreck, broke my neck and both sides of my jaw, i was completely paralyzed from the neck down, had my head in traction so i couldn't move my head at all, my jaw was wired shut but i also had a trake which was a hole in my neck where they could run tubes to my lungs and when you have that you can't make any sound with your mouth. so i couldn't talk, i couldn't even silently "mouth" words, couldn't nod or shake my head, couldn't even point or use hand gestures, my only way to communicate was to blink once for yes twice for no, i could still hear and see, but other than that i can imagine first hand exactly what that guy went through and with all that, if i had also lost my sight and hearing i would 110% been wishing and praying for death too cause that truly was a living hell

I saw this video over a hundred times before I went into the Marines. After 2 tours in Iraq, working for the government and dealing with various injuries (not as bad as this video) I can definitely say that they (the govt) loves you when your serving, and despises you when your done. As of recently, I have lost more of my comrades from suicide than from combat. I think the government wants it that way. Less $ going to a vet means more for their pockets.

That was a military priest telling the military officer that, "He is a product of your profession, not mine."

the line, "he's a product of your profession, not mine", that was the Dr. telling that to the General, basically saying my job is to heal people, yours is to hurt and kill. As a Veteran this is a very powerful song as a lot of us left a lot of ourselves overseas whether it be physical or mentally. Another very powerful song is Wrong Side of Heaven by the band Five Finger Death Punch

this song puts the Heavy in Heavy Metal. makes me cry every time. a lot of people like to rag on Metallica, say they suck now, or they sold out, or whatever, but if this was their only good song, hell if this was the only song they ever released, it's such a significant contribution to the Arts, it would be enough, most creative people will never make anything this powerful.

He lost both legs. Both arms. And inprisoned in his mind. Cant speak. Can only think....praying to God to end his misery.🥺 i first heard this tune when i was 17. That is when Lars (drummer) became my fav drummer, & I seen them in concert 3 times. AMAZING!!

"Only the dead have seen the end of war." This quote will stay with me for as long as I live. Being a former service memeber, I will always hold this song in a special place in my heart. For all my brothers and sisters!

It is the MOST beautiful song about human suffering I have heard in all my life.

The two clips of the vet doing Morse code go from “Help” to “Kill me”-gets me every time.

The part where the CHAPLAIN says "He's a product of your profession not mine", the doctor had asked him to speak to him. At this point in the movie he had been kept alive like this for a couple years already. The chaplain new that his faith had been challenged beyond that which any man could hold faith and didn't want to even represent the lord to this man. No arms, legs, mouth, nose or ears, like Venom would say "like a turd in the wind". The movie is Johnny Got his Gun btw, Donald Sutherland was Jesus in it. Its hard to feel sorry for yourself after seeing what this character goes through. When the nurse is pinching the breath tube shown in this video, you are preying she kills him, but the doctor stops her and he is moved to a dark room.(He through a party in his head when he first felt sunshine) And the movie ends with him still alive and suffering for god knows how long.....

The guy who says "he is the product of your profession, not mine" is a chaplain. He means that not even God has words to provide comfort for this wounded soldier.

The first song by Metallica I ever heard. Crazy good and the lyrics so deep and give it up for Lars and his drumming...especially making it sound like a machine gun 🤠

This song is literally about a soldier who was severely injured in war, he's paralyzed, can't see, can't talk, can't hear. He is literally trapped in his own mind. It's kind of summed up in these lyrics: Landmine has taken my sight Taken my speech Taken my hearing Taken my arms Taken my legs Taken my soul Left me with life in hell

My uncle was in the Marines, the first group to be on the ground when Desert Storm began in the early 90’s. When he came back, he talked about it once, but never again. What he said I will spare you from. I think when he talked about it he was still in shock. No one really talks about it anymore, but there was a mysterious illness that affected soldiers deployed there labeled “Gulf War syndrome”. The soldiers, my uncle included, spoke of being injected with unknown substances constantly and given unidentifiable pills to take. After the unmentionable horror of what they saw and the horrible maladies they faced afterward, the government still denies gulf war syndrome is real. So there is no recognition or treatment of the lifelong suffering. Love you, uncle Michael. Glad you’ve had the strength to continue all of these years.

Our veterans deserve so much reverence.

Man, its delightful to see smart people reacting to this song, you understood the theme after the first verse! (While I saw some other people hear the whole thing and think its a suicidal song lol)

The movie shown in the video with Jason Robards is from the movie Johnny Got His Gun about a young man who goes off to war and loses his arms, legs, ability to talk and tell people he wanted to die. After seeing what happened to those of us who have seen war and the damage it can produce it hits home.

The end line “He is the product of your profession, not mine.” Is probably something every military chaplain wishes they could have said. I’d imagine giving a few hundred last rites to teenagers jades even the most dedicated.

Awesome reaction! Super deep song. I’ve never listened to it this closely. Thanks for this. And thanks to all the commenters

Mr. Slater is a true patriot. My dad served in Vietnam as a Scout and I believe, a LRRP. It wasn't until 3 days before he died in '08 that I heard the really horrible things he saw and endured. I have always loved Metallica. I remember learning "One" and "Disposable Heroes" on guitar when I was 16 (I'm 45 now). He was kinda pissed at first listen, but he read the lyrics and listened again and understood what was being said. His answer to me- "Carry on". Thank You to all of You who have served and WELCOME HOME!

the guitar work in this song is amazing

Played continuous on MTV I remember watching this video over and over

I've heard this song 1000000 times and when he says "Taken my soul" I feel it every time

I love how you guys felt this song right away. I feel like the message of this song was lost and missed when it first came out. It's a sad song and the music is so good you almost look past the message.

This is why military members need to be thanked and completely respected. The military fights for our freedom, our survival, our way of life. A huge shout out to our military members who are ready and willing to give their lives to fight for our freedoms and our way of life. Thank you to all military members for your time and service.

Almost 100K! You guys are awesome! Keep doing what you're doing and stay blessed, the both of you!

You both nailed it. I've watched a lot of reaction videos to ONE. You got it right away. As a Vet, I have ultimate respect to those that served before me. You ever want to see people in a bad way, visit a VA hospital and maybe talk to a few of the vets there. Bless both of you.

Two things....first, I graduated right before I turned 18. Less than a week. I'm with you on this one, Asia....I had a recruiter approach me to join the military. For shits and gigs, I took the ASVAB and he was really engaged with my performance (told me I scored a 90, don't know if that's true or if he was just shining me on) but he said I could do whatever I wanted in the military with a score like that. I told him I wanted to go into journalism or biochemistry. He said that would be perfect. Yeah, ok boss....not gonna let you build me up to just throw me wherever you guys see fit. Also, this was 2003 so what happened on 9/11 was still rather fresh (all things considered). I appreciated his admiration (whether truthful or not) but respectfully declined. He wasn't very happy with me. But to wrap this up....I'm not gonna let you control me. That's what it came down to. And second, this was Metallica's first Grammy nomination and they were slated to win. Turns out, Jethro Tull won the award and ripped the rug from underneath them. I don't know how something like that could happen but whatevs. Not saying I think either band is better than the other...but I believe everyone was shocked to see the outcome.

My dad had a stroke at 47... he was a drummer. He lost all use of his right side of his body and couldn't speak any more. This song still hits me hard. He died in a VA hospital at 50. Yeah the care they give isn't the best but I will say they at least gave him a room to himself to die in peace.

This song is based off of the novel Johnny Got His Gun, we had the coolest history teacher who had us read the book in reference to this song.

One of the quintessential anti-war songs.....the rage in the song tells you everything

This song means so much to me .

CONGRATS ON YOUR 100k, ASIA & BJ! You guys deserve it 100% in my opinion.. I love the diversity in the music.

There is alot to be said for your reactions ,insight,,insight, opinion. You hear 1 song,often by a band you've never heard or experienced in a musical genre that off the beaten path . In just a few minutes you go deep and fully engage it SO AWESOME! really digging your reactions and your whole vibe man....ty

This was their first music video that they made. At the time 99% of music videos made by hard rock, heavy metal or even pop rock it was mainly about half naked women and not about telling a story. Thank you for getting the idea of the video. I have seen people reactions to it that didn't get it. But, I think some people need to hear the song first, because I have seen people get confused between the singing and with the dialog from the movie. Keep up with all the good reactions and being exposed to new styles of music. Music is meant to bring people together not to separate us because you like this and I like that. May God bless everyone with His love.

Hi ya, Asia & BJ!! This song was written mainly about the PTSD that our Veteran's from all wars are going thru, some cases are worse than others. My Dad was a Staff Sergeant in the Army, he had two tours of Vietnam. He was exposed to "Agent Orange" which was a chemical that our military would crop out thru planes and helicopters to kill rodents, different kind of vegetation that was poisonous to where our ground troops would have to walk thru in the jungles of Vietnam. Well, it affected those that had to walk thru it in very, very bad medical conditions. My Dad didn't drink any alcohol after Vietnam, because of what he had seen and had to do in war. He died at the age of 45 years old, I just turned 18 when he died in Arlington, Tx. Two heart attacks, a month apart. The second one killed him. The after effeçts of Agent Orange can be hereditary too. I am 51 and have Stage 4 Renal cell carcinoma ( kidney cancer that had metastisized to another organ, which in my case was my lungs). I got better and went back to work for 9 months until the cancer spread again, this time to my brain. The hospital found a huge tumor in my brain, and had to have two brain surgeries to remove it. Was it Agent Orange that might have passed down from my Dad? I'll never know. But, I was diagnosed in 2017 and I'm still here, mainly by the grace of God, and noone could ever tell me different! I am a very positive with my situation, and try to encourage others who have cancer, thru Jesus and martial arts that I teach. Enough of my story, but love y'all's podcast, so keep them coming!! 👍😎👍 - James Ray Lake / DJ Jazzy J- Ray

Nice job y'all,the worm hole brought me here and I'm glad for it. You guys really put focus into it,you can always tell a genuine reaction.

I served in the Navy for 22 years and would absolutely do it again. It is the chance we take. Thankfully we do have the VA and other means to help the VETS. To my Brothers and Sisters,,, Thank You!!!

In many peoples opinion, one of the greatest metal songs of all time.

Thank you for doing this video. It’s hard to watch but it’s is worth it. It’s also worth shinning a light on those who need our help the most. God Bless you two! This is the side of war people miss. People come home often broken. What I’ve seen from our wounded friends is they have this Profound Faith, and the will to recover as hard as it might be. It’s agony for them, their families, their kids, however every success is hard won by all! One story we had a friend who lost his legs below the knee and he had a baby girl. He and his daughter learned to walk at the same time. He stood as she took her first steps over to him, it was so such a beautiful moment! The other side is the soldiers who are lost within themselves. That is devastating to see. I pray everyday for them to have peace.

People always talk about the movie but never the song at the end. Keep the Home Fires Burning was a patriotic song in Britain. The lyrics suggest something like it's stormy now but soon our soldiers will come home so make sure everything is ready for them. I believe it goes with the song and video because war in real life is not some fairy tale where soldiers come home and pick up where they left off. They're changed. Sometimes extremely so, as with the man in this video. A lot of poems touch on the disconnect between the idea of war and the reality of war, such as Dulce et Decorum Est, or "It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country."

Lots of comments on the context of the song bc it is such a powerful message. Would also like to point out the brilliance of the song arrangement. Metallica often arranged their older music in a similar way to classical music and opera. I'm not sure if I'm going to get this explanation technically correct, but if you think about classical music there are often rounds, like when we used to sing row row row your boat in music class, that I often hear in classical music and in Metallica as well... the same riff consecutively but in different keys for example. The reason why I say opera is because of the different acts that are intentionally placed to bring about specific emotions to listeners... One has always reminded me of an opera in this way.

I might be wrong… But from my understanding, this song was written, based on a true story about a soldier who stepped on a landmine and lost all his faculties. Arms, legs, hearing, site, and speech. Can you even imagine something like that??!!

Their GREATEST SONG ever!!!

Still gives me the creeps and chills whenever i watch and hear this song. All-time classic!

The soldier in the song (and movie) has been decerebrate by a landmine. Decerebration essentially means your spinal column has been severed in such a way that you are no longer able to see, hear, move etc...and the song deals with what that may "feel" like to the person it has happened to

You guys are simply outstanding.. very perceptive and intelligent! Excellent reaction.. xo

A flat out classic

Best memory I have involving this song would probably be in High School drama class; my group and I designed a short play to go along with the song. I can't remember how well we did but I do remember I enjoyed it immensely lol.

I can see why your subscriber count is going through the roof ,I love your reactions and your analysis of a song . You guys are one of my favorite reactors love the chemistry between you both might have to check out Asia's side channel as well . Keep pumping those reactions out you definitely make my day ❤️❤️💯🤘🇳🇿

It isn't "cold blooded". The Priest is pointing out that HIS profession would have performed the "last rights" and allowed the suffering soul to be released, hopefully into heaven, without hesitation. But YOUR (Doctor's) profession is to keep the "flesh alive" with no regard to the suffering or torment of the patient's mental stability or awareness. The Priest is the COMPASSIONATE one by pointing out the difference in their views on what is "living" and what is "dead". It is the DOCTORS who are being cold-hearted and without pity, because they constantly do whatever it takes to keep the "meat fresh". As proven by the fact that the SAME DOCTOR comes into the room and stops the nurse from granting the patient's obvious request to "end it all". The DOCTOR is the real "heartless one" in the situation because not only is he WILLING to ignore the patient's obvious request, but ALSO WILLING to FORCE the patient to ENDURE further torment by continuing to keep him plugged into the machines to keep him alive.

This song cuts deeper than any blade. I can't think of a song more intense than this one.

The song--and music video--that made Metallica what they are today: Superstars. One of the best anti-war songs ever made.

This song and video were released in the 80s, but it feels timeless. This could have been released today, as far as quality and message.

Those iconic four guitar notes that the song opens with is what I use for my default notification sound on my mobile phone. The way they synchronize the guitars and drums to sound like machine gun fire is just brilliant. Great song all the way through!

Asia you got this, Wow, im impressed. I have been a huge metallica fan for over 30 years. I only just felt this song emotionally recently. You felt it straight away. Im impressed. Loving your videos. My 2nd of your videos. Looking forward to more of your vids.

This was Metallica's first music video, which they were strongly against. They wanted a simple, yet darker video that got to the point. When at the time, a majority of music videos were about upbeat things like being happy, partying, and girls. It was a kind of statement from MetallicA against pretending everything's pretty in this world.

Thanks to reaction videos like this, I am understanding Metallica’s music like never before. I love their music, it now also respect their ability to tackle issues like this. Thank you.

Crazy How heavy this song is . It took me like 10 listens threw to fully understand the magnitude of the message they were trying to get across.

Back in the womb its much to real .in pumps life that I must feel.. Lyrics are outstanding

I think it was after I saw the video to this song, I started listening to everything they did, I was impressed, they rock.

This song is for all of us who raised our right hand to defend this country...... Less than 1 percent of our population volunteer for the military. this did not only go on in 1917 ... It Goes On until this Day! There are thousands of my fellow veterans who deal with catastrophic injuries..

Helluva debut into the music video game. They'd never wanted to do a video before....but they sure as Hell got people's attention with this one.

Many Metallica songs have deep meanings.

This was my first Metallica and metal song I ever heard, and I've been a fan since. \m/

This video/ song combo is a straight knock-out punch. I was a young singer/songwriter the first time I saw it. I thought to myself that I would never write anything that good. And once you've seen it, you will never forget it.

My father is a Vietnam vet, I have heard some pretty awful things, things he has told me when he was drinking. I can't imagine what else is there when he is sober. This song makes me think of what he went through. Physically he came home, but mentally it's a different story. and VA

Bj u are a lucky man Asia is so beautiful , love your reactions

99k subscribers. Lets get to 100k! Hit that button ppl. Asia and BJ deserve it!

The "can't tell whether this is a dream" thing was covered heavily in the book (it's written from his point of view, so you're in there with him). If you can't see, hear, or anything, locked in the dark with just your own thoughts, how would you know if you were awake or dreaming at any given moment?

Amazing reaction. This is a deep song but it is also a banger! So happy you guys reacted to this, awesome content!

It's the artists and musicians who really put horrors that regular citizens such as you and I never have to worry about. This war song by Metallica is definitely considered one of the greatest metal songs of all time.

My favorite song of all time!!!!

When this song and vid came out it shoooook me! A true banger with a sad back story. Also...soldiers used to be known as GI's which was short for Government Issue or as BJ stated expendable.

Thank you for sharing the video Brandi Modrak XOXO means hugs and Kisses.

Great reaction to an awesome song. It is the best example of the saying "All gave some.... some gave all" I was raised by a military father in a family with a great many military people. We were taught, as early as we can remember, that you ALWAYS stand. You always fight. This is why men, and now women as well, go off to fight in the face of a terrible cost we know we may end up paying. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction and video. Thanks and Godspeed.

I have watched a 100 reactions to this song, You guys got it right. 👍. Also, fun fact, Hammett nailed that guitar solo after only hearing the song for the second time, and that was their first music video, crazy

I bought this album (yes, album) the day it came out in 1988. I had a visceral reaction to this song, once I got over hearing the first song, "Blackened."

I love you both! I just subbed. Y'all ROCK!! 🤘❤️ "Darkness imprisoning me, all that I see, absolute horror I cannot live, I cannot die, Trapped in myself, body my holding cell" Gets me every time!!

You guys are awesome!!! I love how you listen to and appreciate the lyrics and message of Metallica's music, I'm sorry you're sick and hope you feel better soon Asia❤️

Love the reaction y'all this is the first song ever learn how to play on the guitar Metallica in 1989 was the first concert ever seen I was 13

you guys understood this the first time i love it!!!

Guns and Roses said it best in their song Civil War."It feeds the rich while it buries the poor,Power Hungry,selling soldiers in a human grocery store,ain't that fresh".

Say what you want about Metallica but there is no doubt that this song is a Masterpiece.

I really enjoy your reactions. 62 year old meaning I was blessed to grow up in the best era of music. Some recommendations for reactions spanning three decades. “House of the rising son” by the Animals. 1964. “Carry on Wayward Son”. Kansas. 1976. “Magic Power” Triumph. 1986? And lastly “December” Collective Soul. Late 80’s. Off the hook musical 🎵 genius songs. I promise you that you will enjoy all and so will your viewers. If you like music 🎵 these are powerful bangers each in their own right. ✌️😎

I 💗 watching you guys reacting to MetallicA cos I'm guessing this ain't the music you typically listen to 🎼🎼🎼

Thank you for doing a reaction to metallica they are my favorite band one is one of my favorite songs of all time they are a great concert band the actually played that in concert along with the video background so thank you

Hi Guys!! Just discovered your channel somehow and i love it!! As someone who grow up listening to rock music, its so interesting to see people discovering this songs for the first time. If may i give a suggestion, you could make a video reacting to "U2 - Sunday Blood Sunday". Its a deep song, full of history and its a true rock anthem. Hugs from Brazil!! (Sory for any english mistake haha)

I served in the Army years ago, I served 2 tours of duty in Iraq and 1 tour of duty in Afghanistan, and I am busted up due to the stress and physical injuries I sustained during my service.

I was deployed into Kuwait in 1995 and this song put me to sleep at night. HHT 3 of the 3rd!! Hoo! Rah!

Yo this song comes out when I was in elementary school, it creeped me out then y’all, and it still creeps me out now, in fact I haven’t seen the video since I watched it for the first time, thanks for doing yet another kickass reaction y’all!

Great reaction like always I hope you feel better Asia God bless

love this keep em commin