“One” by Metallica is a dark, powerful, and haunting metal ballad released in January 1989 as the third single from their fourth album, …And Justice for All, with “The Prince” on the B-side. It marked a turning point in the band’s career—their first song to have a music video, and the track that helped them cross over into mainstream recognition without compromising their heavy, intense sound.
The song begins with a soft, clean guitar intro, layered with the sound of machine guns and explosions—setting the mood for what’s to come. It starts off slow and melodic, but gradually builds into a thrashing, aggressive storm, featuring complex rhythms, shredding guitar solos, and brutal double-kick drumming. This contrast between fragility and fury mirrors the song’s subject matter.
Lyrically, “One” is based on “Johnny Got His Gun,” a novel (and later a film) about a soldier who loses all his limbs and senses in war, leaving him trapped in his body—alive, but unable to communicate. The lyrics reflect that nightmare state: “Hold my breath as I wish for death / Oh please, God, wake me.” It’s not just anti-war—it’s a harrowing meditation on suffering, isolation, and the cost of violence.
The music video intercuts footage of the band playing with scenes from the 1971 film adaptation of Johnny Got His Gun, reinforcing the song’s bleak, anti-war message. The video gained heavy rotation on MTV, even though it was much darker than typical programming.
“One” became one of Metallica’s most iconic tracks. It won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 1990 and is still a centerpiece of their live shows, often performed with dramatic visuals and explosive energy.
Metallica – One – Lyrics