I love songs that tell a story. For some reason sad stories seem to be more appealing than happy ones, perhaps because people feel better in knowing that they’re not alone in what they go through.
This is James Hetfield’s story about his complicated relationship with his mum. She passed away from cancer when he was just 16. It’s not a famous Metallica song, and they rarely ever perform this live. Perhaps because it’s a bit too personal for James, or because it’s not metal/hard rock. It was released in 1996 in the Load album, which wasn’t very well received by many Metallica fans. I find that there’s a lot of depth in many Metallica songs, more than many of their fans realise.
I recorded this using my phone. The video wobbles a bit with my strumming, which is kind of funny. Blame compression algorithms.
I performed this song at the last JG Open Mic. I wasn’t very happy with the sound of my guitar in the open mic recording. I think it sounds better acoustically. I’ll get myself a condenser mic at some point.
It is difficult to provide a constructive feedback when there is nothing wrong. You should have made a few obvious mistakes.
It is really impressive how you can play melody line over the chords, sing and tap your foot all at the same time, without losing a beat or messing up a chord change. I know you played this live without issues as well - this song means a lot to you and it is obviously very well rehearsed. Your singing was great as well, it would be good if vocals were a bit louder. I listened to Metallica a lot in my life and my brain is wired to expect JH growl vocal - I always miss that in any Metallica cover.
I remember the uproar and foul comments at the time about the Load album and many of those on this song in particular. I must say I know this song very well mostly because of it. I also listened to this song at the time as I used to listen the whole album (CD), but I never really properly heard and understood the words. I listened it several times since your OM performance with the new ears and it is really a different song to me now. I also started thinking: How much is our taste affected by indirect things - author’s life, what he really thought/felt, personal connection, interesting stories about the song, etc…
What a beautiful song Erion…you play and sing it with much feeling…I’m not able to provide constructive feedback as I much enjoyed it thoroughly the way it is. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Very beautiful performance … although I can’t remember the original … I was such a fan, I don’t think I listened to that CD 20 times … I have also seen them live many times and have no memory of this one …
I really enjoyed that, Erion. Great timing and singing. I’ve always liked that song, but i didn’t have a clue about the story behind it. Huge thanks for opening up a new perspective on the song for me.
Bravo, really enjoyed that one! So well sung and played, awesome! As for feedback, the only thing I noticed is: try and look into the camera (= your audience) - that can be a tough one with an emotional song like this, but it would be the difference between “wow that guy plays a great song really well” and “wow he is talking to me”. It would go under my skin and really hit home emotionally.
@MollyT thanks for your feedback. I’ll try looking at the camera next time. I guess it’s different when you’re performing in front of people because you can look at them. Staring at a phone is not the same, but I agree it helps connecting to the audience more.
You do it well but the distance to the phone recording and the room take away some from of the magic. This is an example of “good rendition, shame he doesn’t sing it in a mic!”
performance wise:
solid playing and singing.
Just a tiiiny bit of extra confidence is there for the taking.
and yeas, play stading up…to serve your singing! You have a nice timbre and it would benefit from a bit more breathing support.
Yes, I agree it would have sounded better on a microphone. I don’t really play my acoustic guitar a lot as I’m more into electric, but I will get a condenser mic at some point. I have a Shure SM58 mic which I could have used, but when I recorded this I was just practicing for the last Open Mic.
Yes, I do find it easier to sing standing up, but I have less control over dynamics on the guitar. It’s a matter of practise, as usual.
I don’t know the song but I think it’s a great one for a one man guitar thrash & singalong. Real energy in the performance and I loved the sound of the pick hitting the strings firmly.
Lovely piece of performing Erion! The bit around 2:50 where you kick up the vocal sounded amazing. Then the strumming gets kicked up at 3:45 - great stuff.
Haha, exactly!
You sound great - in guitar and singing too!
You say you’re going to get a better mic, but the sound was good! Lot of room sound, because the mic was a bit far away, but it sounded really nice anyway to me!
… although I can’t remember the original … I was such a fan, I don’t think I listened to that CD 20 times … 
I have also seen them live many times and have no memory of this one …
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