Metallica, Enter Sandman- A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@LeeKennison]

The Metallica song I have wanted you to hear near the start of your journey, as both an intro to Metallica and to metal in general. It had an appeal to a much broader mainstream audiences for good reason, much more so than the initial metal songs you heard. Although now I'm glad you waited until when you can really appreciate it more. I loved your commentary on both the lyrics and music. I particularly loved your description and analysis of the guitar solo. You sound like a true rock expert with your added musical sensibilities we all love describing it. Early in your journey you wouldn't have had this level of appreciation and understanding, particularly with guitar solos. Great reaction! I'm so glad you have now heard this classic.

[@Arturo.H.M]

It might be interesting for you to listen to the reinvention of this song that The Warning did with Alexia Cara for the 30th anniversary of the album (about two years ago). Metalica asked them to respect the lyrics and do whatever they wanted with the music. The Warning is a young Mexican band, but with ten years of experience (2EP + 4LP), formed by three sisters. They came to light after Metalica praised their cover of this song when the eldest of the sisters was only 14 years old. The studio version, sharing vocals with Alexia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WugpqbqKiWisUsi=4RLjkNJmi72zDGL_ The live version with a string section: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6TXoKSsarxriK8si=jwg5_UiWbD_2cS2T

[@LeeKennison]

@@Arturo.H.M I agree, The Warning are worth checking out. I have seen a couple of their videos covering this song, which have been popular on reaction channels.

[@trophyhunter2]

she's fighting off the desire to headbang, some day she'll let loose🤣

[@bjull]

really close this time 😁

[@onetwothreefour-s1n]

😂😆

[@mztweety1374]

I headbang But only lightly because I'm 50 and I have osteoarthritis😂

[@carnivoroussoupspoon]

she needs Master of Puppets......you have to headbang, no one can resist

[@huehnerschreck751]

When that happens: Grave Digger - Headbanging Man

[@dago87able]

Well, Metallica actually was already huge worldwide, but mainly only for metal heads; this took them to mainstream popularity.

[@M.I.D.]

As a metalhead this is when Metallica became meh.

[@blechtic]

@@M.I.D. Their Jackie Brown. The album was still great but it had the last morsels of their je ne sais quoi.

[@CelticSpiritsCoven]

The first Metallica song I even liked. But I wasn't a metal-head. We normal people thought you heavy metal people were low-life hoods.

[@mattvideoeditor]

@@M.I.D. Thats because you heard them before. I didn't, so that was an instant classic, and it made me go for the older records. That happens to every band, nobody likes changing vocalists or something, but new people won't have this feeling.

[@geopapa80]

Thank you Amy for providing that different perspective to music we've heard 1000 times ❤

[@blacktangobeats]

Totally agree

[@mikeduncan3953]

Why does it fill me with pride to see Amy find such delight in a song that I'm pretty sure she would have dismissed as "noise" at the beginning of this journey? Edit: Little does she know Vlad has been using this to put the kid to bed every night.

[@ru2yaz33]

Don't make her laugh more...😅😅😅

[@stephanjones8424]

It's not a wonderful adventure. It's a song about the fear that was instilled into him as a child. He was afraid to fall asleep. And alone in his fears. But you are such a sweetheart for seeing the most positive message.

[@uoabigaillevey]

I posted something similar just a few minutes ago (had not read your comment yet) I am glad that you pointed this out already.

[@robbob5302]

Yes. This is a song about childhood nightmares.

[@tildisrabarberblad9816]

Child appropriate for the innocent. The underside is there for those who can/want to hear it

[@dontresca8009]

I was also going to point out the same thing. The Sandman is not taking the child on a fantastical adventure. He's taking the child to a nightmare world of violence, bloodshed, and pain.

[@JohnRandall7]

The Chordettes "Mr. Sandman" 1954

[@davidyoung518]

nice!, beat me by 10 min!!

[@WayneKitching]

​@@davidyoung518Ditto. Not rock, though.

[@chrisbanks6659]

Back To The Future ref.

[@davidyoung518]

@@WayneKitching I don't recall her specifying "rock". But, yea....Duh!

[@Zundfolge]

This is the only other song from the modern era I can think of about the Sandman, this would be a good one for a covers weekend since its been covered several times (Chet Atkins' version is my favorite, although its an instrumental).

[@dragoncomstock178]

After decades of discussing heavy metal and the lyrics and motifs common to this genre with traditionally non-heavy metal listeners, I have noticed a theme that the symbolism (musically and lyrically) are often misinterpreted at a visceral level by my non-metal head friends, family and acquaintances. I felt that you came from a point of view that this song was about a sandman that many, like you, may have known growing up hearing about. That sleep is inherently a relaxing, whimsical adventure time for youngsters when, in my experience, sleep has mainly been a source of dread and anxiety for many who gravitate toward heavy metal. The general symbolism of the dreams of war and liars and dragon's fire, of beasts under the bed and in the closet are not to be taken in a literal sense but more allegorically to represent the everyday "nightmares" many of us cope with. The "sandman" in this song is no friend. He is not taking us on a whimsical adventure. He is a warning of nightly turmoil. Much of the heavy metal landscape deal with subjects in ways that many if not most traditionally "mainstream" music listeners don't seem to harmonize with emotionally. This is why the theme of this sandman and related subject is so "heavy" here.

[@magusscorpiones9276]

Silent Lucidity by Queensryche would be an excellent contrast to both Metallica and Rammstein. Also a song about dreaming, but completely different musically and thematically. Likewise, Dreams by Heart is a very different take on dreaming.

[@petterilander1885]

That was great! You took me back to when I was 13 and heard this for the first time! I was home alone before school started a bit later for me, and I pressed play on my brother’s cassette player. I was blown away, and listened to the same song again and again, and only later learnt what it actually was! Thanks for taking me on that journey!

[@theresakluthe5492]

I love this song about a little boy going on a frightening dream, but it started out much darker. The lyrics were originally about SIDS (aka crib death). That is also where the references to never never land come in, since a common interpretation of Peter Pan is that it is about where child who die go (never to grow any older.)

[@darcyperkins7041]

I'm not sure if it's about children who die, but about children who never grow old in the first place.

[@robbob5302]

“Syndrome” is the Medical/Latin word for “We have absolutely no idea what happened, but we’ll fake it.”

[@marcelqueiroz8613]

Please Vlad, consider introducing Amy to Rush's 2112. I think she likes storytelling songs.

[@theother1281]

Or Cygnus X1?

[@djcarbine3074]

Xanadu would be a fun listen as well, but 2112 would be epic!

[@gubernator2122]

I don’t listen much to classicsl music nor the artists you cover, but I still find your videos fascinating, keep up the amazing work!

[@IgorBzovski]

Please, please, please: live version Enter Sandman... Metallica..Moscow 1991., 1.600.000 people audience.. You NEED to SEE and HEAR THAT version!!! Hello from Serbia 🇷🇸!

[@ivankuzin8388]

Actually, since that concert was free, nobody really knows how many people were in attendance - they have tried to estimate by venue area, but crowd density was not uniform and very high at places... I have met several people who were there, they all agree it's a complete miracle that there wasn't a major stampede there.

[@janjansen-rb9zm]

Would love to see her reaction to this must see performance. Would be a great follow-up video.

[@9madness9]

Beat me to it. Came in to say that.

[@Salliana_Of_Suramar]

totally agree! the greatest show ever! I was the happy one who seen it live as a Russian....how could we refuse to be free?((((((

[@bobsmith1614]

Not the greatest performance in terms of sound quality. But a lot of people, yeah.

[@donrichards271]

Excellent reaction/analysis. Now for your great cover songs series you need to do The Warning's version from their live show at the Pepsi Center CDMX from last year. The studio version submitted to and included in Metallica's Blacklist album (ask Vlad) is also great but doesn't include the live string section from the Pepsi Center concert.

[@jabedoben]

So, so many layers for such simple song. I especially love the use of both terraced and gradual dynamics.

[@JDSquire]

So much to unpack here ... LOVE her exposition of a song that I've been listening to for so long. LOVE her perspective coming from a very different musical background. So brilliant! And her voice is fantastic ... I could listen to her talk about grass growing. Great channel!!

[@christophersimpson9245]

Metallica asked some bands to do cover versions of their songs and the band that did "Enter Sandman" are The Warning, you now have to discover them as they have made this song their own, when you do, you should watch live from the Pepsi Center CDMX, you won`t be disappointed!

[@markvanderstelt8999]

there own haha you must be joking are you a member of the band .🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Peter-b1j1i]

@@markvanderstelt8999 It was nice of Metallica to write entersandman for the warning 10 years before they were born.its now a creepy lullaby .

[@alanofionnachta8539]

It's fun watching reactions when the listener is clearly having a blast. The reason I like this channel is that the analysis is always on the money and often gives me something that I've never thought of before!

[@joshuafreedman7703]

I absolutely loved watching Amy take such infectious delight in the music!

[@horsebydayartbynight]

This was a huge hit in the dance clubs, of all places! It transcended genres - fans of different music types loved Enter Sandman - rock, rap, country, edm, pop - we all agreed on our love of this song. It is just that good.

[@victorramsey5575]

From Gitmo to Strip clubs this song was huge!

[@uoabigaillevey]

@@victorramsey5575 Gitmo needed those amps that go to 11.

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

This song has a strong beginning beat that to me feels almost tribal. It's meant to keep you wanting to know what's coming with also an equal measure of dread and fear. Classic!

[@TexasScout]

After this video I would like you to do another video on the same On the same song done by a different band called “the warning” three young ladies who are putting out some incredible music. They have completely re-interpreted this song and I think you’ll find it very interesting.

[@norwegianblue2017]

This is the album that broke Metallica into the mainstream, and it is a really good album. But for me, nothing beats the OG Metallica on 'Master of Puppets' and 'Ride the Lightning'.

[@teemusid]

Two questions 1. Could they have stayed together if they hadn't altered their style? 2. Do you really have "beautiful plumage?"

[@norwegianblue2017]

@@teemusid 1. All bands need to evolve. But fans are still allowed their personal favorites. 2. Yes, they are real, and they are SPECTACULAR!

[@uoabigaillevey]

@@teemusid They had to alter their style in the 90's to remain relevant. Alternative Rock was in the mainstream so they had to follow suit with Load/Reload. Also, James's voice issues.. he had to heal up from the harsher vocals of the earlier music and the demands of touring. St. Anger was the result of the clash of personalities and the clash of the musical stylings. Death Magnetic and later Hardwired.. To Self Destruct were more of a melding of the two styles and somewhat of a return to their older (younger) selves musically.. though a bit watered down for mainstream exposure.

[@namrekcanad]

I grew up listening to heavy music mainly but dabbled in everything and played in many heavy bands but always appreciated all types of music including classical so its awesome to hear her perspective and reaction. You rock!

[@michaelallen1154]

Can't believe this is her first time hearing this song. It is so ubiquitous.

[@1joyman]

Still one of the best live concerts that i have been too in my 60 year life ..rock on!!..New Zealand's watching you Amy 😁👍

[@crookedbird6589]

You need to cheak out ,The Warnings re-imagined version of Enter Sandman. It is great.

[@CraigCholar]

The most recent version of The Warning's reimagining of Enter Sandman, performed at their Pepsi Center CDMX concert in 2023, has a string section that adds to the creepy lullaby vibe. Highly recommended. Would love to your take on the added strings.

[@mitchhaelann9215]

You should watch the music video for this song. The director had each member of the band act out one of their worst nightmares. That's what the song is all about. Facing your nightmares. Staring into the dark. And they didn't just act it out in a greenscreen room. All practical effects. The guy who is afraid of becoming a faceless corporate drone, dressed in a suit and forced to walk through a hallway of identically-suited men with briefcases that jostle and push him around without looking at him. The guy terrified of that one movie scene where the guy is chased by a biplane in a cornfield? Driven out to a cornfield and chased by a crop duster. You have to appreciate the effort and production quality that this band put into sharing their fears. In the same vein, there's a song by a more recent metal artist named Lizzy Hale/Halestorm. The song is called 'Raise Your Horns", and it's about her struggle with Impostor Syndrome.

[@marcelqueiroz8613]

I love seeing Amy so happy analyzing a song. Good point for Vlad on this one.

[@rachelw1349]

On theme is Queensryche's 'Silent Lucidity'. It is about a father teaching his daughter how to control her dreams.

[@zavinullava]

In a way, your wish came true right after you uttered it: this IS a bluesy take on the Sandman (at least by Metallica's standards) in that this was the beginning of a transitional period for the band, where they turned towards (relatively) straightforward rock, after their punk-inspired early days and increasingly progressive later output (whose culmination you already know in the form of And Justice and One). It seeemed they faced a wall, seeing little point in getting even more technical, complex, progressive, arguably. Thank you for the Brahms recommendation, and looking forward to your next video.

[@alejandrolazo71787]

Ahora mismo me voy a escuchar Brahms gracias por la sugerencia saludos desde Tucumán Argentina

[@satorimystic]

This is where I have to suggest a listen to the Mexican Rock Band, "The Warning", and their absolute amazingly epic cover of this song. Not only, IMHO, are these 3 sisters ('The Warning') likely 'The Best Hard Rock Power Trio of the 21st Century', but they've been playing together since they were children, over a decade, now. A MUST WATCH!! ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6TXoKSsarxriK8si=REAicb2I1GphzlaW

[@tristanwelsh2282]

Absolutely agree. Their reinterpretation of this song (it’s not even a cover, it’s so radically different) is absolutely incredible!

[@satorimystic]

@@tristanwelsh2282 Agreed ... less a 'cover', more an 'interpretation' or their 'interpolation' of the song. Either way, 'The Warning's expression, passion, and sibling dynamics make their 'version' simply epic.

[@marksmith4955]

I second all of the these remarks The Warning’s reinterpretation is KILLER.

[@timsnyder3419]

I never heard of them until right now, but after watching that, will be checking them out. This is my favorite way to do a cover - keep the spirit of the original but make it your own. They threaded that needle exactly right. There's some amazing talent on that stage.

[@satorimystic]

@@timsnyder3419 Amy needs to be 'Warned' ... a listen and watch of their first viral 'cover', when Ale was 9 yo, I think (WTF!?) ... then the later versions, LIVE! performances, OG music videos of it ... yeah ... amazing grace!!

[@EriktheG248]

You should also listen to this song by The Warning, both from when they were young (age 9 through 14) and a different interpretation of it they did when they were older along with Alessia Cara, which Metallica put on their Blacklist album

[@luciengrondin5802]

English is my second language so it's weird to me to watch a native English speaker react to these songs and understand the lyrics straight away. "Enter sandman" was a huge success worldwide but in my country I guarantee most people had absolutely no idea what the lyrics were saying, and we didn't care, we just enjoyed the music.

[@fastertove]

I guess a lot of countries are like that. I'm from Denmark, and even though we understand English perfectly fine, and most of our music is in English, it will never be our mother language. I normally zone out during parts of a song, and end up only focusing on part of it. If the song is in Danish, I can't really zone out this way.

[@user-mc2qq6cz2n]

A delight as always!

[@Robbob9933]

In many folklore tales, the Sandman was not a pleasant encounter. Basically, a cautionary tale to children about going to and staying in bed and sleeping.

[@VistasSrinagarun]

It was orignally thought of as a song about babies dying in their cribs while sleeping.

[@eaglepursuit]

I love this song. It fills me with chills. When he says, "Never mind that noise you heard. It's just the beast under your bed, in your closet, in your head," it forces the listener to make a decision. Do you trust your senses or the sinister singer? By both calling out the noises and then questioning whether they were just your imagination, both he and your own senses are now untrustworthy, and somewhere there may be a beast. Further, if the beast is in your head, are you the beast? Is part of you a horrible monster? Be afraid of yourself. There's so many layers to it.

[@anargyrosntotas5217]

Hello Amy! I am sure we will see you soon wearing a Metallica t-shirt and be a new fan! You looked so exited with the song!

[@KingNiros]

Loved this reaction!

[@garylester8621]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed this great song too Amy.

[@tazzyzig8162]

You must hear The Warnings cover of Enter Sandman this trio of mexican woman are taking the world by storm and you wont be disapointed, with their own spin on it

[@KevinD-UK]

@VirginRock If the idea of a bit of a young band's journey appeals, there are 5 official versions of Enter Sandman by the band The Warning - links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5PShox4brF5gLs [2014 live (at home) straight cover when the band members were aged 14, 12 & 9 respectively] kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WugpqbqKiWisU [2021 reimagined cover by Alessia Cara & The Warning, officially sanctioned by Metallica**] kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJicp4F7bMygZqs [2022 live performance] kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z33YfKyZermsetE [2022 live performance, The Warning with Alessia Cara guesting (average audio)] kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6TXoKSsarxriK8 [2023 live performance, with string section [edited from "orchestra"]] ** recorded for Metallica's "Blacklist" album to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their eponymous album (aka the "Black Album"). The Warning have plenty of their own material on their official channel but it was the 2014 cover of ES that got them wider recognition and The Warning is now a thoroughly established band going from strength to strength with an EP & 4 full albums in the catalogue. Although mainly writing / performing hard rock music, there are a handful of ballads that will catch the unwary off guard. Most recently, a live performance of a song called Breathe - one their drummer said she would never perform live because it was so personal. In 2023, it was performed (never say never, but possibly for the only time): kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJrHdaVtZ6uMd5o (Breathe; live 2023 - there is a spoken intro in Spanish but setting the subtitles to translate should sort that) Whatever you listen to, happy listening 🙂.

[@CraigCholar]

​@@KevinD-UKGreat post, but can you change 'orchestra' to 'string section' to be a bit more exact?

[@artisanjourney5050]

I so enjoyed watching you listen to Marvin Gaye, it was as if you were enjoying a fine meal..... The soothing effects of a great meal and a wonderful arrangement are somewhat similar, I feel. So I have a big listening request inspired by your harp, please listen to Andreas Vollenweider....... and give your opinion and also, I saw and love the band Yes with their amazing classical rock arrangements and vocal harmonies. As a song writer your comments have made me look at different ways of creative expression which as you know is energizing and fun. Enjoy your channel !!

[@Janokins]

Not really classic rock, more modern rock, but I did hear another cover of Enter Sandman recently by The Warning and Alessia Cara, and that was a bit of a gentler take on it.

[@lisar6510]

❤ is that Amy turning into a Metalhead

[@rieskorin2027]

Great album the 'Black Album' Such a massive change in production sound too. Good choice 🤘

[@electronblue8334]

German folklore knows both versions of the Sandman. The gentle Lied/lullaby and the "nightmare version" by E. T. A. Hoffmann. Anna Calvi and Robert Wilson turned the short story into an opera in 2017. I don't know if the music has been published separately though. I don't think so, but maybe you can find it....

[@thedogcomestoo]

I'm surprised that I slept as a child after reading Germanic folklore & fairytales, esp. Struwwelpeter from another (Heinrich) Hoffmann & Grimms' Fairy Tales!

[@dyobodiu]

this reaction video made my day! looking forward for „of wolf and man” and the „unforgiven” from the same album ...

[@theother1281]

Sandman by America would be an interesting listen.

[@giuliogrifi7739]

"MR. SANDMAN" by The Chordettes, too !!!.

[@tobepps]

Came here to say this

[@erikpalmer1201]

As a classical musician, you should see Metallica's collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. They have done two shows together, S&M1 and S&M2, with their second show from 2019 being an absolute masterpiece.

[@edwhite517]

There is always something dark in the land of fairy tales.

[@Inverse_to_Chaos]

As kids, our minds were less grounded, so we couldn’t consider the disturbing realities.

[@rik6T6]

"A candy-colored clown they call the Sandman..." - Roy Orbison

[@jpotter2086]

"... tiptoes into my room every night Just to sprinkle stardust and to whisper 'Go to sleep, everything is alright…'

[@SFforlife]

“Now it’s dark.”

[@SpaceCattttt]

When I was a kid, there used to be an old stop motion puppet show on TV from East Germany (when it was still called that) about the Sandman. The Sandman would find the little children no matter where they were, and from a little sack he carried on his back, he'd pull out some glittery stuff which he'd throw in their eyes to make them fall asleep. This was more disturbing and scary than anything Metallica's ever tried to do...

[@WillFlyTheLightingGuy]

This is really a simple song in its thematic makeup; it’s really just about a child’s fear of the dark and all the sinister things we (as children) imagine coming out to get us as we try to sleep. It’s about the things that go bump in the night, making children’s minds go wild with fear and anticipation and anxiety. It’s really nothing more than that…scary stuff at night when you’re trying to get to sleep. But, as a kid, I suffered from sleep paralysis, and it is still the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced. I used to beg my parents to stay in my room until I fell asleep; sometimes they would, other times, they didn’t…and I was forced to face these evil things on my own. It was a terrifying time for me…because I believed it was real at the time. And that children’s bedtime prayer always scared me, because I felt like I was trying to pray away the evil spirits and demons. But the prayer doesn’t offer protection…it only offers that the Lord will save your soul if the evil spirits do kill me. So that prayer legitimized the idea of evil spirits lurking in the dark in my little mind. The very religion I was raised on, the best prayer it could offer me, was the prayer that if I’m destroyed by evil spirits in the night, that my god would save my soul…not that he’d prevent it from happening. I was terrified of going to bed. That’s what this song is about. It’s not about fantastical dreams where you go on grand adventures; and you better bet it’s about nightmares…and things worse than nightmares. But it is absolutely meant to be fun and tongue-in-cheek. Because we’re adults now, and we can have fun with those silly notions. At 12:02, I think you get that.

[@matiasquinteros6544]

This is why metallica is so great and well-regarded, because they appeal to everyone, and i mean EVERYONE. Is that kind of charisma that so few bands can be proud of

[@timothyjones6323]

I enjoy how you giggle a bit at the overwrought adolescent brooding at the center of so much metal music. I was definitely drawn more to heavy rock as a teen, so I’m laughing at myself, here! 😂

[@Upe-f9c]

A teasing riff and a really great guitar solo by Kirk Hammett.

[@chaosjc08]

It's like Amy was compelled to sing along LOL! Pretty cool!

[@uoabigaillevey]

Cool that you enjoyed it. Definitely made Metallica a household name back in the day. That being said.. the music video kinda painted this song as darker than you envisioned it. It was not about adventure but about night terrors. Literally the kid/dreamer was being chased by a semi truck, falling through darkness, falling off a building to the street below (from the kid's point of view as the ground rushes toward him) and the sandman was a wrinkled old bald man cloaked in shadows.. almost like a portent of bad dreams to come. It was not, however, painted as a horror story by this.. more as a matter-of-fact portrayal of how our minds can torment us in our dreams... only to be waiting to happen again the next night. Not sure if that was the intent of the song itself.. but the music video painted it as such.

[@mpmlopes]

Metallica were huge in Europe, maybe even bigger than they were in the US, but with this album they became more mainstream, you'd hear this song, Nothing Else Matters, The Unforgiven, Of Wolf and Man, in the radio, while before Metallica was mostly passed on via word of mouth.

[@drivers99]

Same effect in the US. I had heard of And Justice For All because of two acquaintances who were into metal. But the black album debuted at #1 and stayed there for 4 weeks straight. Their singles were heavily played by the radio and MTV. People I knew who weren’t metal-heads were listening to it.

[@devinup3981]

The Warning (ft. Alessia Cara) do an interesting version of this that is worth checking out.

[@7thkansascav468]

Check out The Warning's reimagining of it live at the Teatro Metroplitan in August of 2022. It was done at Metallica's request for the 30th anniversary of Metallica's Black album. There is a studio music video that's very good but the live version is much better IMHO. The Warning, 3 sisters from Mexico, turned it inside out and upside down and their version is quickly becoming a classic in its own right.

[@Peter-b1j1i]

Great live performance but Pepsi center has strings

[@scorpionking4012]

So much Metallica classics and deep cuts and even symphony music in this band , so many great songs just keep going and enjoy the GOATS!!!

[@dastiffmeisterman]

Probably the best intro into a rock track, unique and powerful laced with anticipation.

[@olemadsen2113]

A very heartfelt idea for you: The Warning and Alyssia Clara's version of this, either as the music video or The Warnings live version of it from Teatro Metropolitan 💙

[@travistaylor9]

When James first wrote this song the lyrics were quite different. He wrote the song about infant crib death (SIDS) the guys in the band and bob rock their producer at the time said the lyrics were to dark and James rewrote the song into what we know it as today

[@cyberjarl]

If I recall correctly, this song was supposed to be about infant sudden death syndrome. Hence the line "If I die before I wake"

[@UrsaMajorPrime]

I'm pretty sure the prayer came long before SIDS was really understood, though now I gotta research...

[@QixIceni]

When this song (and album) first came out, it was a huge hit in America (if not just my area) for about five years. It was still being played on the radio, in everyone's cars, every local band played it in the bars and carnivals. I never seen an album in my lifetime last that long in constant popularity. Even people that didn't like metal did like their Black album. I think I was 13 when it first came out. 13 or 14. I'm 47 now. ugh.. I'm old.

[@maryweatherhead5864]

That is an actual prayer. All 4 lines exactly as spoken. These are not made up lyrics. Fear as a motivator…..

[@davidyoung518]

My mom forced me to say that when I was a child, and I hated it!

[@electronblue8334]

yeah, Amy's reaction leads me to think she doesn't know the prayer. The prayer is supposed to "soothe" but to modern ears it sounds like a Gothic horror story and clearly was the inspiration for the song (I bet the title of the song came later - I don't think the song is referencing the Sandman story as such)

[@zimmerct]

She explained at 12:49 that the song made sure to say and not just reference the prayer because the third line was so important for the boy to hear, so she seemed to know the prayer.

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

"If I die before I wake..." the stuff childhood nightmares are made of.

[@maryweatherhead5864]

@@ChrisTian-rm7zm Now, as I have aged,(I’m 62 years upon this planet) I realize there are many ways of dying that are much more terrifying. Dying in one’s sleep might actually be the prayer? Hahaha!!

[@Miwna]

I actually sang this as a lullaby for my little brother once. We were 10 and 5 and were visiting our grandma and he couldn't sleep. So I started singing Enter Sandman, and it worked. It worked so well he later started learning the guitar and played in a Metallica cover band with his friends at school.

[@mikegama4981]

You Must see Enter sandman version from The Warning live from Pepsi Center cdmx. You will love it.

[@WillFlyTheLightingGuy]

The only other song I can think of about the sandman was a song from 1954 by a female singing pop group called The Chordettes, who had a popular song called “Mr. Sandman”. But Amy is probably already aware of that song.

[@sambirch6784]

The riff in the intro which recurs throughout the song is one of the most famous in metal music. Play it to any guitarist and the vast majority will know where it's from. It's a pretty simple riff, which is why most guitarists can play it, but it's also extremely catchy. Many of the most popular riffs are relatively simple, they don't need to be complicated to be good.

[@ashz9991]

I always thought "Entering Sandman" was not supposed to be a good thing in this song, as if it was really about nightmares and fear, it's interesting to see how you interpreted it in the opposite way.

[@FuckYoutubeAndGoogle]

It was originally about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but they reworked it to be a bit more general and less morbid.

[@mellertid]

I think Enter and Exit are to be seen as stage directions.

[@MaggaraMarine]

To me, the song sounds way too uplifting and exciting to be about anything truly scary. I agree with Amy's analysis that it sounds more like an adventure than true nightmares.

[@ashz9991]

@@MaggaraMarine interesting, i think i interpreted that as the singer taking joy in this person's suffering

[@uoabigaillevey]

@@MaggaraMarine If you haven't watched the official video then you might want to.. just for perspective.

[@raulvargas5356]

The band The Warning participated in Metallica’s Black List album. They did a Rock/Hard Rock (not metal) reimagined cover at Metallica’s request. You may want to check them out.

[@williamburke1882]

If you're happy and you know it BANG YOUR HEAD! Well that was fun and I understand why Vlad was upset with you for pausing where you did but it all worked out just fine. Thanks again for all of your hard work Luvuguys.

[@emiliomendezsoriano228]

Your voice singing makes the video worth to listen.

[@menn4h]

Love to hear what a classical musician makes of the intro to Fight Fire with Fire. Cliff Burton had brought some music theory into their harmonies from Kill Em All to Master of Puppets.

[@Inverse_to_Chaos]

The irony of a childhood lullaby sounding like a demonic ritual. Genius work. Can’t wait for your analysis on SPLHCB. The last song unexpectedly hit me deep.

[@kylepena8908]

Amy, will you pick favorites of the rock canon at some point? What has stood out to you?

[@fatimaerdogan8193]

Finally... this is the Metallica song that many not into trash-metal knows (and likes). The riff and tempo has a nice rocking groove and is close to classic hard-rock. Great to hear in the car at coffee-time. You did hear Nothing Else Matters, but else you started with their most "noisy". Here are three small (at the time) girls with a great cover. The bassist is only nine y.o., drummer is twelve and guitarist fourteen. They got attention from Kirk Hammett for this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5PShox4brF5gLs

[@JamesDickson-vs5of]

The intro sounds like, the riff is stuck in glue and it struggles free 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 happy healthy peace ✌️

[@jeffnorris5357]

The Music Video to this song, watched with all lights out, was amazingly creepy....

[@buca505]

One trivia I found out, this year, even I know this song since 90's, thanks to Rick Beato interview with Kirk Hammett. Kirk wrote the riff for this song, and he insisted on use of wah-wah pedal on his guitar, and reason for that was, he listen the Soundgarden album " Bad Motor Finger " during that time, and he was under big influence of sound and riffs on that album, he wanted to create the riffs that would have that kind of nostalgic but in same time redefined and modern approach to the classic influences, they both had growing up, amongst the all, Sabbath, Zeppelin, Purple. After all there was deliberate decision by band, that Bob Rock, a guy who produced " Sonic Temple " album by The Cult, produce this Metallica album, so that can help them move from Trash/Speed Metal sound, to something that will better define there music. And he did, this album, from whom " Enter Sandman " song is; known as " Black " is the masterpiece. Keep on good work Amy, kiss the little one, greetings Vlad!

[@drothberg3]

A folk rock band in the 1970s called America had a hit with a song called “Sandman.” Very cool tune that would be worth a listen. It was probably the heaviest that very chill folky band got.

[@mattfisher7432]

I really hope. That one day. Metallica get to see this review. Of all the reviews this band ever had. I have a feeling this is the one They would appreciate the most. You totally nailed it.

[@Mesonus]

Another wonderful rock song about the mythical Sandman: Saltatio Mortis "The Sandman". Saltatio Mortis is a medieval rock band that mixes rock music with medieval instruments such as bagpipes, hurdy gurdy, pipes and whistles...

[@letsgomets002]

My favorite song of theirs

[@alansheppard1498]

Metallica maybe a little boy’s nightmare of night terrors but consider listening to the little girls (The Warning) taking the song to the next level of menace. Their performance at Pepsi Centre 2023 with a stringed section is totally mesmerising. The Warning were requested by Metallica to provide their own interpretation of this song and by did they deliver.

[@lilsuzq32]

I love watching classical musicians getting turned on to Rock'N'Roll

[@pete3883]

I'm old, never knew, Luv it !

[@RodJames-yh1jy]

Bob Rock sure knows how to craft a song - The entire album is gold from start to finish

[@dannysarco6743]

The original lyrics of this song were about S.I.D.S., but the record company decided it was too dark for various reasons. I believe when Hetfield reworked the lyrics, he left some subtle undertones that still reference the original theme. The prayer section of the song always reminds me of that. Excellent reaction, by the way-detailed and original!

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

Amy, as a classical musician you may know the beautiful song “Sandmännchen” by Johannes Brahms. It presents us with a very romanticized, very familiar version of the Sandman. But “Enter Sandman” is much closer to the original figure of the Sandman, which is deeply rooted in folklore. The Sandman was an educational figure invented to keep children quiet. Because it actually hurts terribly when someone throws sand in your open eyes. So it's better to close your eyes quickly, even if you're a naughty child who doesn't want to sleep. This is also underlined by the prayer spoken by James Hetfield and the boy. In it, the child actually asks for God's protection in the night. But at the same time, the prayer contains the line “If I die before I wake up...”, which is a nightmarish thought - and not just for children. I think the song is about the irrational fears that every child knows and that we often take with us into our adult lives.

[@GraueMaus-d1e]

"Sandmännchen" is the diminuitive form of "Sandman".

[@Greensprings1]

… I listened to the black album with headphones as I slept on my 6 disc CD changer almost every night when I was in college-middle 1990’s

[@avlisk]

John Lennon had a much lighter touch to the sandman entering his child's dreams in Beautiful Boy.

[@robbiebonham]

i really enjoy these. More Queen and Radiohead please!

[@waynewhaley2074]

I havent read the other comments but you absolutely have to watch the live one from Russia for an example of the ultimate rock band performance

[@joeljohnson4512]

Great cover of this by a Brazilian singer called Dan Vasc (whose also done a metallized version of Amazing Grace amongst other great songs, even Queen songs)