To Live Is to Die

This instrumental masterpiece orchestrates the loss of Cliff Burton in every way, shape and form. The lyrics which describe the accident, also being part of Cliff's favorite poem, the effect of his death on the band is heard very well in these lyrics. The instrumental pieces perfectly describe the five stages of grief, starting out with denial and isolation, later building up into anger (during the first solo), after that the stage of bargaining, about how it could've been avoided as the music changes to a calmer, more gentle tune. Suddenly all the music stops and a soft guitar starts playing, which marks the stage of depression, slowly building up into a repeat of the feelings of anger, but then finally fades back slowly to the gentle opening, marking the acceptance and lament of Cliff's death.

R.I.P. Cliff Burton, an inspiration to all.