You just stood there screaming
Fearing no one would listen to you
They say the empty can rattles the most
The sound of your own voice must soothe you
Hearing only what you want to hear
And knowing only what you've heard
You you're smothered in tragedy
And you're off to save the world

Misery
You insist that the weight of the world
Should be on your shoulders
Misery
There's much more to life than what you see
My friend of misery

You still stood there screaming
No one caring about these words you tell
My friend before your voice is gone
One man's fun is another's hell
These times are said to try men's souls
But something's wrong with all you see
You you'll take it on all yourself
Remember, misery loves company

Misery
You insist that the weight of the world
Should be on your shoulders
Misery
There's much more to life than what you see
My friend of misery

You just stood there screaming
My friend of misery



Lyrics submitted by fennsk, edited by Saint Arkham

Track duration: 05:26


My Friend Of Misery song meanings
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43 Comments

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  • +1
    My Interpretation:I think they talking about Batman. Noticed they do not take themselves too seriously so I think it a good guess.
    Flag Neztribeon June 29, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:All I can say is that Metallica's Black Album was more prophetic then any one may realize. There's a reason there's a "Don't Tread On Me" snake is the only image on that album.
    Flag Los2000on May 01, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I believe this song is about a lot of things. You have to understand and know a little bit about Papa Het.

    He's telling someone the way they feel in his eyes, He's also warning them about what to expect if they continue..... Misery loves Company meaning, Misery spreads to others.

    There's more to life then what you see, Means a lot of different things: Get out more, Look around you, Others suffer too, Look at yourself and others in different ways, Don't be a selfish DICK and only think 'why me', Life can be fun when you want it to be.....etc

    You still stood there screaming, No one caring about these words you tell. Meaning: The people he/she bitches to know he has to no right to open his mouth. But it could also mean he's constantly surrounded by selfish people.

    My favorite lyric: These times are sent to try men's souls. I hate using the word Epic but...... Epic.
    Flag nbcviperon March 20, 2011   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:It seems that this song is James' opinion of those, such as myself, who tend to dwell on suffering in life, rather than the fun and games. I personally think that too many people spend too little time on the negative aspects of people and life, but that's just me. I have known this song for years, but just today the lyrics struck a chord with me. No one wants to hear about suffering and pain, so those who do talk about it talk "louder" to get their point across. The line "The empty can rattles the most" would suggest that from James' perspective, those who "preach" suffering really have nothing to say but insist on being heard. I don't particularly appreciate this opinion, but I love this song and I can understand where James is coming from.
    Flag HetFreak1on March 12, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:this song has such a clear meaning. its about a guy who tries to "save the world" and is always getting mad because no one wants to hhear his vision
    Flag heronothingon June 23, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:well, its obvious what the meaaning is. it's from someone else's point of view of one of there friends
    is living in misery. that their friend doesnt see life for all the good reasons hence the line, "There's much more to life than what you see.." and the line, "My friend before your voice is gone..." shows that james is talking about one of his friends who lives in misery
    Flag dustin123on March 07, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:it's another anti-christ song-great lyrics, vocals and music -- i especially that part that starts around 3 : 22 n ends at 4 : 17
    Flag rantingrajon October 14, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Excellent base lines -- Metallica rocks. To the point, the song is about respect, power, and the profound isolation experienced by one who would differ from the crowd. Maybe it is about Jesus? I think that is a waste of my time. Maybe it is about Satan. That is a waste of time as well.

    This song screams, in its own quite way, that your true voice has a cost but is not lost. Metallica is saying that, it must mean something.
    Flag pearsteron February 23, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:actually if you knew anything about James he likes R.A. Salvator and if you know anything about him you'd know one of his most famous characters is drizzt do'urden and this song is about him not about you or James
    Flag efialtison December 31, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:this song is definitely Jasons greatest input towards metallica, besides the best back up vocals in metal haha. I used to dislike jasons playing style because i knew what cliff did for the band but now that ive grown musically i know what jason did...this bass lick is going down as top 5 bass licks ever in my book. Great song, my favorite off the black album.
    Flag harper83087on December 19, 2007   Link

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