Lyrically, the song concerns imposed limitations on freedom of speech and freedom of expression in general. It is notable for its chorus section containing 12/8 time played, not as an ordinary compound quadruple time, but as a syncopated rhythm.
metal
immortal
metallica
los angeles
sex
thrash
santana
italy
pantera
slayer
fuck
porn
america
alien
free stuff
star
san francisco
miami
old
vai
satriani
king
exodus
meditation
anthrax
megadeth
school
illuminati
mason
Story behind the song
The song has not been performed live in its entirety since 1989. It has, however, always formed part of the medleys of songs from …And Justice for All often played by the band in concert during the 1990s as an alternative to playing full songs.
Lyrics
Do you see what I see?
Truth is an offense
You silence for your confidence
Do you hear what I hear?
Doors are slamming shut
Limit your imagination, keep you where they must
Do you feel what I feel?
Bittering distress
Who decides what you express
Do you take what I take?
Endurance is the word
Moving back instead of forward seems to me absurd
Doesn't matter what you see?
Or into it what you read
You can do it your own way
If it's done just how I say
Independence limited
Freedom of choice is mad for you my friend
Freedom of speech is words that they will bend
Freedom with their exception
Do you fear what I fear?
Living properly
Truths to you are lies to me
Do you choose what I choose?
More alternatives
Energy derives from both the plus and negative
Do you need what I need?
Boundaries overthrown
Look inside to each his own
Do you trust what I trust?
Me, myself and I
Penetrate the smoke screen I see through the selfish lie
Doesn't matter what you see
Or into it what you read
You can do it your own way
If it's done just how I say
Independence limited
Freedom of choice is mad for you my friend
Freedom of speech is words that they will bend
Freedom with their exception
Do you know what I know?
Your money end your wealth
Your silence just to hear your self
Do you want what I want?
Desire not a thing
I hunger after independence lengthen freedom's ring
Doesn't matter what you see
Or into it what you read
You can do it your own way
If it's done just how I say
Independence limited
Freedom of choice is mad for you my friend
Freedom of speech Speech is words that they will bend
Freedom no longer frees you
Doesn't matter what you see
Or into it what you read
You can do it your own way
If it's done just how I say