Don't Tread on Me (Metallica song)

"Don't Tread on Me"
Song

Don't Tread On Me is the 6th song from Metallica's self-entitled album Metallica. The song could be interpretated as a patriotic song, as it is connected with the American Revolutionary War. The meaning of the song and the lyrics could also be interpretated in the exact opposite way. In that aspect it could be a condemnation of blind patriotism. The Americans started out as the revolutionaries who wanted to fight for their freedom and their country. Today they are "The World's Police" who fight in almost every war all over the world. The lyrics are probably connected close with the Gulf War, because the song has been written during the time of the war. The rhythmic timing played by the guitars,bass and drums gives the song a somewhat "militaristic" sound.

The lyrics also feature a quote of Patrick Henry. In 1776, when the Americans signed the United States Declaration of Independence and officially declared war on England, Patrick Henry's words were "give me liberty or give me death" which can be found in the lyrics as "liberty or death".