Metallica, the titans of metal, have never been strangers to pushing boundaries. But in 1989, they took a leap into uncharted territory, releasing their first-ever music video for the song “One”. And boy, did they make an entrance!
His only means of communication? A desperate Morse code message spelling out “Kill me”.
“One” wasn’t just any song. It was the third and final single from their fourth studio album, “…And Justice for All” (1988). Released on January 10, 1989, the track delves deep into the psyche of a World War I soldier. This isn’t your typical war hero story, though. Our protagonist is severely wounded, unable to move, see, or speak. His only means of communication? A desperate Morse code message spelling out “Kill me”. Talk about a heavy metal message!
Now, onto the video. Introduced to the world in January 1989 via MTV, it wasn’t long before it climbed the ranks, securing the number one spot on the channel. And it’s no wonder why. Directed by the dynamic duo, Michael Salomon and Bill Pope, the video was a black and white masterpiece, interweaving Metallica’s electrifying performance in a warehouse with scenes from the 1971 anti-war film “Johnny Got His Gun”.
For those not in the know, “Johnny Got His Gun” is based on the 1939 novel by Dalton Trumbo. The film, also directed by Trumbo, was set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, adding another layer of depth to Metallica’s video. The story revolves around Joe Bonham, played by Timothy Bottoms, a World War I soldier who, after a devastating injury, becomes a quadruple amputee. Like the protagonist in “One”, Bonham communicates his desire to end his life using Morse code.
Metallica, ever the savvy businessmen, even purchased the rights to “Johnny Got His Gun” to avoid those pesky royalty fees. Now that’s what we call a power move!
In conclusion, Metallica’s “One” wasn’t just a song or a video. It was a statement. A blend of raw emotion, historical context, and cinematic artistry, it remains a testament to the band’s ability to innovate and captivate.
