Back In The Day
Megadeth Lyrics
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Where could you be found?
Were you at the front of the stage?
Or in the underground
From SF out to Old Bridge
NY back to LA
The world of metal changed forever
Well that was back in the day
And if you weren't there
It doesn't matter anyway
Because you wouldn't understand
Live to die and die to play
Every day and place
Leave a path of metal
Across the world from stage to stage
Well that was back in the day
And if you weren't there
It doesn't matter anyway
Because you wouldn't understand
In denim and leather
We were all part of one force
Knocked Rock and Roll on its ass
And put metal on the course
Higher!
Higher!
Higher!
Higher!
Back in the day
You weren't there
It doesn't mater
Because you wouldn't understand
This is our way of life
A life that was born free
To follow orders how to live
Was never meant to be
Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh
Peals of thunder, sheets of lighting
The power hits the stage
The music was exciting
The mania raged
On, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh
We all had the fever
Our ears started to ring
Feeding this wildfire
Consuming everything
Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh
Metal's King back then
And still is this today
Others imitate or challenge
But it never goes away
On, oh-oh, oh-oh
The lyrics to Megadeth's song "Back in the Day" are a nostalgic reflection on the early days of heavy metal music, specifically the thrash metal scene in the 1980s. The singer asks where the listener was when it all happened, whether they were at the front of the stage or in the underground, indicating that this was a time when heavy metal was an underground movement that was just starting to gain popularity.
The lyrics then go on to describe how the world of metal changed forever during this time, with bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth leading the charge. The song suggests that this was a time when metal fans were united, regardless of their location or background, all sharing a passion for heavy metal music. The lyrics also suggest that those who weren't there at the time wouldn't understand what it was like, as this was a unique cultural moment that can't be replicated.
The lyrics then describe the power and excitement of heavy metal music, with "peals of thunder, sheets of lightning" hitting the stage and causing "mania" to rage. The song celebrates the rebellious nature of metal music and its ability to bring people together, while also pointing out that heavy metal is still going strong today.
Overall, "Back in the Day" is a tribute to the early days of heavy metal, when bands like Megadeth were pushing boundaries and defining a new genre of music. The song is both a celebration of heavy metal culture and a call to arms for all metal fans to keep the genre alive and kicking.
Line by Line Meaning
Where were you when it happened?
Where were you when the metal revolution occurred?
Where could you be found?
Where were you located when the rise of metal music took place?
Were you at the front of the stage?
Were you located towards the front of the metal music scene?
Or in the underground
Or were you part of the underground metal music revolution?
From SF out to Old Bridge
The revolution spanned across different locations, from San Francisco to Old Bridge.
NY back to LA
And encompassed major cities such as New York and Los Angeles.
The world of metal changed forever
The metal music scene was transformed permanently.
Back in the day
During a time when metal was rapidly expanding.
And if you weren't there
If you didn't experience it firsthand, it may be difficult to comprehend.
It doesn't matter anyway
However, it doesn't matter if you weren't part of it or don't understand it.
Because you wouldn't understand
The experience was unforgettable and only relevant to those who witnessed it.
Live to die and die to play
The idea of living for music and dying while performing, but enjoying every moment of it.
Every day and place
Regardless of location and time, the metal revolution remained a constant.
Leave a path of metal
The effect of the revolution left a significant 'metal' imprint on society.
Across the world from stage to stage
Metal music continued to spread across the world through various performances.
In denim and leather
The stereotypical clothing worn by many metalheads.
We were all part of one force
Despite our differences, we were all united in our love for metal music.
Knocked Rock and Roll on its ass
Metal music overpowered rock and roll in popularity and influence.
And put metal on the course
Metal music's reign continued into the future and is still relevant today.
Higher!
A chant that ignited the passion of metal music fans.
Back in the day
During the prime of metal music.
You weren't there
If you weren't present during the peak of metal music popularity...
It doesn't mater
It doesn't make a difference.
Because you wouldn't understand
Without firsthand experience, it's hard to understand the impact metal music had.
This is our way of life
Metal music is more than just a genre, it's a lifestyle.
A life that was born free
Living life free from constraints and rules.
To follow orders how to live
Living life dictated by someone else's rules and expectations.
Was never meant to be
Living life free to express oneself was always the true way of being.
Peals of thunder, sheets of lighting
A powerful and electrifying performance.
The power hits the stage
The energy that is unleashed upon stepping on the stage.
The music was exciting
The music was invigorating and full of life.
The mania raged
The excitement and passion for metal music was uncontrollable.
We all had the fever
Everyone was completely immersed and passionate about metal music.
Our ears started to ring
The volume and intensity of metal music caused a ringing sensation in the ears of listeners.
Feeding this wildfire
The passion for metal music seemed to fuel itself and continue growing.
Consuming everything
Metal music was a culture that consumed all aspects of life.
Metal's King back then
Metal music was the most powerful and popular genre at the time.
And still is this today
The influence of metal music continues to this day.
Others imitate or challenge
Many other music genres have tried to imitate or compete with the popularity of metal music.
But it never goes away
Regardless of imitation or competition, the impact of metal music will never disappear.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVE MUSTAINE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind