"No Leaf Clover" consists of many riffs which Hetfield had created over the years but never used. It wasn't until Michael Kamen approached the band about the album that James completed it.
The term "no leaf clover" is a play on the four leaf clover, which is said to bring good luck. Conversely, Hetfield's lyrics speak of nearly reaching a goal, only to be confronted with another problem:
"Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel was just a freight train coming your way"
Despite being completed especially for the S&M concert, the band adapted the song to be played without an orchestra using a taped intro section. It was performed without an orchestra for the first time on December 28, 1999 during the kick off of the "M2K Minitour" at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.
"No Leaf Clover" is a playable track on the game Guitar Hero: Metallica. In the background, the orchestra can be seen playing.
The chorus of "No Leaf Clover" is sampled in the Joe Budden song "Freight Train" on his 2009 album Escape Route.
No Leaf Clover
Metallica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On this crash course we're in the big time
Pay no mind to the distant thunder
Beauty fills his head with wonder, boy
Says it feels right this time
Turn around, found new high lights
Good day to be alive sir
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
Is just a freight train coming your way
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
Is just the freight train coming your way
Don't it feel right like this
All the pieces fall to his wish
Suck up for that quick reward boy
Suck up for that quick reward they said
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
Is just a freight train coming your way
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
Is just the freight train coming your way
It's coming your way
It's coming your way, here comes
Yeah, Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
Is just a freight train coming your way, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
The lyrics of Metallica's "No Leaf Clover" describe a crash course towards the big time, where the singer feels a sense of wonder in the beauty around him. The chorus warns that what appears to be a soothing light at the end of the tunnel is instead a freight train hurtling towards them, which serves as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of success and fame. The verses caution against seeking quick rewards and instead urge the singer to appreciate the present moment, as it may be fleeting. The repetition of "Then it comes to be" drives home the message that failure is always lurking around the corner.
The song's lyrics touch on the theme of the ephemeral nature of success and fame, common to many rock songs, but it does so with poetic, metaphorical language. While the chorus's metaphor may seem somewhat clichéd, "No Leaf Clover" uses it to explore the limits of human perception and the unpredictable nature of reality. The verses develop a sense of urgency by repeating the phrase "it feels right this time" and then juxtaposing it with the warning in the chorus. This sense of urgency is supported by the intense instrumental backing, featuring James Hetfield's powerful voice and Kirk Hammett's virtuosic guitar solos.
Overall, "No Leaf Clover" is a poignant meditation on the pursuit of success and the inevitability of failure. While the song's theme is somewhat familiar, its musical and lyrical execution makes it a standout track in Metallica's discography.
Line by Line Meaning
And it feels right this time
The situation or opportunity feels advantageous and is worth pursuing.
On this crash course we're in the big time
We are on a path that leads to significant success.
Pay no mind to the distant thunder
Do not be distracted or worried by potential threats.
Beauty fills his head with wonder, boy
The artist is captivated by the awe-inspiring experiences and sights around them.
Says it feels right this time
The artist reaffirms that the opportunity is worth pursuing.
Turn around, found new high lights
Looking back at previous accomplishments, the singer found new successes to pursue.
Good day to be alive sir
The singer acknowledges that they are grateful to be alive and in a good situation.
Good day to be alive, he said
The artist emphasizes the positive aspects of their current situation.
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
Is just a freight train coming your way
The hope or expectation of a positive outcome is dashed by an immediate threat or danger.
Don't it feel right like this
Despite the danger, the artist still feels that the situation of pursuing success is the right choice.
All the pieces fall to his wish
The singer feels that their actions are leading to success and things are going according to plan.
Suck up for that quick reward boy
Suck up for that quick reward they said
Others may push for taking shortcuts to gain immediate rewards, but the artist is willing to work hard and pursue long-term success instead.
It's coming your way
It's coming your way, here comes
The danger or threat is imminent and approaching quickly.
Yeah, Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
Is just a freight train coming your way, yeah
Repeating the earlier lines to emphasize the impact of the danger and the loss of hope.
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
Then it comes to be, yeah
The repetition of the line emphasizes the inevitability and impact of the danger.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES ALAN HETFIELD, LARS ULRICH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tartan Sauce
So many Metallica songs to love, but this one is the one that consistently gives me chills after decades.
David Hefner
Thank goodness I'm not the only one
joe hiller
That first note you know it's epic
Dylan P
This is a memory for me that I’ll never forget. My dad showed me this “dvd” and this song, with me as a kid, absolutely blew me away. Still by far my favorite song by them.
Augustine Elmquist
Still listening to this masterpiece in 2023. Never gets old. Used to have this nice album in my collection.
Gile Kopi
❤️
Jess Mason
💯
greengeek562
Same here
Kendra Foster
Better then now
Listen to Solar Kama Sutra
"THEN I'M CONSTIPATED!!!! THEN I'M CONSTIPATED!!!! THEN I'M CONSTIPATED!!!!