The memory remains
Metallica feat. San Francisco Symphony with Michael Kamen Lyrics

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Fortune fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane
(But the memory remains) Yeah

Heavy rings on fingers wave
Another star denies the grave
See the nowhere crowd cry the nowhere tears of honor

Like twisted vines that grow
Hide and swallow mansions whole
And dim the light of an already faded prima donna

Fortune fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane
Fortune fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane
But the (memory remains) yeah

Heavy rings hold cigarettes
Up to lips that time forgets
While the Hollywood sun sets behind your back
And can't the band play on
Just listen, they play my song
Ash to ash
Dust to dust
Fade to black

Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane
Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane
Dance little tin goddess

Sing it for us!
(Na na na na na na na na na da)
(Na na na na na na na na na na da na)
(Na na na na na na na na na da na na na)
(Na na na na na na na da na)

Drift away
Fade away
Little tin goddess
Ash to ash
Dust to dust
Fade to black
Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane
Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane
But the memory remains

Ash to ash (ash to ash)
Dust to dust (dust to dust)
Fade to black (fade to black)
The memories remain
Yeah
Like a faded prima donna
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ah, suck it

Dance little tin goddess dance
(Na na na na na na na na na da)
Sing it baby
(Na na na na na na na na na na da na)
(Na na na na na na na na na da na na na)
(Na na na na na na na da na)

Sing it, sing!
(Na na na na na na na na na da)
(Na na na na na na na na na na da na)
(Na na na na na na na na na da na na na)
(Na na na na na na na da na)
(Na na na na na na na na na da)
(Na na na na na na na na na na da na)

(Na na na na na na na na na da na na na)
(Na na na na na na na da na)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Metallica's The Memory Remains seem to explore the concept of fame and its fleeting nature. The first verse talks about the allure of fortune and fame, the mirror's reflection of one's image feeding into one's vanity, and how sometimes the pursuit of these things can drive one insane. However, despite the fleeting nature of fame and its potential to drive one to madness, the memory of these experiences remains.

The second verse describes heavy rings on fingers, portraying an image of someone who has achieved success and amassed wealth. The phrase "another star denies the grave" suggests that even though many famous individuals may have passed on, their legacy and memory lives on through their work. The verse ends with a darker note, describing how twisted vines grow and swallow mansions whole, dimming the light of a faded prima donna, perhaps symbolizing the fleeting nature of fame.

The refrain repeats the phrases "fortune, fame, mirror vain, gone insane" as if to mimic the relentless cycle of chasing success that can often lead to madness. However, despite this cycle, the memories of these experiences remain. The song ends with the repetition of "ash to ash, dust to dust, fade to black," a reference to death and the ephemeral nature of life.

Line by Line Meaning

Fortune fame
Wealth and celebrity status

Mirror vain
Obsession with physical appearance and self-image

Gone insane
Lost touch with reality

(But the memory remains) Yeah
But the past still lingers and shapes us

Heavy rings on fingers wave
Display of wealth and power

Another star denies the grave
Fame can grant immortality

See the nowhere crowd cry the nowhere tears of honor
People often praise and idolize the famous regardless of substance

Like twisted vines that grow
Corruption can spread and take over

Hide and swallow mansions whole
Wealth can consume and destroy lives

And dim the light of an already faded prima donna
Fame fades over time and can't be sustained forever

Heavy rings hold cigarettes
Continuation of the display of wealth and power