What this song about/mean?

Question

For Whom The Bell Tolls by Metallica

After reading the lyrics it sounds like its about war? I don't know, please help!

Make his fight on the hill in the early day
Constant chill deep inside
Shouting gun, on they run, through the endless grey
On they fight, for their right?
Yes, but who's to say?

For a hill men would kill, why?
They do not know
Stiffened wounds test their pride
Men of five, still alive through the raging glow
Gone insane from the pain, that they surely know

For whom the bell tolls
Time marches on
For whom the bell tolls

Take a look to the sky just before you die
It's the last time you will
Blackened roar, massive roar, fills the crumbling sky
Shattered goal fills his soul with a ruthless cry

Stranger now, are his eyes, to this mystery
He hears the silence so loud
Crack of dawn, all is gone except the will to be
Now they see what will be, blinded eyes to see

For whom the bell tolls
Time marches on
For whom the bell tolls

Answer 1

Yes. It is about war.

And being lucky or unlucky enough for fate to keep you alive.

Time marches on for those that survive, but it doesn't mean that the 'bell' won't be 'tolling' for them next.

Answer 2

Well it's actaully based on Ernest Hemingway's novel by the same title.
The story are about the Spain civil war in the early 20th century,
The song's lyrics occur near the end of the story, when the hero has to cross a bridge during his mission, but unfortunatly while crossing, the bridge is exploded by air raids
('' take a look to the sky just before you die...'')
And he eventually dies...Of course he sacrifices himself for his goal.

Actually all ''Ride the lightning'' 's songs are about death, in different

Answer 3

They got the concept of the song from the book "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Ernest Hemingway. To see what the book is about go here: http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/titles/belltolls/about.html

Answer 4

Ask not for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee. The rest is impressive, but still fodder. Toodles :)

Answer 5

Yep...war and death (the bell tolling is the sign of death)

Answer 6

I really can't stand Dave Mathews, but I once heard him say something I will always remember, "It is the autonomy of art, it's only yours until someone sees it/hears it." I think the reason music appeals to everyone is just that. This song is about what you hear, not what is said.

Answer 7

It sounds like war to me.