Harvester of Sorrow

Infobox Single
Name = Harvester of Sorrow


Artist = Metallica
from Album = ...And Justice For All
B-side = "Breadfan"
"The Prince"
Released = 1988
Format = CD single
Recorded = January - May 1988 at "One on One" Studios in Los Angeles, California
Genre = Thrash metal
Length = 5:42
Label = Vertigo
Writer = James Hetfield
Lars Ulrich
Producer = Metallica
Flemming Rasmussen
Certification =
Last single = "Eye of the Beholder"
(1988)
This single = "Harvester of Sorrow"
(1988)
Next single = "...And Justice for All"
(1988)

"Harvester of Sorrow" is the sixth song from the Metallica album "...And Justice for All". Consistent with the whole album, the lyrics are harsh and serious. Various theories regarding the meaning of the lyrics have circulated among Metallica fans.

Metallica debuted this song live prior to the release of "...And Justice for All" while on the summer Monsters of Rock Tour in 1988 with Van Halen, The Scorpions, Dokken and Kingdom Come.

The song is a fan favorite and a staple of the Metallica live set. Coming out of the dual melody solo between Hammett and Hetfield, there is a considerable pause which, during live shows, Hetfield takes time to audibly cough and spit before going into the line "All have said their prayers." During live performances there is an extended silence before the band returns to the song, causing loud audience response.

Marvel Comics paid tribute to the songFact|date=April 2008 when they used the name for a fictional superweapon in the comic book event Annihilation.

"Harvester of Sorrow" plays over the PA at U.S. Cellular Field when Chicago White Sox slugger Paul Konerko comes to bat.

Tracklist

CD single:
#"Harvester of Sorrow" (05:42)
#"Breadfan" (05:44)
#"The Prince" (04:26)

Promotion 7" single:Both sides:
#"Harvester of Sorrow" (05:42)

12" single:Side A:
#"Harvester of Sorrow" (05:42)

Side B:
#"Breadfan" (05:44)
#"The Prince" (04:26)

References