Am I Evil?
Metallica · Live Shit [2002]
Nameless little bitch, Oh the tears I cried.
Take her down now, don't want to see her face
All blistered and burnt, can't hide my disgrace.
Twenty-seven, everyone was nice.
Gotta see 'em make 'em pay the price.
See their bodies out on the ice.
Take my time.
Am I evil? Yes I am.
Am I evil? I am man, yes I am.
As I watched my mother die, I lost my head.
Revenge now I sought, to break with my bread.
Taking no chances, you come with me.
I'll split you to the bone, help set you free.
Twenty-seven, everyone was nice.
Gotta see 'em make 'em pay the price.
See their bodies out on the ice.
Take my time.
Am I evil? Yes I am.
Am I evil? I am man, yes I am.
On with the action now, I'll strip your pride.
I'll spread your blood around, I'll see you ride.
Your face is scarred with steel, wounds deep and neat.
Like a double dozen before ya, smells so sweet.
Am I evil? Yes I am.
Am I evil? I am man.
I'll make my residence, I'll watch your fire.
You can come with me, sweet desire.
My face is long forgot, my face not my own.
Sweet and timely whore, take me home.
Am I evil? Yes I am.
Am I evil? I am man.
My soul is longing for, await my heir.
Sent to avenge my mother, sweep myself.
My face is long forgot, my face not my own.
Sweet and timely whore, take me home.
Am I evil? Yes I am.
Am I evil? I am man.
Am I evil? Yes I fuc*ing am.
Am I evil? I am man, yeah.
Am I Evil?
Released on the 2002 Live Shit compilation, "Am I Evil?" stands as a pivotal track in Metallica's evolution toward a heavier, more aggressive sound. Recorded during the sessions that would culminate in the 2003 album St. Anger, the song exemplifies the band's shift toward a stripped-down, high-gain metal style characterized by James Hetfield's rapid-fire drumming and Lars Ulrich's intense, rhythmic percussion. The track serves as a sonic bridge between the band's classic thrash era and their subsequent experimental period, reflecting a darker, more confrontational tone that defined their work in the early 2000s. As a staple of their live performances and a key component of their discography, the recording captures a specific moment in the band's history where they deliberately sought to dismantle their previous melodic approach in favor of raw, unadulterated power.