The Memory Remains
Metallica · S&M [1999]
Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane
But the memory remains
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
In the light of an already faded prima donna
Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane...
Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane...
But the memory remains
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
(na-na-na-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
Dust to dust
Fade to black...
But the memory remains
Yeah
Faded prima donna yeah, yeah
(solo)
Dance little tin goddess, dance
(na-na-na-na...)
Mirror vain
Gone insane
But the memory remains
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
In the light of an already faded prima donna
Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane...
Fortune, fame
Mirror vain
Gone insane...
But the memory remains
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
(na-na-na-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
Dust to dust
Fade to black...
But the memory remains
Yeah
Faded prima donna yeah, yeah
(solo)
Dance little tin goddess, dance
(na-na-na-na...)
The Memory Remains
Released on the 1999 album S&M, "The Memory Remains" stands as a pivotal track in Metallica's evolution toward a heavier, more aggressive sound. The song exemplifies the band's shift during this era, characterized by a relentless drumming style and a distorted, high-gain guitar tone that pushed the boundaries of thrash metal. As a staple of their discography, the recording captures the raw energy and technical proficiency that defined late 90s heavy metal. Its enduring popularity reflects its role in cementing Metallica's status as a titan of the genre, influencing countless subsequent acts while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in their signature blend of speed and power.