In the middle of the Iraqi conflict, it was revealed that many popular mainstream songs were used as a common form of torture, including “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. This was because they used something that most people include in their daily lives without a second thought. Playing music at uncomfortably loud volumes became a typical tactic at Guantánamo Bay in order to coax prisoners into giving up information.
The lead singer and co-founder of the heavy metal band, James Hetfield, laughed when asked about his music being used in this context, saying that he was proud and honored to expose the Iraqi prisoners to his music. He stated that, via The Guardian, “We’ve been punishing our parents, our wives, our loved ones with this music forever. Why should the Iraqis be any different?” Well, the British punk band Chumbawamba had a response to Hetfield’s comments, and they answered his question in the most clever way possible: through song.
Chumbawamba Released “Torturing James Hetfield” To Mock Metallica
The Lyrics Fire Back At Hetfield’s Comments About His Music Being Used At Guantánamo Bay
Included on their 2010 album ABCDEFG, the song “Torturing James Hetfield” responds to the comments made by James Hetfield in a comedic and digestible way. The tune itself is light and has a deceptively upbeat nature, with a simple and catchy melody that would be at home in any elevator. The lyrics provide a stark contrast, wondering what would become of James Hetfield himself if he were placed in the same shoes as those in Guantánamo Bay. It seems that “every tune in the songbook” wouldn’t be enough, until the very last verse.
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The last verse reveals that it is Chumbawamba’s music that causes James Hetfield to break. It’s here that Chumbawamba is able to poke fun at themselves in the song, referencing their status as a one-hit wonder. It also implies that their one song, most likely the massive hit “Tubthumping”, is left on repeat for the musician, much like his own song is looped for hours for the real prisoners.
In a comedic twist at the end, Hetfield gives up the name of the drummer, Lars Ulrich, to make the music stop. This humorous comeback pokes fun at the metal band’s tough exterior, revealing that all it would take for them to crack is a little British punk music.
Chumbawamba Takes A Humorous Approach To A Controversial Topic
The Song Allows Everyone To Take A Breath And Laugh
Artists calling each other out in the music industry isn’t anything new, but this instance is certainly unique. Chumbawamba doesn’t shy away from using Hetfield’s real name, and his full name at that, which is certainly a bold move. Metallica has been a powerhouse in the music industry for decades, so calling them out in such a public manner could’ve really backfired for Chumbawamba.
However, the song and the album it is included on were received positively by the media and fans, allowing them to get in on the joke and have a good laugh at the thought of James Hetfield listening to “Tubthumping” on loop. Though the use of music as torture is a serious topic, Chumbawamba is able to make the conversation more accessible by addressing Hetfield’s comments in a humorous song.
Chumbawamba is able to make the conversation more accessible by addressing Hetfield’s comments in a humorous song.
They are also able to show where they stand on the issue without saying it directly. The song is just way funnier and more effective than a media statement would’ve been. Chumbawamba is able to add commentary to the situation, making the audience form their own opinions. Though the song about Metallica is funny and catchy, it is able to call attention to a bigger issue that is no laughing matter.
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