Eye of the Beholder (song)

"Eye of the Beholder" is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released in October 1988, as the second single from their fourth studio album, ...And Justice for All, where it also features as track 3. The song has not been performed live in its entirety since 1989, and drummer Lars Ulrich has stated that it is his least favourite Metallica song, in part due to the alternating time signatures. "It sounds like you put a square peg in a round hole".

Background
"Eye of the Beholder" features political lyrics about the nature of civil liberties. The chorus is in 12/8 time while the rest of the track stays in basic 4/4.

The song has not been performed live in its entirety since 1989, however it did feature as part of a medley of songs from …And Justice for All often played by the band in concert during the 1990s. One of these medley's was featured on the band's 1993 live album Live Shit: Binge & Purge. Due to Ulrich's disdain for the song, it is unlikely to be played in full again.

Cover versions
In Flames recorded a cover of "Eye of the Beholder" for Metal Militia: A Tribute to Metallica, a tribute album recorded by various artists. This version of the song also appears on the remastered edition of In Flames' first EP, Subterranean. A cover of the song by Life After Death appears on Metallic Attack: The Ultimate Tribute.

Personnel
Credits adapted from ...And Justice for All's liner notes.

Metallica


 * James Hetfield – vocals, rhythm guitar, production
 * Kirk Hammett – lead guitar
 * Jason Newsted – bass
 * Lars Ulrich – drums, production

Production


 * Flemming Rasmussen – production, engineering
 * Toby "Rage" Wright – assistant and additional engineering
 * Steve Thompson, Michael Barbiero – mixing
 * George Cowan – assistant mixing engineer
 * Bob Ludwig – mastering
 * George Marino – 1995 remastering
 * Reuben Cohen – 2018 remastering

Artwork


 * James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich – cover concept
 * Stephen Gorman – cover illustration
 * Ross "Tobacco Road" Halfin – photography
 * Pushead – hammer illustration
 * Reiner Design Consultants, Inc. – design, layout