A Valuable Life Lesson Learned in a Lyric

“This thorn in my side

This thorn in my side is from the tree

This thorn in my side is from the tree I’ve planted”

“Bleeding Me,” Metallica

(inspired by Lord Byron)

Here are 2 things about this song lyric:

1. This is one of the most underrated Metallica songs ever.

It’s brilliant; I prefer the version with the San Francisco Symphony orchestra (I was fortunate to see Metallica play with the Orchestra of St. Lukes at MSG — the best concert of my life).

2. It’s a humbling reminder.

When I feel like I’ve lost focus.

When I feel frustrated or stuck.

When I’m not living how I want to live.

When things feel like they’ve gone off the rails.

When I feel like there’s a thorn in my side.

Jerry Colona has a great question that captures the essence of the lyric:

“How am I complicit in creating the conditions I say I don’t want?”