Motorbreath (song)

Song

Tour Dates

Motorbreath is the third track from Metallica's debut album Kill 'Em All.

About

It is about "life in the fast lane". James Hetfield wrote this song with his high school friend Hugh Tanner before Metallica was even formed, and it is one of only two songs that Lars Ulrich doesn't receive writing credits for. It is also the band's shortest song, clocking in at only three minutes and eight seconds.

Live

• "Motorbreath" has been performed live 332 times as of January 2025.
• "Motorbreath" was first performed live on May 25, 1982, in Costa Mesa, California.

Lyrics

    Living and dying, laughing and crying
    Once you have seen it you'll never be the same
    Life in the fast lane is just how it seems
    Hard and it's heavy and dirty and mean
    
       Motorbreath
       It's how I live my life
       I can't take it any other way
       Motorbreath
       The sign of living fast
       It is going to take your breath away
    
    Don't stop for nothing, it's full speed or nothing
    I'm taking down, you know, whatever's in my way
    Getting your kicks as you're shooting the line
    Sending the shivers up and down my spine
    
         Motorbreath
         It's how I live my life
         I can't take it any other way
         Motorbreath
         The sign of living fast
         It is going to take your breath away
    
    Those people who tell you not to take chances
    They are all missing on what life's about
    You only live once so take hold of the chance
    Don't end up like others, same song and dance
    
         Motorbreath
         It's how I live my life
         I can't take it any other way
         Motorbreath
         The sign of living fast
         It is going to take your breath away