Creeping Death

"Creeping Death" is the seventh song off of Metallica's 1984 album "Ride the Lightning". Written from the perspective of the Angel of Death, it describes the Plague of the Firstborn (Exodus 12:29). It stands as a classic example of the band's thrash style, albeit slower than the material on their first album, Kill 'Em All. The song's middle section, based around ominous chants of "Die!" set to a phrygian-mode chord progression, is a fan participation staple during Metallica shows. It was released as a single in 1984 on the Music for Nations label in the UK and France. The song was inspired by bassist Cliff Burton while the band was watching The Ten Commandments film.

[Verse 1] Slaves, Hebrews born to serve To the Pharaoh Heed, to his every word Live in fear Faith, of the unknown one The deliverer Wait, something must be done Four-hundred years [Chorus] So let it be written So let it be done I'm sent here by the chosen one So let it be written So let it be done To kill the first born Pharaoh son I'm creeping death [Verse 2] Now, let my people go Land of Goshen Go, I will be with thee Bush of fire Blood, running red and strong Down the Nile Plague, darkness three days long Hail to fire [Chorus] So let it be written So let it be done I'm sent here by the chosen one So let it be written So let it be done To kill the first born Pharaoh son I'm creeping death [Guitar Solo] [Bridge] Die (Die) By my hand (Die, die) I creep across the land (Die, die) Killing first-born man (Die, die, die) Die (Die) By my hand (Die, die) I creep across the land (Die, die) Killing first-born man (Die, die, die) [Verse 3] I rule the midnight air The destroyer Born, I shall soon be there Deadly mass I creep the steps and floor Final darkness Blood, lamb's blood-painted door I shall pass [Chorus] So let it be written So let it be done I'm sent here by the chosen one So let it be written So let it be done To kill the first born Pharaoh son I'm creeping death