As The Crow Flies

Newsted's song "As The Crow Flies" is a powerful anthem about navigating life's journey with courage, resilience, and a sense of individuality. The lyrics open with a metaphorical spin around the sun, suggesting the cyclical nature of life and the gratitude for each new day. The phrase "I am an army of one" emphasizes self-reliance and personal strength, while also acknowledging the importance of brotherhood and mutual respect. The song encourages living fully in the present, as seen in the lines about crowded hearts and minds being full when the night is young, and the imperative to save oneself and one's soul when daylight comes.

The recurring line "As the crow flies" symbolizes taking the most direct and straightforward path in life, undeterred by obstacles. This imagery is reinforced by the declaration of making one's own way and not being afraid. The song advocates for mental clarity and the importance of living authentically, as expressed in the lines about banging troubled thoughts out of one's head and recognizing that any day alive is better than being dead. The lyrics also celebrate the beauty of life and the importance of dreaming, urging listeners to stay out all night and embrace life's shadows and light.

The song's closing lines, "Beautiful in life unforgettable in death," serve as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact one can have. The repeated encouragement to keep dreaming until it becomes real underscores the song's message of perseverance and hope. Newsted's musical style, characterized by its raw energy and introspective lyrics, complements the song's themes of resilience and self-determination, making "As The Crow Flies" a compelling and inspiring piece.