Use the Man explained
"Use the Man" is a song by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was released as the third single from their seventh studio album, Cryptic Writings (1997). The song was one of the band's biggest hits, at #15 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.[1]
Background
Music
The first half of "Use the Man" contains a rock-oriented sound,[2] while the second half transitions into a faster tempo, more in line with the thrash metal sound the band usually play.[3] The first half features prominent use of acoustic guitars and strings.[4] [5]
The song begins with a sample of Needles and Pins by The Searchers, which was removed for the radio edit and remaster.[6] [7]
Lyrics
The lyrics for "Use the Man" were inspired by a recovering addict who went to a halfway house, used heroin, and died.
Live
"Use the Man" has been performed 194 times by Megadeth, as well as once by both Mustaine and David Ellefson.[8] Since the band reformed in 2004, it has been played only a handful of times, and exclusively at acoustic concerts.[9] [10] The song was among the first Mustaine played live after his arm injury which caused him to be unable to play guitar.[11]
Personnel
Megadeth
- Dave Mustaine – guitars, lead vocals
- David Ellefson – bass, backing vocals
- Marty Friedman – guitars, backing vocals, acoustic guitar
- Nick Menza – drums, backing vocals
Production
- Dann Huff – production
- Dave Mustaine – co-production
- Jeff Balding – recording, mixing
- Mark Hagen – recording assistant, mixing assistant
- Bob Ludwig – mastering
- Bud Prager – A & R direction, E.S.P. management
- Mike Renault – E.S.P. management
- Giles Martin – producer (remaster)
2004 remaster/remix
- Produced by Dave Mustaine
- Mixed by Ralph Patlan and Dave Mustaine
- Engineered by Ralph Patlan with Lance Dean
- Edited by Lance Dean, Scott "Sarge" Harrison, and Keith Schreiber with Bo Caldwell
- Mastered by Tom Baker
Notes and References
- Web site: Mosqueda . Ruben . Megadeth: 'Cryptic Writings' . Sleaze Roxx . 8 December 2022 . 17 June 2017.
- News: Golemis. Dean. July 4, 1997. Megadeth: Cryptic Writings (Capitol). Chicago Tribune. October 23, 2013. December 3, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020015/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1997-07-04/entertainment/9707040188_1_megadeth-nick-menza-fff. live.
- Web site: "Cryptic Writings" Megadeth Review . The Top Lister . Word Press . 8 December 2022 . 23 July 2013 . “Use the man” was an ugly song to listen to. It starts way to slow but towards the end the song picks up pace and reminds use that this is trash metal.
- Web site: 'Cryptic Writings' Coming Soon From Megadeth . https://web.archive.org/web/20231101031609/https://www.mtv.com/news/dynkdg/cryptic-writings-coming-soon-from-megadeth . dead . November 1, 2023 . MTV News . MTV . 8 December 2022 . 16 April 1997.
- Web site: Gibson . Caren . 'Cryptic Writings': Deciphering Megadeth's Shift To Radio-Ready Metal . U Discover Music . 8 December 2022 . 17 June 2022.
- Web site: Freidman . Marty . Story Behind The Song - Megadeth's Cryptic Writings . MartyFriedman.com . 8 December 2022 . 23 September 2002.
- Web site: The Scorpion . SCORPION Q+A . Megadeth.com . 8 December 2022 . 3 May 2006.
- Web site: Use the Man performed by Megadeth . Setlist.FM . 8 December 2022.
- Web site: MEGADETH - AUDIO OF 'USE THE MAN' PERFORMED ACOUSTICALLY AVAILABLE . Brave Words . 8 December 2022 . 9 February 2012.
- Web site: Drew . Album Review: Megadeth – Unplugged in Boston . Drews Reviews . 8 December 2022 . 24 August 2021.
- Web site: APR 9 2003 Dave Mustaine Setlist at Nita's Hideaway, Tempe, AZ, USA . Setlist.FM . 8 December 2022.
- https://www.billboard.com/artist/megadeth/chart-history/rtt/
