This song is written from the perspective of the Devil. He tempts people with sin and waits as they die and enter hell, which is where they "jump in the fire."
One of the earliest Metallica songs, this was the second single they released, after "Whiplash." Dave Mustaine, who left the band in 1983, helped write the song, earning one of his four composer credits in Metallica.
The song was included on Metallica's debut album, Kill 'Em All, and reflects the band's New Wave influences; drummer Lars Ulrich was quoted as saying that the song was inspired by Iron Maiden, whose hit "Run To The Hills" had been the most popular song on the radio at the time. Lars claimed that "Jump in the Fire" was Metallica's response to "Run to the Hills," and was intended to be their breakthrough single.
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