Which Metallica song includes an intro that interpolates “America” from West Side Story?
Answer
Don't Tread on Me
“Don't Tread on Me” includes an intro that interpolates “America” from West Side Story.
The song appears on Metallica's 1991 album and takes its title from the famous phrase associated with the Gadsden flag. Its introduction uses a recognizable melodic idea associated with Leonard Bernstein's “America,” which he composed for the musical West Side Story.
The connection is easy to miss because the interpolation appears in the introduction rather than functioning as the song's main vocal melody. The track then moves into Metallica's own arrangement, lyrics, and performance.
“Don't Tread on Me” is also notable in the album's single history. It was promoted to rock radio but was not released as a commercial single, unlike the five official singles associated with the album.