The producer suggested that this would make the song sound too "pretty", and instead recommended playing the melody an octave higher.
[2] The central theme of the song is the Christian Science faith and human reliance on it, and of unrewarded belief in a God that fails to heal.
The lyrics and song material were inspired by Hetfield's anguish on the circumstances surrounding his mother's death.
[3] She died of cancer after refusing medical attention, solely relying on her belief in God to heal her.
[5] Baylor University Assistant Professor of Religion, Paul Martens points out that the song has been admired by some anti-religious groups, such as the websites "Alabama Atheist" and "The Secular Web".