Gunther, Off to Never, Never Land (Parody, Metallica)

This parody song is a transformative, non-commercial work created strictly for humorous and expressive purposes. It is a clear parody of Metallica’s song “Enter Sandman” reimagined to support and expand the adventures of Gunther the Smallest Rottweiler, a character from the novel The Smallest Rottweiler.

No original tracks, recordings, or direct musical elements from the original song or artist are used. This is an entirely new vocal performance with new lyrics and arrangement that comments on and humorously transforms the original work.

The song is not monetized in any way, generates no revenue, and is hosted exclusively on my personal, non-commercial website. It is offered solely for the free amusement of readers and fans who wish to further explore the novel’s characters and world. The use of the original song’s themes is limited and transformative, advancing a new creative expression tied to the story rather than serving as a substitute for the original.

I am a huge admirer of the original artist and their work. This parody was created out of deep respect and affection, with full credit given to Metallica (James Hetfield, Lars Urlick and Kirt Hammett) for their original composition. Far from intending any harm or embarrassment to the artist or their music, this parody is meant to celebrate their creativity. As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I hope listeners enjoy both the original song and this lighthearted parody version.

Lyrics to the song]

[Verse]

Say your prayers, little one

Don’t forget, my son

To include everyone

I tuck you in, warm within

Keep you free from sin

Till the Sandman he comes

[Chorus]

Sleep with one eye open

Grippin’ your pillow tight

Exit light

Enter night

Take my hand

We’re off to never-never land

[Verse]

Somethin’ whispers in the dark

Voices callin’ from the park

Dreams of runts who rise and bark

Little pup, born so small

Kicked aside, against the wall

But faith ignites, he hears the call

Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry

Runt will fight, reach the sky

Through the storm, he learns to fly

[Chorus]

Sleep with one eye open

Grippin’ your pillow tight

Exit light

Enter night

Take my hand

We’re off to never-never land

[Verse]

Now I lay me down to sleep

Pray the Lord my soul to keep

If I die before I wake

Pray the Lord my soul to take

But Gunther rose from litter low

Scars of doubt, but heart aglow

Trained through pain, refused to go

Alleys dark, pursuits in rain

Rescues fierce, breakin’ chains

Laine beside him, trust remains

Medals clink on collar worn

Old dog tells the tales reborn

To recruits who face the storm

Persevere, never bend

Faith your guide until the end

Duty calls, my loyal friend

[Chorus]

Sleep with one eye open

Grippin’ your pillow tight

Exit light

Enter night

Take my hand

We’re off to never-never land

[Verse]

Magnus wild, showed the path

Repaid in full, no aftermath

Ty Clan thrives, bears his wrath

Max and Smalls found grace that day

Mother’s love chased fear away

Forgiveness lit the way

Now the pups lean in to hear

How a runt conquered every fear

Never quit, the message clear

It’s not size in the fight

But the fight burning bright

Gunther’s legend through the night

Hush little pup, don’t say a word

Gunther’s watchin’, you’ve been heard

Dreams of heroes, undeterred

[Chorus]

Exit light

Enter night

Take my hand

We’re off to never-never land

Yeah yeah

Gunther’s here

Enter Sandman