Becoming (song)

"Becoming"
Single by Pantera
from the album Far Beyond Driven
B-side	"5 Minutes Alone"
Released	1994
Recorded	1993
Genre	Groove metal
Length	3:05
Label	Eastwest Records
Producer(s)	Terry Date
Pantera singles chronology
"5 Minutes Alone" (1994) "Becoming" (1994) "Drag the Waters" (1996)

"Becoming" is a song by American heavy metal band Pantera from their seventh album Far Beyond Driven. It was released as a 2-track promotional-only vinyl 12", with "5 Minutes Alone" as its B-side.

The song features a unique guitar riff by Dimebag Darrell which involves a DigiTech Whammy pedal as well as extensive double bass drumming from Vinnie Paul. It also uses an unusual guitar tuning, simultaneously mixing dropped-D and Eb tuning.

Lyrics

The song hints at lead singer Phil Anselmo's childhood, describing it as a time of abuse and neglect, and showing how strong and bitter he was at the time of its release.

Live performance

During live performances of the song, the band would play Becoming and combine it with the outro of "Throes of Rejection", a Pantera song also featured on the album Far Beyond Driven. A live performance of the song is also available on the band's live album "Official Live: 101 Proof".

Track listing

12" single

1. "Becoming"
2. "5 Minutes Alone"

Release and reception

Despite its limited release, the song peaked at #18 on the U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, equaling a position of #118 on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one out of three Pantera singles to appear on the chart.

Charts