"Don't Tread On Me" Is The Sixth Song From Metallica's Self-Titled Album Released In 1991. The Title Is Connected With The American Revolutionary War. The Words "Don't Tread On Me" Constitute Motto Of The Gadsden Flag And The Snake Image On The Flag Is Pictured On The Cover Of The Album. The Instrumental Introduction Uses The Famous Eight Bar Phrase From "America" A Popular Song From The Musical And Film West Side Story. The Lyrics Also Feature A Reference To American Revolutionary Patrick Henry's Famous Quote "give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" With The Line "liberty Or Death What We So Proudly Hail." The Song Reached #21 On The Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks In The United States Despite Never Being Released As A Single There.