What was the title of the second single from Metallica’s 1991 album, The Black Album?

“The Unforgiven” was the second single from Metallica’s 1991 album, The Black Album.

The single followed “Enter Sandman,” which introduced the album in July 1991. “The Unforgiven” was released later in 1991 and became one of the record’s best-known songs. Its lyrics explore the struggle of an individual against forces that seek to control or subjugate him.

Musically, the track contrasts quieter passages with heavier sections, giving it a dramatic structure distinct from the album’s more direct rock songs. James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Lars Ulrich share the composition credit, while Hetfield is credited as lyricist.

The song later became the first entry in a trilogy. “The Unforgiven II” appeared on Reload, and “The Unforgiven III” appeared on Death Magnetic. Those sequels are separate songs from the original 1991 single.