Which Metallica ballad from The Black Album was written by James Hetfield about a long-distance relationship?

“Nothing Else Matters” is the Metallica ballad James Hetfield wrote about a long-distance relationship.

Hetfield began developing the song while speaking on the telephone with his then-girlfriend. The guitar part was initially personal and was not intended to become a Metallica release, but drummer Lars Ulrich encouraged him to develop it for the band.

The finished recording contrasts with much of Metallica's earlier material through its clean arpeggios, orchestral arrangement, and openly emotional lyrics. Hetfield sings and plays the main rhythm and acoustic guitar parts, while the arrangement includes a melodic guitar solo by Kirk Hammett.

It became one of the album's most successful singles, reaching No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and entering the top ten in several European countries. It is often mistaken for a traditional love song written by the whole band, but its initial composition came from Hetfield.