Jason Newsted is credited as a co-writer of “My Friend of Misery” on Metallica’s Black Album. The song’s official writing credits also list James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.
Newsted developed the piece from an instrumental idea, and the final arrangement became one of the album’s darker, more atmospheric tracks. Its prominent bass presence is notable because Newsted’s writing contributions were often less visible in public discussions of Metallica’s catalog.
The song addresses isolation, burden and unwanted responsibility, themes reflected in its brooding verses and dramatic instrumental passages. It was not released as one of the album’s commercial singles, but it has remained a fan favorite.
Cliff Burton had died before the Black Album sessions, while Robert Trujillo joined Metallica much later. Those timeline differences make Jason Newsted the only bassist from the listed choices who participated in creating this record.