Which Metallica member wrote the lyrics to “Nothing Else Matters”?

James Hetfield wrote the lyrics to Metallica's “Nothing Else Matters.”

Hetfield wrote the song in 1990 while the band was touring. The initial idea was personal and was not originally intended for Metallica's public repertoire. After Lars Ulrich heard it, the band developed the piece for the 1991 album.

The song is credited to Hetfield and Ulrich, reflecting their songwriting partnership, but Hetfield is specifically credited as its lyricist. Its words address emotional distance and connection, giving the album a more vulnerable perspective than many of Metallica's earlier songs.

“Nothing Else Matters” became a power ballad and one of the album's most prominent tracks. It was released as the third single on April 20, 1992, and reached number six on the UK Singles Chart. Kirk Hammett does not play on the studio recording, while orchestral arrangements were written by Michael Kamen.