“Enter Sandman” was co-written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich.
Hammett originated the central guitar-riff idea after being inspired by Soundgarden’s 1989 album Louder Than Love. Ulrich helped reshape the riff’s repetition and structure, while Hetfield supplied the lyrics and vocal melody.
The credits are notable because Metallica’s songwriting during this period usually developed from ideas collected by Hetfield and Ulrich, with contributions from Hammett and bassist Jason Newsted. Newsted was a band member but is not credited as a writer on “Enter Sandman.”
The song’s lyrics went through a significant revision. Hetfield’s early concept was much darker and more disturbing, while the final version used bedtime prayer imagery and nightmares. That combination helped make the track both accessible and unsettling.