“Nothing Else Matters” was written as a private song by James Hetfield before Metallica recorded it.
Hetfield began writing the song in 1990 while touring and feeling homesick. He initially did not intend to present it to the band, but drummer Lars Ulrich heard the early idea and encouraged its development for the album.
The song became a striking departure from Metallica's earlier image. It is a power ballad centered on an arpeggiated guitar introduction, orchestral writing by Michael Kamen, and lyrics about emotional closeness. Its softer character helped make The Black Album accessible to listeners beyond thrash metal.
Kirk Hammett does not play on the studio recording, another detail that is often misremembered. Hetfield performed the guitar solo, while Hammett learned the song later during the album's touring cycle. The track was released as the third single on April 20, 1992.