Which Metallica song on The Black Album was inspired by the 1978 film Magic?

Metallica’s “Sad but True” was inspired by the 1978 film Magic.

The song appears on Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, widely known as The Black Album. Its lyrics explore control, manipulation, and a disturbing split between identities—ideas that connect with the film’s story about a ventriloquist and his seemingly independent dummy.

“Sad but True” was written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. Although the song was recorded for The Black Album sessions, Lars Ulrich later said its initial idea dated back to the Master of Puppets era in 1986. The track became known for its heavy, slow groove and down-tuned sound.

A common mix-up is confusing “Sad but True” with “Enter Sandman,” the album’s lead single, or “The Unforgiven,” another major Black Album track. “Sad but True” was released as the album’s fifth and final single in February 1993, after the earlier singles “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Wherever I May Roam.”