Which song on Metallica's 1991 album began as an instrumental idea written by Jason Newsted?
Answer
My Friend of Misery
“My Friend of Misery” began as an instrumental idea written by Jason Newsted for Metallica's 1991 album.
Newsted originally developed the main riff as the basis for an instrumental. Metallica had included an instrumental on each of its previous studio albums, and the idea initially appeared likely to continue that pattern on the new record.
The song was ultimately completed with lyrics and vocals, becoming the album's eleventh track. Its writing credit reflects contributions from James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Newsted, while the central musical concept came from Newsted's riff.
The track is often discussed alongside the album's more introspective material. Its title and lyrics concern isolation and inner conflict, themes that fit the album's broader move toward personal and psychological subjects rather than exclusively external or historical narratives.