Which song on Metallica’s 1991 album was written by James Hetfield about a long-distance relationship?

“Nothing Else Matters” was written by James Hetfield about a long-distance relationship.

Hetfield initially wrote the music and lyrics privately while feeling separated from his then-girlfriend during touring. The song began as a personal piece rather than a planned Metallica composition, but drummer Lars Ulrich heard it and encouraged Hetfield to develop it for the band.

Its orchestral arrangement and exposed vocal performance made it a major departure from Metallica’s earlier thrash-focused material. The song became one of the album’s most recognizable tracks and demonstrated that the band could use vulnerability and restraint without abandoning its heavy-rock identity.

The title can cause confusion because “Wherever I May Roam” also concerns distance and travel. However, the specific long-distance relationship story belongs to “Nothing Else Matters.” The song was later released as the album’s third commercial single and became a frequent live performance.