“Enter Sandman” was the first song written for Metallica’s 1991 album and became its lead single.
The song began with a guitar riff by Kirk Hammett, which was developed with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. It was among four album demos recorded on August 13, 1990. Although the music came together early, Hetfield wrote the lyrics later, making it the first song written but the last to receive its lyrics.
The final subject was childhood fear and nightmares. Early ideas focused on crib death, but the lyrics broadened into a more general portrait of disturbing nighttime thoughts, bedtime rituals, and the Sandman figure.
Released on July 29, 1991, “Enter Sandman” reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Its Wayne Isham-directed promotional video won Best Rock Video at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. The song remains one of Metallica’s most recognizable concert staples.