Who wrote the lyrics for every song on Metallica's 1991 album, The Black Album?

James Hetfield wrote the lyrics for every song on Metallica's 1991 album, The Black Album.

Hetfield was the band's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, and he handled the album's lyrics while usually writing music with drummer Lars Ulrich. The pair formed the central songwriting partnership behind Metallica's material, although guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Jason Newsted also contributed musical ideas.

The album's words cover several different subjects. “Enter Sandman” draws on childhood nightmares, “The Unforgiven” explores oppression and emotional damage, and “Nothing Else Matters” presents a personal theme of trust and distance. “Sad but True” and “Of Wolf and Man” use darker, more physical imagery.

The writing process was especially important because producer Bob Rock wanted Hetfield to produce stronger lyrics and encouraged the band to work in a more collaborative studio setting. A frequent mix-up is to credit Lars Ulrich with the lyrics because he was a major co-writer and drummer. Ulrich helped shape the music, but Hetfield is credited as the album's lyricist.