Who wrote the lyrics to “Enter Sandman” on Metallica's 1991 album?

James Hetfield wrote the lyrics to “Enter Sandman” on Metallica's 1991 album.

The song's music is credited to Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, while Hetfield alone is credited as lyricist. Its words focus on a child's nightmares, bedtime rituals, and the ominous figure of the Sandman.

The division between musical and lyrical credits reflects Metallica's usual songwriting process during the album's creation. Hetfield and Ulrich were the principal composing partnership, while ideas from Hammett and Newsted also contributed to some songs and riffs.

A common mix-up is attributing the entire song to one member because Hammett originated the central guitar idea. That riff helped start the track, but the official credits separate the song's music from its lyrics and identify Hetfield as the lyricist.