Jason Newsted wrote the main bass riff for “My Friend of Misery” on Metallica's 1991 album Metallica.
Newsted joined Metallica after the death of bassist Cliff Burton and contributed several ideas to the Black Album sessions. His central riff for “My Friend of Misery” was originally conceived for an instrumental piece, continuing a tradition that had appeared on earlier Metallica records.
The band ultimately added lyrics and vocals, making the track the album's eleventh song rather than a fully instrumental composition. James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich shaped the final arrangement with Newsted, while Kirk Hammett contributed lead guitar.
The song's development is often confused with its songwriting credits. Although Newsted originated the bass idea, the album credits list the composition under Metallica's core songwriting partnership of Hetfield and Ulrich, with Newsted credited for the bass concept and performance.