Metallica: Nothing Else Matters (Live 2007)

Band members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett wrote this. According to Hetfield, he wrote the song about a girlfriend he once had, but when he looks back at it, he can’t remember why he wrote it.

About This Song

“Nothing Else Matters” is a renowned rock ballad by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was written by James Hetfield, the band’s vocalist and rhythm guitarist, along with Lars Ulrich, the drummer. The song was released in 1992 as part of their self-titled fifth studio album, commonly referred to as the “Black Album.”

“Nothing Else Matters” stands out in Metallica’s discography as a departure from their typical heavy and aggressive sound. It showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally charged and melodic compositions. The song features acoustic guitar passages, a prominent clean guitar melody, and introspective lyrics, making it one of their most accessible and commercially successful songs.

The lyrics delve into themes of love, trust, and vulnerability, reflecting a personal and intimate side of James Hetfield’s songwriting. The song’s central message conveys the idea of staying true to oneself and holding on to what truly matters, despite the challenges and distractions of the outside world.

Upon its release, “Nothing Else Matters” received widespread acclaim and has since become one of Metallica’s most beloved and enduring songs. It has been performed in countless concerts and has been covered by various artists across different genres, attesting to its lasting impact on popular music.

Video

Lyric

So close, no matter how far
Couldn’t be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don’t just say
And nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know

So close, no matter how far
It couldn’t be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know

I never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don’t just say
And nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us, something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know, yeah

So close, no matter how far
Couldn’t be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
No, nothing else matters