"Nothing Else Matters"

"Nothing Else Matters" is a song by heavy metal band Metallica. It was first released in 1991 on the self-titled Black Album. Many long-standing Metallica fans, who were used to the harsh lyrical nature of the first three Metallica ballads, did not appreciate the inclusion of a love song. It was one of the principal songs fans pointed to when accusing the band of "selling out." Regardless, the song is now very popular among Metallica fans and hit #11 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks Charts in 1992. It is still played frequently on the radio.

Singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield initially wrote it to a former girlfriend, but now he cannot remember why;[citation needed] some say it meant that "no matter how far" he was (since Metallica spent most of their time on tours), he was still "so close" with the heart. He considered it a very personal song and was not going to publish it, but once drummer Lars Ulrich heard it he wanted it on Metallica. Now Metallica consider it a song dedicated to all their fans. It has become a staple of their live performances.