Lars Ulrich Says James Hetfield’s Lyrics Are ‘Very Daring’ and That He Loves The ‘Vulnerability’ In Them

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Lars Ulrich Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for P+ and MTV / James Hetfield Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for P+ and MTV
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Along with being a great guitarist and singer, James Hetfield is also a talented lyricist. For over four decades, Hetfield has written a tremendous amount songs covering various subjects, with many being quite personal.

Take the band’s newest album 72 Seasons for example – throughout that record, Hetfield speaks to a variety of heavy subjects regarding what one might experience in the first 18 years of their life (e.g. “Screaming Suicide”).

Recently, while talking to Metal Hammer, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was asked what he hears when he listens to Hetfield’s lyrics – here is what he had to say:

“Vulnerability. Transparency. Acceptance and hope. Possibility. Redemption.

“I feel that they’re very daring, I love the vulnerability, I love the fact that he’s comfortable sharing that side of what’s in his head and what’s coming out is very relatable for all of us.

“The lyrics all come from James, but we’re all in a place in our lives where we’re much more comfortable with who we are as people, and sharing and showing who we are. Not trying to pretend we’re 20 years old or 30 years old or even 40 years old.”

What do you think of James Hetfield as a lyricist? What are some Metallica lyrics that have really moved you?

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Upcoming Metallica tour dates in 2023:

  • August 4th and 6th – East Rutherford, NJ – Metlife Stadium
    August 11th and 13th – Montreal, Canada – Stade Olympique
    August 18th and 20th – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium
    August 25th and 27th – Los Angeles, CA – SOFI Stadium
    September 1st and 3rd – Phoenix, AZ – State Farm Stadium
    November 3rd and 5th – St. Louis, MO – The Dome (At America’s Center)
    November 10th and 12th – Detroit, MI – Ford Field

In 2024:

  • August 2nd and 4th – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
    August 9th and 11th – Chicago, IL – Solider Field
    August 16th and 18th – Minneapolis, MN – US Bank Stadium
    August 23rd and 25th – Edmonton, Canada – Commonwealth Stadium
    August 30th and September 1st – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field