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Enter Sandman

"Enter Sandman" is a 1991 song by the American heavy metal band Metallica.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Enter Sandman" is a 1991 song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was the lead single and opening track from the band’s self-titled album, commonly known as the Black Album, and became one of Metallica’s best-known songs.

Background and release

"Enter Sandman" was issued on July 29, 1991 as the first single from Metallica’s fifth studio album, Metallica. The album became widely known as the Black Album.

Composition and lyrics

The song was written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, with Hetfield writing the lyrics. The lyrics focus on a child’s nightmares and related fears.

Reception and legacy

The song became one of Metallica’s most recognizable recordings and received extensive radio play. It reached number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and helped drive the commercial success of the Black Album. In Canada, the song is a well-known staple of rock and metal radio and live setlists for Canadian audiences.

Music video

An official music video was released for the song and helped increase its mainstream visibility. The video is among the band’s most widely recognized promotional releases.

Key facts

  • Released as the lead single from Metallica's 1991 self-titled album (the Black Album).
  • The lyrics deal with childhood nightmares and fear before sleep.
  • The music was written by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett.
  • It reached number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
  • The song helped drive the commercial success of the Black Album.
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Canadian context

Metallica has had a major fan base in Canada, and "Enter Sandman" is a well-known staple of rock and metal radio and live setlists for Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Enter Sandman"?
The music was written by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett, and Hetfield wrote the lyrics.
When was "Enter Sandman" released?
It was released on July 29, 1991.
What album is "Enter Sandman" on?
It appears on Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, commonly called the Black Album.
What is the song about?
The lyrics deal with childhood nightmares and fear before sleep.
How did the song perform commercially?
It reached number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Metallica’s biggest radio hits.

References

  1. Metallica — https://www.metallica.com/releases/singles/enter-sandman-single.html
    Supports: Release date, song credits, and single details.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enter_Sandman
    Supports: Album placement, release date, genre, chart position, and certification summary.
  3. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/metallica/enter-sandman
    Supports: Song theme and status as a heavily played Metallica song.
  4. Metallica — https://www.metallica.com/videos/enter-sandman-official-music-video.html
    Supports: Existence of the official music video.