Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
In the latest episode of the Metallica Report podcast, the band’s frontman discusses everything related to lyric-writing.
James Hetfield, singer and guitarist of Metallica, appears on a new episode of the Metallica Report podcast to delve into the art of lyric-writing. During the conversation, the 61-year-old expresses deep admiration for Tom Waits, describing the genre-defying California musician as “a master craftsman at lyrics.”
Hetfield shares, “Tom Waits is a master at painting a picture with just one sentence, which fascinates me, and it takes a lot of effort.” He adds, “I witnessed him live, and his vocabulary stood out. He could speak in that way, but I can’t.”
As the conversation continues, Hetfield also highlights another unexpected influence on his lyric-writing: the pop-punk legends Green Day.
Hetfield compares lyric-writing to building a vehicle or assembling something, explaining, “You collect lots of little words, and then you figure out how they fit together. What does this really mean? Is it enough for a subject matter?”
He then mentions his appreciation for Green Day, saying, “I watch a band like Green Day, and they have simple lines like ‘Know your enemy’ or ‘Do you know your enemy?’ It’s so catchy and effective, it really sticks with you, but it’s not exactly literary genius.”
Having co-founded Metallica in 1981, Hetfield has writing credits on nearly all of their songs, with the exception of the 1983 bass solo “Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth).” In 2016, he named Tom Waits as one of his favorite songwriters of all time.
Hetfield expressed his admiration for great lyricists, saying, “I just wish I could be as good as Tom Waits, Phil Lynott, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, and many other talented lyricists. It’s really cool to read about them and learn how they create their work.” This was shared at a symposium hosted by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.
Over his 50-plus-year career, Tom Waits has explored a wide range of genres, including rock, jazz, blues, funk, hip-hop, and opera. He’s also known for his acting roles in films like Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) and Licorice Pizza (2021).
Known for his deep, distinctive voice and unconventional lyrics, Waits was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 by Neil Young, who described him as “a performer, singer, actor, magician, spirit guide, and changeling.”
