James, when playing this LIVE for the first time on the third night of the Metclub-exclusive “30 years of Metallica” sets, said on the song:
“That song’s for you. If you’ve ever been to Hell and back. And continue to keep going there, because you think it’s the right place. All depends on what your...
[Verse 1]
There's nowhere else I can run to
She's wretched, but she comforts me
And after everyone goes home
She's always there for me
And when the sun goes hell-bound
And the moon does resurrect the night
I will hide within her
Not much good has come out of the light
[Chorus 1]
After everyone goes home
And I'm left here on my own
I will, run straight to Hell and back
Straight to Hell and back
[Chorus 2]
When they turn out all their lights
And I'm left to brood at night
Always, return to Hell and back
Straight to Hell and back
[Post-Chorus 1]
Straight down, yeah
[Verse 2]
A lonely light in a window
Just longing for some company
Tragic, heartless, and hateful
But there's nothing as willing as she
And when the night has fallen
It falls hard and then it all begins
When she starts her calling
I feel my darkness growing from within
[Chorus 1]
After everyone goes home
And I'm left here on my own
I will, run straight to Hell and back
Straight to Hell and back
[Chorus 2]
When they turn out all their lights
And I'm left to brood at night
Always, return to Hell and back
Straight to Hell and back
[Post-Chorus 2]
Straight to Hell and back
I will, run straight to Hell and back... no
[Bridge]
I become two
We become one
Unbridled, unequal
Unholy, undone
The path is cut deep
The path is worn well
I follow my footsteps
To the warmth of Hell
The warmth of Hell
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus 1]
After everyone goes home
And I'm left here on my own
I will, run straight to Hell and back
Straight to Hell and back
[Post-Chorus 3]
Straight to Hell and back
[Chorus 2]
When they turn out all their lights
And I'm left to brood at night
Always, return to Hell and back
Return to Hell and back
[Outro]
Straight to Hell and back
Straight to Hell and back
I will, run straight to Hell and back
Straight down
Hell and Back was written by James Hetfield & Kirk Hammett & Robert Trujillo & Lars Ulrich.
Hell and Back was produced by Rick Rubin.
Metallica released Hell and Back on Tue Dec 13 2011.