Enter Sandman

"Enter Sandman" is a song by American heavy metal band Metallica. It's the opening track and lead single from their self-titled fifth album. The music was written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. Vocalist and guitarist Hetfield wrote the lyrics which deal with the concept of a child's nightmares.

Background
When they were writing the song, Hetfield at first had "disrupt the perfect family" which he wrote about sudden infant death syndrome. He wanted this instead of "off to never never land". He also wanted the sandman to kill the baby but said that it was too corny. In an interview with Uncut, Hetfield said:

 In the song, Hetfield sings the bedtime prayer "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep".

Legacy
The song was able to make it to #10 on the Mainstream Rock, #16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and RPM's Canada Top Singles charts. 

Both the physical and mastertone releases were  certified Gold and the digital release was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 

It was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 34th Grammy Awards but lost to Sting's "The Soul Cages".

Music video
A music video for the song was released. It was directed by Wayne Isham. In the video, a child is in bed having nightmares while sleeping. In his nightmares, he is drowning, jumps off a building, gets covered in snakes and is chased by a semi truck. R. G. Armstrong plays the old man in the video.

Track listings
US single
 "Enter Sandman" – 5:37
 "Stone Cold Crazy" – 2:19

International CD single
 "Enter Sandman" – 5:37
 "Stone Cold Crazy" – 2:19
 "Enter Sandman (Demo)" – 5:05

International 12-inch vinyl single (4 tracks)
 "Enter Sandman" – 5:34
 "Holier Than Thou (Work in Progress...)" – 3:48
 "Stone Cold Crazy" – 2:17
 "Enter Sandman (Demo)" – 5:05

International 12-inch vinyl single (3 tracks)
 "Enter Sandman" – 5:34
 "Stone Cold Crazy" – 2:17
 "Enter Sandman (Demo)" – 5:05

International 7-inch vinyl single
 "Enter Sandman" – 5:34
 "Stone Cold Crazy" – 2:17

International 7-inch vinyl picture disc single
 "Enter Sandman" – 5:34
 "Stone Cold Crazy" – 2:17

Australian 2-track CD single
 "Enter Sandman" – 5:37
 "Stone Cold Crazy" – 2:19

Japanese 2-track 3-inch CD single
 "Enter Sandman"
 "Stone Cold Crazy"

Personnel 
Personnel adapted from Metallica liner notes, except where noted.

Metallica
James Hetfield – guitars, vocals, production
Lars Ulrich – drums, production
Kirk Hammett – lead guitar
Jason Newsted – bass

Additional Personnel
Bob Rock's son – child talking
Bob Rock – producer
Randy Staub –  engineer
Mike Tacci –  assistant engineer

References

Other websites

Category:1991 songs
Category:Metallica songs
Category:Weezer songs
Category:Hard rock songs
Category:Heavy metal
Category:Songs about nightmares