King Nothing

Metallica · Load [1996]

Wish I may

Wish I might

Have this I wish tonight

Are you satisfied?

Dig for gold

Dig for fame

You dig to make your name

Are you pacified?



All the wants you waste

All the things you've chased



And it all crashes down

And you break your crown

And you point your finger, but there's no one around

Just want one thing, just to play the King

But the castle crumbled and you're left with just a name

Where's your crown, King Nothing?

Where's your crown?



Hard and cold

Bought and sold

A heart as hard as gold

Yeah! Are you satisfied?

Wish I might, Wish I may

You wish your life away

Are you pacified?



All the wants you waste

All the things you've chased



Then it all crashes down

And you break your crown

And you point your finger, but there's no one around

Just want one thing. just to play the King

But the castle crumbled and you're left with just a name

Where's your crown, King Nothing?

Where's your crown?



Huh!



(Spoken)

Wish I may, wish I might

Have this wish, I wish tonight

I want that star, I want it now

I want it all and I don't care how



Careful what you wish

Careful what you say

Careful what you wish you may regret it

Careful what you wish you just might get it



Then it all crashes down

And you break your crown

And you point your finger, but there's no one around

Just want one thing, just to play the King

But the castle crumbled and you're left with just a name

Where's your crown, King Nothing?

Where's your crown?



Oh, You're just nothing

Where's your crown King Nothing?

Oh, you're just nothing

Absolutely nothing

Off to never, never land

King Nothing

Released on the 1996 album Load, 'King Nothing' stands as a pivotal track in Metallica's discography, marking a deliberate departure from their thrash metal roots toward a more melodic, alternative metal sound. The song features James Hetfield's signature rhythmic guitar work layered with Lars Ulrich's distinctive drumming, creating a driving, aggressive atmosphere that defines the era's sonic landscape. As a lead single, it served as a critical bridge between the band's earlier heavy metal identity and the polished production style of the subsequent St. Anger period. The track remains a staple of the band's live performances, showcasing their ability to blend technical proficiency with emotional intensity across different musical styles.