Depending on my current state of mind, certain songs trigger thoughts about the state of affairs in this increasingly warped world and my place in this chaotic spiraling civilization. This song meant one thing to their lead singer and songwriter James Hetfield, but everyone who hears the song relates to its lyrics in a way personal to them.

He essentially wrote the song about being on the road and away from his  girlfriend. But, as he explained in later interviews, the song's meaning grew to encompass much more for others:

"It's about being on the road, missing someone at home, but it was written in such a way, it connected with so many people, that it wasn't just about two people, it was about a connection with your higher power, lots of different things. I remember going to the Hells Angels Clubhouse in New York, and they showed me a film that they'd put together of one of the fallen brothers, and they were playing 'Nothing Else Matters.' Wow. This means a lot more than me missing my chick, right? This is brotherhood. It's pretty powerful."