James Hetfield’s influences as a musician extend far beyond the realm of metal. Recently, the iconic frontman of Metallica acknowledged a legendary singer-songwriter with a distinctive gravelly voice, referring to him as “a master craftsman” in the art of lyricism. This insight came during an enlightening discussion about his songwriting process on The Metallica Report podcast, showcasing Hetfield’s appreciation for diverse musical styles and lyrical depth.

So, which esteemed artist earned Hetfield’s respect? The answer is Tom Waits, a 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy-winning artist who has achieved cult status throughout his illustrious career. Hetfield’s admiration for Waits underlines the profound impact that varied musical influences can have on a songwriter’s craft.

Hetfield passionately champions Waits’ artistry, stating, “As far as Tom Waits being a master craftsman at lyrics, he has a unique ability to paint a vivid picture in just one sentence. It’s a fascinating process that requires significant effort.” His acknowledgment of Waits as a lyricist to aspire to reveals the depth of respect Hetfield has for the nuanced intricacies of songwriting.

However, Hetfield also highlights that Waits possesses a natural talent for this craft, noting, “I witnessed Tom live out his artistry; his vocabulary was intrinsically tied to his existence. He could articulate his thoughts in such a poetic manner, which I find challenging to replicate.” This candid reflection offers insight into Hetfield’s own journey as a lyricist and his quest for expressive authenticity.

In a memorable interview from 1996 with Guitar World, Hetfield publicly praised Waits while promoting Metallica’s Load album. He remarked, “I’ve been focusing on lyricists who craft profound poetry rather than those who simply churn out words for a song. I sought to comprehend various perspectives on lyric writing. Nick Cave’s Murder Ballads is phenomenal, and I thoroughly enjoy all of Tom Waits’ work. I’ve even explored Leonard Cohen’s lyrics; while I may not appreciate his music, his lyrical prowess is undeniable.”

Exploring the Musical Genius of Tom Waits

Tom Waits, initially inspired by the folk movement of the 1960s, developed a unique style characterized by character-driven narratives and vividly descriptive storytelling. Although he may not have achieved mainstream commercial success, each of his albums has garnered critical acclaim, cementing his status as a lyrical innovator. His influence can be seen across a wide spectrum of artists and genres, showcasing the power of his songwriting.

Notably, some of the biggest names in music have covered Waits’ songs, including Bruce Springsteen with “Jersey Girl,” Rod Stewart’s rendition of “Downtown Train,” Ramones’ “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up,” Eagles’ “Ol’ ’55,” Hootie and the Blowfish’s “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You,” and Tori Amos’ version of “Time.” This multitude of covers highlights the universal appeal and timeless quality of Waits’ songwriting.

As previously mentioned, Waits is a multiple Grammy Award winner, most recently earning the accolade for Best Alternative Album for his acclaimed 1999 release, Mule Variations. Neil Young had the honor of inducting Waits into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. With his characteristic wit, Waits humorously remarked, “They say I have no hits and that I’m hard to collaborate with. And they express that as if it’s a bad thing!” This playful self-awareness reflects Waits’ unique personality and artistic integrity.

James Hetfield’s Unique Approach to Songwriting

During his conversation on The Metallica Report podcast, Hetfield delves into his fascination with words and their transformative power in songwriting. He explains, “I find words that pique my curiosity. Coming from a graphics background, the visual appeal of a word holds substantial significance for me. For instance, ‘Lux Aeterna’—the inclusion of ‘x’ and the ‘AE’ combination is just brilliant!” His enthusiasm for language demonstrates his artistic approach to crafting lyrics.

He further elaborates, “Having access to thesauruses, dictionaries, and other resources today is incredibly beneficial. When someone presents me with a word I’m unfamiliar with, I look it up and think, ‘Hey, now I understand it!’ I enjoy exploring books to discover intriguing words, collecting them, and figuring out where they fit in my work. It’s akin to assembling a vehicle—gathering diverse words to create a cohesive piece. However, I also ponder the meaning: Is it substantial enough to convey the intended message?”

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He humorously contrasts his intricate approach with more straightforward songwriting, saying, “Then I see a band like Green Day with a simple yet catchy song like ‘Know Your Enemy.’ It’s so memorable and effective, but it doesn’t necessarily embody literary genius,” he chuckles, playfully acknowledging his own invented term.

Hetfield explains, “At times, I invent words just to effectively communicate an idea. To me, integrating words into a song is akin to introducing another instrument. Therefore, if filler words like ‘and,’ ‘the,’ or ‘if’ obstruct the flow, I prefer to eliminate them. The focus should be on the substantial, impactful words that convey the essence of the message.”

Check out more of the discussion from The Metallica Report Podcast below.

James Hetfield Discusses Songwriting Techniques and Lyric Craft on The Metallica Report Podcast