Now That We're Dead

Album: Hardwired... to Self-Destruct (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • James Hetfield sings here of someone whose lover has died, and he is looking forward to them being reunited in the afterlife.
  • When Metallica started tracking the song, they found they were overthinking it and were forced to use one of the preproduction rehearsal takes. Lars Ulrich explained to Rolling Stone:

    "With 'Now That We're Dead,' we recorded it and everything kept getting tighter and precise, and all of a sudden you go, wait a minute, I think we just beat all the life out of this thing [laughs]. We went back and listened to the preproduction floor takes – almost like the last rehearsals – and it's like, 'Hey, wait a minute. There's a completely different vibe there. It sounds like a living, breathing entity rather than something put together by a drill sergeant.' [Laughs] So we went with a version that was a little bit looser."
  • The song received its live debut on January 11, 2017 during the band's convert at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea. The band debuted another Hardwired track, "Halo of Fire" later on in the gig.
  • "Now That We're Dead" served as the entrance and exit theme for WWE wrestler The Undertaker during his Wrestlemania 36 match against AJ Styles on April 4, 2020.

Comments: 2

  • Joe M from UsaGood song but honestly feels like a less cool version of dont fear the reaper.
  • Garry from Northeast OhioAs a Metallica family member, I can say it's my New favorite song. It's the deepest and most important song to get you fired up. When one can be forgiven we should never fear death but look forward to that open door. Nothing but love for you guys!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.