Now It Has Been Suggested, Based on the Final Pre-Chorus, That This Narrative Is Actually a Dream the Singer Is Having. but That Theory Is Debatable. What Is Definitely the Case Is That the Singer Is Trying to Imagine What It Would Feel Like to Be Electrocuted as a Death Row Inmate.

This Is the Title Track from Metallica’s Second Album. It Was Released with the Rest of the Porject, via Megaforce Records, on 27 July 1984.

Who Wrote “Ride the Lightning”?

The Writers of This Song Are Metallica Mainstays James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich as Well as Past Members Dave Mustaine (1982-83) and Cliff Burton, Who Passed Away in 1986.

Metallica – Ride the Lightning

By Alexander Ross

• Oct 9, 2026 • 3 min read

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

By Jessica Shelton ·

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.

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