Enter Sandman is one of the most iconic songs of 90s rock, marking a milestone in Metallica’s career and the music world in general. Released in 1991 as part of their album ‘Metallica’, this powerful ballad tackles themes such as fear and childhood vulnerability, enveloping the listener in a unique sonic experience. Its intense mix of guitar riffs and intriguing lyrics have resonated throughout the decades, making it a timeless classic. In this article, we explore the lyrics of Enter Sandman, their translation, and a detailed analysis of their underlying meanings. Join us as we unravel why this song remains relevant and resonant in today’s music culture, while celebrating Metallica’s lasting legacy and influence on several generations of musicians and fans.
Lyrics and translation into Spanish
Enter Sandman
Say your prayers, little one, don’t forget, my son
To include everyone
I tuck you in, warm within, keep you free from sin
‘Til the Sandman, he comes, ah
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight
Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We’re off to Never-Neverland
Something’s wrong, shut the light, heavy thoughts tonight
And they aren’t of Snow White
Dreams of war, dreams of liars, dreams of dragons’ fire
And of things that will bite, yeah
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight
Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We’re off to Never-Neverland
Yeah
Now, I lay me down to sleep (now, I lay me down to sleep)
Pray the Lord my soul to keep (pray the Lord my soul to keep)
If I die before I wake (if I die before I wake)
Pray the Lord my soul to take (pray the Lord my soul to take)
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word
And never mind that noise you heard
It’s just the beasts under your bed
In your closet, in your head
Exit light
Enter night
Grain of sand
Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We’re off to Never-Neverland
Yeah
Oh
Yeah, yeah
Whoa, oh
(We’re off to Never-Neverland) take my hand
(We’re off to Never-Neverland) take my hand
(We’re off to Never-Neverland)
(We’re off to Never-Neverland)
(We’re off to Never-Neverland)
(We’re off to Never-Neverland)
Translation of Enter Sandman
Diga sus oraciones, pequeño, no olvides, hijo mío
Incluir a todos
Te arropo, calientito, te mantengo libre de pecado
Hasta que el hombre de arena, él venga, ah
Duerme con un ojo abierto
Apretando tu almohada fuerte
Sal de la luz
Entra en la noche
Toma mi mano
Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás
Algo está mal, apaga la luz, pensamientos pesados esta noche
Y no son de Blanca Nieves
Sueños de guerra, sueños de mentirosos, sueños de fuego de dragones
Y de cosas que morderán, sí
Duerme con un ojo abierto
Apretando tu almohada fuerte
Sal de la luz
Entra en la noche
Toma mi mano
Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás
Sí
Ahora, me acuesto a dormir (ahora, me acuesto a dormir)
Rezo al Señor que mi alma cuide (rezo al Señor que mi alma cuide)
Si muero antes de despertar (si muero antes de despertar)
Rezo al Señor que mi alma tome (rezo al Señor que mi alma tome)
Silencio, pequeño bebé, no digas una palabra
Y no te preocupes por ese ruido que escuchaste
Son solo las bestias debajo de tu cama
En tu armario, en tu cabeza
Sal de la luz
Entra en la noche
Grano de arena
Sal de la luz
Entra en la noche
Toma mi mano
Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás
Sí
Oh
Sí, sí
Whoa, oh
(Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás) toma mi mano
(Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás) toma mi mano
(Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás)
(Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás)
(Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás)
(Nos vamos a Nunca-Jamás)
Analysis of the song Enter Sandman by Metallica
Production and musical style
“Enter Sandman” was written by Metallica members James Hetfield , Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett . The song was produced by Bob Rock , who also worked on the album that contains the song, “Metallica,” released in 1991. The song features a powerful guitar riff, which is accompanied by a driving rhythm and drums that set the dark and heavy atmosphere that defines it.
Among the innovations of “Enter Sandman” is the use of a melodic intro that contrasts with the intensity of the later riffs. The instrumentation combines distorted electric guitars , a hard bass and powerful percussion, creating a sound that fuses elements of heavy metal with touches of hard rock and grunge of the time. The pace is fast, but maintains a structure that allows the melody to be accessible and catchy, managing to attract both metal fans and a wider audience.
Meaning of the lyrics
The lyrics of “Enter Sandman” address the theme of childhood fear , specifically the fear of darkness and nightmares . Through its narrative, the song introduces the figure of the “ Sandman ,” a being representative of dreams, often associated with the transition between wakefulness and sleep. However, Metallica turns this traditional image into a metaphor for the fear that haunts children as they go to sleep, reflecting the anguish and anxiety that can arise in childhood.
As the song progresses, references to dreamlike and disturbing elements can be identified , such as the arrival of ghosts and creatures emerging from the darkness. These images evoke a sense of vulnerability, highlighting how fears are amplified during the night . Through this representation, the lyrics explore how fears can be omnipresent, even in the most innocent moments of life.
Finally, “Enter Sandman” also suggests that everyone, regardless of age, faces their own inner demons. By the end of the song, the repetition of its themes and the musical crescendo convey an almost desperate feeling, underlining that sleep is not always a refuge, but can be a place where fears become tangible and difficult to ignore. This duality between the innocence of childhood and the darkness of the subconscious makes the song resonate deeply with many people, making it a timeless metal classic.
Comparison with other songs of the decade
Metallica’s 1991 “Enter Sandman” stands as a metal milestone for both its innovative sound and its haunting lyrics . Compared to Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which was released two years later, both songs marked generations , albeit from different angles. While Nirvana represented the effervescence of grunge and youthful nonconformity, Metallica cemented heavy metal’s force in the mainstream. Another big song of the decade, Madonna’s “Vogue”, showcased the musical diversity of the ’90s but lacks Metallica’s grit and aggression. Taken as a whole, “Enter Sandman” stands apart for its ability to capture fear and fantasy, resonating in a cultural context where rock and metal were redefining artistic boundaries, both lyrically and musically.
Impact and legacy of Enter Sandman
Since its release in 1991, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” has left an indelible mark on music and pop culture. This song, with its iconic guitar intro and haunting lyrics, has become a rock music anthem, helping to bring metal to mass audiences . Its mix of heavy riffs and catchy melodies has inspired countless bands and artists over the years, setting a standard in the genre’s musical output.
Furthermore, its presence in media such as films, series and video games has maintained its relevance in the popular sphere. It is often associated with themes of fear and nightmares, resonating with new generations. “Enter Sandman” remains a classic at festivals and concerts , cementing its status as one of the most iconic songs in rock history.
Personal opinion
As a 90s music enthusiast, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” has always resonated deeply with me. The way the band fuses powerful guitar riffs with captivating lyrics transports me back to a time when rock was lived with intensity . I remember the first few times I heard the song; the combination of its enveloping rhythm and dark atmosphere gave me a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Through its chords, I can feel the angst and unease that the subject of childhood fears brings up. Every time it plays, it’s like a reminder of how visceral rock can be, and how music remains a powerful tool to manage our emotions.
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