Metallica Song Catalog: Sad But True

Written by

James Hetfield
Lars Ulrich

Total Performances

1414

See all performances

First Performed Live

August 1, 1991

Petaluma, CA, United States

Most Recent Performance

October 15, 2025

San Francisco, CA, United States

Appeared on These Releases

"Metallica" (The Black Album) Album Cover

"A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica" Album Cover

"Tap Tap Revenge: Metallica" Album Cover

"Orgullo, Pasión, y Gloria: Tres Noches en la Ciudad de México" Album Cover

"The Big 4: Live in Sofia, Bulgaria" Album Cover

"Live at Webster Hall, New York, NY – September 27th, 2016" Album Cover

Live at House of Vans, London, England – November 18th, 2016

"Live in Argentina (1993-2017)" Album Cover

"Live in Brazil (1993-2017)" Album Cover

Metallica (Remastered Deluxe Box Set) Album Cover

Banner Image for Metallica's Remastered Deluxe Box Set for "Metallica"

Lyrics

Hey I’m your life I’m the one who takes you there Hey I’m your life I’m the one who cares They They betray I’m your only true friend now They They’ll betray I’m forever there I’m your dream, make you real I’m your eyes when you must steal I’m your pain when you can’t feel Sad but true I’m your dream, mind astray I’m your eyes while you’re away I’m your pain while you repay You know it’s sad but true You You’re my mask You’re my cover, my shelter You You’re my mask You’re the one who’s blamed Do Do my work Do my dirty work, scapegoat Do Do my deeds For you’re the one who’s shamed I’m your dream, make you real I’m your eyes when you must steal I’m your pain when you can’t feel Sad but true I’m your dream, mind astray I’m your eyes while you’re away I’m your pain while you repay You know it’s sad but true Hate I’m your hate I’m your hate when you want love Pay Pay the price Pay, for nothing’s fair Hey I’m your life I’m the one who took you there Hey I’m your life And I no longer care I’m your dream, make you real I’m your eyes when you must steal I’m your pain when you can’t feel Sad but true I’m your truth, telling lies I’m your reason, alibis I’m inside, open your eyes I’m you Sad but true