Mama Said (Metallica song)

"Mama Said" was written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.^[5] Musically, it is a country rock and southern rock ballad.^[1][3] Its lyrics are about the death of Hetfield's mother.^[6] The song and fellow Load track "Wasting My Hate" were inspired by Hetfield's friendship with the country singer-songwriter Waylon Jennings.^[7][8]

The song was released as the third single from Load on November 25, 1996.^[9] The music video for the song was directed by Anton Corbijn. It features Hetfield playing the song on an acoustic guitar, sitting alone in the back seat of a car. He travels down a metaphorical highway while the other three members peer at him through the windows. At the end, it is revealed that it was a back-seat studio prop, after which Hetfield and a white horse walk off-screen.^[10]

International single part 1

1. "Mama Said" – 5:19
2. "King Nothing (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 6:50
3. "Whiplash (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 4:52
4. "Mama Said (Edit)" – 4:34

International single part 2

1. "Mama Said" – 5:19
2. "So What (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 3:00
3. "Creeping Death (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 7:15
4. "Mama Said (Early Demo Version)" – 6:52

International 7" vinyl single

1. "Mama Said" – 5:19
2. "Ain't My Bitch (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 5:59

Australian maxi single

1. "Mama Said (Edit)" – 4:34
2. "Mama Said (Early Demo Version)" – 6:52

UK promo single

1. "Mama Said (Edit)" – 4:43
2. "Mama Said" – 5:19

Japanese EP

1. "Mama Said (Edit)" – 4:42
2. "So What (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 2:58
3. "Creeping Death (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 7:14
4. "King Nothing (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 6:51
5. "Whiplash (Live – Irvine Meadows, California 4 August 1996)" – 6:01
6. "Mama Said (Early Demo Version)" – 6:53

According to Benoît Clerc.^[9]

Metallica

• James Hetfield – vocals, acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar
• Kirk Hammett – electric guitar
• Jason Newsted – bass
• Lars Ulrich – drums

Additional musician

• Jim McGillveray – tambourine