How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

About

Genius Annotation

Keeping with the grim nature of Master of Puppets with songs about being manipulated, mistreated, abused, etc., this song is about being mentally abused in an insane asylum, which as early as Ten Days in a Mad-House was shown as a place that treats interns horribly. The song’s inspiration comes from the other famous work about an asylum, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Metallica say about "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)"?
Genius Answer

James Hetfield:

The idea for that song came from the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. “Fade to Black” worked well, and we wanted to have another slow, clean, picking type of song, this time with a chorus. I had trouble singing that chorus. It’s really high, and when I went to sing it in the studio, I remember Flemming looking at me like, “You’re kidding.” I said “Shit, I don’t know if I can do this!” So I ended up singing it lower than I intended, but we put a higher harmony on it and it worked pretty well. The riff for that song was lifted from some other band, who shall remain anonymous.

Credits
Background Vocals
Lead guitar
Mastering Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Assistant Mixing Engineer
Rhythm Guitar
Lead Vocals
Assistant Engineer
Recorded At
Sweet Silence Studios
Release Date
March 3, 1986
View Welcome Home (Sanitarium) samples
Tags
Comments