"Ain't My Bitch" | ||||
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Promotional single by Metallica | ||||
from the album Load | ||||
Released | July 3, 1996 | |||
Recorded | May 1995–February 1996 at The Plant Studios, Sausalito, California, U.S. | |||
Genre | Heavy metal | |||
Length | 5:04 | |||
Label | Elektra | |||
Songwriter(s) | James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich | |||
Producer(s) | Bob Rock, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich | |||
Load track listing | ||||
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"Ain't My Bitch" is a song by American heavy metal band Metallica, from the sixth album Load. It is the opening track of the album and it was released as a promotional single in Mexico; it also reached number fifteen on the U.S. Mainstream Rock charts.
"Ain't My Bitch" gained media attention and notoriety due to its title. Vocalist/Lyricist James Hetfield later explained that the 'bitch' in the song does not refer to a woman, but acts as a metaphor for a problem. Under this interpretation, the song takes on a decidedly different theme, dealing with a person who harbors no concern for other people's problems.
Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett used a slide for the guitar solo, a first for Metallica and one of the many musical departures found on Load. Upon the album's release in June 1996, "Ain't My Bitch" quickly became a staple in the band's live set, featured regularly during their Poor Touring Me world tour. The song was last played in 1998, and as of 2017, has yet to be included in setlist rotation.
The song's demo was named "Bitch" and was recorded on April 6, 1995.