What is the meaning of the song?
The "King Nothing" lyrics refer to people who devote their whole lives to earning money or fame or celebrity, until one day they realize ("Then it all crashes down") that all the money has gotten them nothing worthwhile. A second meaning may refer to people who have spent their lives wishing rather than earning the things they desire.
At the end of the song, the words "Off to never-never land" can be heard.This is a nod to one of Metallica's most famous songs, "Enter Sandman", which also features this lyric. The song also features a similar structure and riff which probably explains the beginning of the song.
King Nothing Lyrics:
Wish I may
Wish I might
Have this I wish tonight
Are you satisfied?
Dig for gold
Dig for fame
You dig to make your name
Are you pacified?
All the wants you waste
All the things you've chased
And it all crashes down
And you break your crown
And you point your finger
But there's no one around
Just want one thing
Just to play the king
But the castle crumbled
And you've left with just a name
Where's your crown?
King Nothing
Hard and cold
Bought and sold
A heart as hard as gold
Are you satisfied
Wish I might
Wish I may
You wish your life away
Are you pacified
All the wants you waste
All the things you've chased
Where's Your Crown?
King Nothing
I wish I may
I wish I might
Have this wish I wish tonight
I want that star
I want it now
I want it all and I don't care how
Careful what you wish
Careful what you say
Careful what you wish
You may regret it
Careful what you wish
You just might get it
Then it all crashes down
And you break your crown
And you point your finger
But there's no one around
Nothin'
No, you're just nothin'
Where's your crown, King Nothing?
No, you're just nothin'
Absolutely nothin'
More of Metallica's Load album song lyrics.
