Hardwired (Metallica song)

"Hardwired" is a song by American heavy metal band Metallica from their tenth studio album, Hardwired... to Self-Destruct (2016). Produced by Greg Fidelman alongside band members James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, it was the last track created for the album, being written and recorded in about four days. It was released as the album's lead single on August 18, 2016.

A thrash metal song, "Hardwired" is stylistically similar to Metallica's earliest songs. It is one of the band's fastest and shortest songs, only being about three minutes long. It's pessimistic lyrics center around the concept of a civilization consumed by paranoia, pain, and insanity. While its initial meaning was the idea of one's choices and mistakes being a part of who they are, the song has been interpreted in different ways, with some viewing it as representative of 2016's geopolitical climate.

"Hardwired" was positively received from critics, who praised its composition, speed, and lyrics, although some criticized it for not being like the rest of the album. It received a nomination for Best Rock Song at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, though lost to David Bowie's "Blackstar". It charted in several countries, reaching number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and number three on the UK Rock & Metal chart. and has been certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association, Pro-Música Brasil, and the Recording Industry Association of America. An accompanying music video, directed by Colin Hakes and "The Artist", was also released. The song has been performed live several times by the band, being debuted live three days after its release and being performed during the WorldWired Tour and the M72 World Tour.