The song's primary theme is the internal struggle with .

"If Darkness Had a Son" is the ninth track and third single from eleventh studio album, 72 Seasons , released in 2023. Spanning seven minutes, it is often described as one of the darkest and most intense tracks on the record. Core Themes & Lyrics

: The chorus mentions "bathing in holy water," representing a desperate attempt to wash away these inner demons and begging temptation to "leave me be". Musical Composition

Musically, the track pulls from several eras of Metallica's history, blending modern groove with progressive elements.

: The word "Temptation" is chanted repeatedly, acting as a mantra for the constant beckoning of dark desires.

: The lyrics portray darkness and temptation as a father-son relationship, with James Hetfield positioning himself as the "son" born of temptation.