The Metallica song “Ride the Lightning” was written by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton, and Dave Mustaine.

Hetfield and Ulrich were the band’s main songwriters at the time, shaping most of the structure and lyrics. Burton contributed to the musical ideas and arrangement, especially the more complex, melodic elements. Mustaine is credited for the distinctive “spider chord” riff that was incorporated into the song even after he left Metallica, which is why he still receives a writing credit.

In short, if you’re asking “who wrote Ride the Lightning,” the official answer is: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton, and Dave Mustaine.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.