diff --git a/singer_sdk/sinks/core.py b/singer_sdk/sinks/core.py
index 7d9d24a3cd..fceb433942 100644
--- a/singer_sdk/sinks/core.py
+++ b/singer_sdk/sinks/core.py
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ def include_sdc_metadata_properties(self) -> bool:
         Returns:
             True if metadata columns should be added.
         """
-        return self.config.get("add_record_metadata", False)
+        return self.config.get("add_record_metadata", True)
 
     @property
     def process_activate_version_messages(self) -> bool: