Head Like a Hole

Nine Inch Nails

About Head Like a Hole

"Head Like a Hole" is a song by the American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, released as the second single from the group's debut album, Pretty Hate Machine. The song is an industrial rock song with elements of electronic and dance music, and is one of the more rock-oriented songs on the album. Lyrically, it discusses betrayal and angst. "Head Like a Hole" is among the band's most famous songs, and remains both a fan and critic favorite. It enjoyed heavy rotation on the radio at the time of its release, eventually reaching number 9 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. It has been covered by several artists, including Devo, Showbread, AFI, Korn, Buckcherry, and Miley Cyrus. 


Year:
2002
4:54
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

God money, I'll do anything for you
God money, just tell me what you want me to
God money, nail me up against the wall
God money, don't want everything he wants it all

No, you can't take it
No, you can't take it
No, you can't take that away from me
No, you can't take it
No, you can't take it
No, you can't take that away from me

Head like a hole
Black as your soul
I'd rather die than give you control
Head like a hole
Black as your soul
I'd rather die than give you control

Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve
Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve

God money's not looking for the cure
God money's not concerned about the sick among the pure
God money, let's go dancing on the backs of the bruised
God money's not one to choose

No, you can't take it
No, you can't take it
No, you can't take that away from me
No, you can't take it
No, you can't take it
No, you can't take that away from me

Head like a hole
Black as your soul
I'd rather die than give you control
Head like a hole
Black as your soul
I'd rather die than give you control

Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve
Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve

Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve
Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve

Head like a hole
Black as your soul
I'd rather die than give you control
Head like a hole
Black as your soul
I'd rather die than give you control

Head like a hole
Black as your soul
I'd rather die than give you control
Head like a hole
Black as your soul
I'd rather die than give you control

Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve
Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve

Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve
Bow down before the one you serve
You're going to get what you deserve

You know who you are

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails (abbreviated as NIN, sometimes stylized as NIИ) is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction. Nine Inch Nails' music straddles a wide range of genres. After recording a new album, Reznor (until the 2009 Wave Goodbye Tour) usually assembles a live band to perform with him. The touring band features a revolving lineup that often rearranges songs to fit a live setting. On stage, Nine Inch Nails often employs visual elements to accompany performances, which frequently include light shows. more »

7 fans

Written by: Trent Reznor

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Origins
The original version of "Head Like a Hole" was written and performed by Nine Inch Nails, fronted by Trent Reznor.
Release Details
The song was first released as part of Nine Inch Nails' debut studio album, "Pretty Hate Machine," in 1989.
AFI's Cover
American punk rock band AFI recorded a cover version of "Head Like A Hole," which they released on their 2006 album, "Decemberunderground."
Popularity
The song has been recognized as one of Nine Inch Nails' most popular tracks, often being featured in the band's live performances.
Song Meaning
The song's lyrics have been interpreted as a statement against greed and corruption, using the metaphor of the "head like a hole" to represent a mind focused on material gain over human values.
Music Video
Nine Inch Nails' music video for "Head Like A Hole," directed by Eric Zimmerman and Benjamin Stokes, was noted for its dark industrial aesthetics.
Chart Performance
"Head Like a Hole" charted in the top 10 on US Billboard's Alternative Songs chart.
AFI's Interpretation
AFI's version of the song adds their signature hardcore punk flavor, while maintaining the original's industrial rock vibe.
Impact on Culture
"Head Like a Hole" has been featured in various television shows and films, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone of industrial rock.
Trent Reznor's Reflection
In several interviews, Reznor has noted that "Head Like A Hole" was one of the songs that really defined the early sound and direction of Nine Inch Nails.
Notable Usage in Media
A reworked version of "Head Like a Hole" was used as the antagonist's theme in the 2019 season of the Netflix series "Black Mirror."
Other Covers
Apart from AFI, "Head Like a Hole" has been covered by various artists including Devo, Showbread, and Miley Cyrus.

Discuss the Head Like a Hole Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Head Like a Hole Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5274219/Nine+Inch+Nails/Head+Like+a+Hole>.

    Missing lyrics by Nine Inch Nails?

    Know any other songs by Nine Inch Nails? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Head Like a Hole

    16.6M
    144.7K     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    In what year did Elvis Presley die?
    A 1977
    B 1976
    C 1975
    D 1978

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Nine Inch Nails tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Head Like a Hole

    »
    • SuperCop