head like a hole

lyric analysis

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

seemingly,trent is singing from the perspective of someone who's material possessions, specifically money, have a strong hold on them. trent could be referencing how celebrities allow money to control their lives, or using money as a metaphor for a person, feeling or place.

"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" is likely talking about how they don't care about what they need to do or what needs to happen in order for financial gain. "god" at the beginning of every lyric shows the height this person values money, holding it to the same level as a higher being and treating it as such.

"god money, nail me up against the wall" can be seen in a religious context, referencing crucifixion, again bringing in the notion that this person views money as some kind of god or deity. it could also be talking about how this person's desire for money is so strong that it figuratively nails them up against a wall, unable to get free from their greediness.

"god money, don't want everything he wants it all" is likely referencing how much is needed from this person to gain anything financially and the lengths they are 'required' to go to.

as reznor sings, he sings with desperation and longing in his voice, further solidifying the want and greediness in the lyrics. he almost isn't actually singing, more speaking the lyrics while dragging out the end of the verses. the lines also rhyme; you, to - wall, 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

the pre chorus is the same few lines repeated over and over, again showing the value the material possessions have.

"no, you can't take it; no, you can't take it; no, you can't take that away from me" could be taken literally, as them proclaiming their greed, saying no one can take away their money. however, if we lean into the religious theory, it could be referencing how the character won't let you take away the belief in this higher being that they value so highly. they are desperate for something to believe in, something to work towards. this theory ties into the next song, terrible lie, in which trent sings about his struggles of being raised as protestant catholic but then later in life questioning his religion, but not wanting to let go of the comfort of believing in a god.

despite this, i don't think that the song is necessarily referencing religious beliefs here. it seems like it is just being used as a comparison to the degree that this character holds money, and how they value it as much as a god that you could worship.

reznor sings this part of the song with a hint of anger in his voice, almost protectiveness, which progresses to become more noticeable in later prechoruses. these lines do not rhyme, they are just repeated, giving a break between the rhyming verses. it also sets them a little bit apart from the rest of the song.

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" is a line that the band ministry said, during a live show. "listening to ministry is like a nine inch nail through your head like a hole." this ties in the name of the band, nine inch nails, as well as the rest of the quote

these three lines all rhyme, and are all shouted by reznor. not necessarily with the sound of anger, but more defiance. they are repeated twice for the chorus.

"head like a hole, black as your soul" are two lyrics i still don't quite understand.

"i'd rather die than give you control" may be the character attempting to deny their obsession complete control over their life and their being. their obsession is as strong as a god that one could worship, and they are trying to keep control over themselves.

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

this second chorus is very catchy, and trent begins to sing. these lyrics also rhyme.

"bow down before the one you serve" is also bringing in the religious theory. as you "bow down," you are usually praying, worshipping or just submitting yourself to the being entirely. it seems as if someone is responding to the previous chorus, which is also reflected in trent changing from singing instead of shouting. 'the one you serve' is likely the character singing this verse, forcing the previous character to submit. they are almost giving off the feeling that they are self aware, that they know they have a degree of control over the main character of the song.

"you're going to get what you deserve" has a feel of vengeance and righteousness to it - as if the being is ready to punish their follower for their extensive greed in the beginning of the song and disobeying them in the chorus. i believe that this is used as a metaphor towards self restraint and greed.