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 with 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.
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.



Lyrics submitted by implode, edited by Mellow_Harsher

Track duration: 05:00

"Head Like a Hole" as written by Michael Reznor

Lyrics © THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY

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Head Like a Hole song meanings
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88 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment:It seems he is talking about Wall Street Banks back in the day. It would make sence if that is what he is talking about.
    Flag Music4Realon July 24, 2012   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation:God money: Wealth through materialism, materialistic wealth & desires.
    "I'll do anything for you": The people's fear of the ones in power, obeying their every command.
    "Just tell me what you want me to": Facing the government's command.
    "Nail me up against a wall": Punishment for disobeying or rebelling.
    "Don't want everything, he wants it all": Their desire for wealth.
    "No, you can't take it, no you can't take that away from me": They can't take away their freedom.

    "Head like a hole": The empty minds, like a hole.
    "Black as your soul": Their greed.
    "I'd rather die, than give you control": Rebellion.
    "Bow down before the one you serve, you're going to get what you deserve": Facing the punishment.

    "Not looking for the cure": Not looking for a solution to the problem.
    "Not concerned by the sick among the pure": Careless of the poor, giving the wealthy a higher class.
    "Let's go dancing on the backs of the bruised": How they care more about themselves than they care about others.
    "Not one to choose": How they don't choose to have a balanced wealth between the people.

    It's basically about the government's greed and how the people rebel against them.
    Flag nirvana9inchnailson May 19, 2012   Link
  • -1
    My Interpretation:What LEGENDARY figure has a fatal head wound, a black soul, controls who buys and sells, and who opposes and exalts himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped.

    The meaning of "Head Like a Hole" could not be more plain.

    And for those who think this is about a BDSM relationship... you are correct. The beast does not regard a woman's desires, but is a BDSMer. The mark of the beast is likely the BDSM logo.

    You want the real story on the headwound??? You can see it in the "Closer" video at 4:14. Watch it again and know what you are watching. "You are the reason... I stay alive!"
    Flag DaveMon February 10, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think we can settle and say this song can be about any number of things, but the only way we'll know for sure is to as Trent himself.
    Flag jrock92on January 22, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:It's obvious this song is about HEROIN. Heroin the drug.
    Flag e6f6e616on December 11, 2011   Link
  • -4
    General Comment:Bigus Dickus
    Flag hrdcrjnglston November 28, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:OK I don't often pay attention to the lyrics. just "go with the flow" Many times can't figure OUT lyrics due to poor diction. lol

    At first I thought S & M but ALSO Rezner's a Bipolar so perhaps this is about the Demon of Drug Addiction (and mental illness)
    Flag drpoundsignon November 17, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:people, this song isnt about god or relgion. and maybe it has a sexy beat but its not about sex. what it's about is the the RARE, aware person's anguish at the fact that humans have to work (for money) (aka we are all slaves, like it or not) and there is no way around it, at least not yet.
    Flag tealeaveson November 08, 2011   Link
  • -3
    Song Meaning:Wow, you guys are way...waaaaaay off. This isnt herp derp anti-capitalism and anti-religion. Drop the overly-dramatic, vague, token, pseudo-rebellious anti-establishmentarian bullshit. We actually studied this song in one of my psychology courses. According to Trent Reznor, it's about two people in a dominant-submissive relationship, where one person assumes control of the other's actions for their own benefit and refuses the other take control of their life.
    Flag mordecai1on October 03, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Trent Reznor is infamous for writing lyrics that can seemingly be applied to sex, drugs, money, religion, and greed all at once. The general message of ``Head Like A Hole'' is a refusal to be controlled by money. Trent is expressing a general disdain for the fact that money has become a God to many people in our society. The song is essentially someone giving a middle finger to those who have power and authority based on their money and selfish greed. Reznor loathes the fact that power and wealth are disproportioned in society. He hates that the wealthy rule all. He despises the fact that people live lavishly on the bruised backs of everyone they've walked over to get ahead in life.

    Trent is basically saying that he will never give up control, sacrifice his freedom, and be empty headed or easily persuaded by darkened selfish souls. Trent Reznor was raised with a strict religious upbringing and some people feel that this song is a statement against the influence, power and greed of the church and organized religion. Others consider the lyrics to be tinged with sexual innuendo, namely S&M, a recurring theme of NIN's music. Reznor reportedly had drug problems in the past and the lyrics could also easily be interpreted as a stance against the power and influence of addiction. These multiple interpretations are typical of Reznor's lyrical approach.


    Flag anima69316on August 20, 2011   Link

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