Changes

This is the original version. The song features lo-fi spoken word parts, reminiscent of those on "[[I Do Not Want This]]". It also utilizes an instrument called the Luminist Garden, which was also used on the ''[[Gone Girl Soundtrack]]''. In the aforementioned podcast, it's explained that the instrument was partially meant to evoke the sound of tapping fingers on a tabletop, as a reflection of the nervousness and anxiety inherent in addiction.

"The Lovers" made its live debut at the [[2017/07/19_Bakersfield,_CA|first show]] of the I Can't Seem To Wake Up 2017 tour. It appeared at most shows on that tour, and every one throughout [[Europe + Asia 2018]], before continuing to appear frequently on the [[Cold And Black And Infinite Tour]]. The spoken portions of the song are played back by Reznor using a mini voice recorder held against the mic.