Copy Of A

Album:Hesitation Marks

Length:5:23

Tempo:138 BPM

Versions:Copy Of A

Live:Nine Inch Nails Live 2013

Artwork accompanying the MP3 file

"Copy Of A" is the second track on the 2013 release Hesitation Marks. On August 12, 2013, Amazon UK officially made the track available as a free digital single. It was also released on Amazon US the following day, although as of August 20, 2013, it is no longer available for free. Those who pre-ordered the album through nin.com were given access to a FLAC download of the track simultaneously.

Song Credits

• Lindsey Buckingham: Guitar
• Pino Palladino: Bass
• Trent Reznor: Vocals, Electronics, Percussion, Guitar
• Ilan Rubin: Toms

Appearances

• Hesitation Marks

Versions

Copy Of A

This is the only known version. Opening with a wavering synth line, a simple drum loop sweeps in the first verse. Various percussion loops complicate the arrangement throughout, layering and falling away as the song structure changes parts. Prominent use of vocal looping personifies the title of the track, with the repeating words in the lyrics restarting in time with the song. The chorus is marked by a mellow organ pad.

Live

This song debuted live on the first night of the Nine Inch Nails Live 2013 tour.

Lyrics

   I am just a copy of a copy of a copy
   Everything I say has come before
   Assembled into something into something into something
   I don't know for certain anymore
   I am just a shadow of a shadow of a shadow
   Always trying to catch up with myself
   I am just an echo of an echo of an echo
   Listening to someone's cry for help
   
   Look what you had to start
   Why all the change of heart?
   You need to play your part
   A copy of a copy of a
   Now look what you've gone and done
   Well that doesn't sound like fun
   See I'm not the only one
   Copy of a copy of a
   
   I am little pieces little piece little pieces
   Pieces that we picked up on the way
   Imprinted with a purpose with a purpose with a purpose
   A purpose that's become quite clear today
   
   I am just a finger on a trigger on a finger
   Doing everything I'm told to do
   Always my intention my intention your attention
   Doing everything you tell me to
   
   Look what you had to start
   Why all the change of heart?
   You need to play your part
   A copy of a copy of a
   Now look what you've gone and done
   Well that doesn't sound like fun
   See I'm not the only one
   Copy of a copy of a

Previous track - "The Eater Of Dreams" Track 2 from Hesitation Marks Next track - "Came Back Haunted"