Head Down
"Head Down" is the sixth track on the Nine Inch Nails album The Slip. The song's accompanying artwork appears to represent a person committing suicide by firing a gun through the back of their mouth, a figure facing the left with their head bent down, or possibly someone's personality being implanted into a different body. It also somewhat resembles "The Line Begins To Blur."
The accompanying image also resembles a glass being poured out to its right, or read left to right the shape it simply heading down.
The song is stylistically split into two parts. The verses consist of an abusive diatribe, taking the listener to task for their weaknesses and compelling them to submit to authority. The chorus, perhaps representing the response of the berated protagonist, finds the singer questioning the reality of his situation and expressing a wish to escape. The sections are sharply different musically as well, with the singer in the verses nearly shouting over a harsh drum beat and bassline, while the chorus section features more melodic singing and keyboards.
Appearances
Versions
Head Down
This is the original album version.
Head Down (Live At Rehearsal)
This version of the song was filmed and recorded in the band's rehearsal space in mid 2008 and directed by Rob Sheridan. It features on The Slip, on a DVD of rehersal footage.
Live
This song was performed on Lights In The Sky Tour.
Lyrics
You
What you looking at?
Head down
Too late for that
What you want
What you get
Know your place
Don't ever forget
And this is not my face
And this is not my life
And there is not a single thing here
I can recognize
This is all a dream
And none of you are real
I'll give anything
I'll give anything
Hey you
What you running from?
All your hate
What you've become
Bet you didn't think
It would happen to you
All used up
Half way through
And this is not my face
And this is not my life
And there is not a single thing here
I can recognize
This is all a dream
And none of you are real
I'll give anything
I'll give anything
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