Only (song)

Length:4:22

Tempo:{{{BPM}}} BPM

Versions:Only
Only (Richard X Remix)
Only (El-P Remix)

Live:2005 - Present

About

"Only" is track 8 from the 2005 album With Teeth. It was released as a single in summer 2005, receiving the designation of Halo 20. It is known for it's upbeat and synthesizer-driven instrumentation, and casual lyric delivery, reminiscent of 1989's Down In It.

Only was the second song that saw release of the master tracks for fan remixes.

Meaning

Like most NIN songs, the true inspiration for the lyrics has never been revealed. The lyrics suggest that this song is about internal identity struggles, possibly relating to split personalities. Themes in this song are similar to the film "Fight Club", which was directed by David Fincher, who directed the music video for this song.

Down In It

Only contains a verse that is very similar to a verse in the 1989 song Down In It.

Appearances

Halos

Versions

Several official remixes of "Only" have been made.

"Only" [Richard X Remix] – 7:24
"Only" [El-P Remix] – 4:21
"Only" [Richard X Dub] – 7:51
"Only" [Richard X Edit] – 3:46
"Only" [El-P Instrumental] – 4:21

Fan Remixes

Because the master tracks were released to facilitate fan remixes, hundreds exists.

Music Video

The video for "Only" was direct by David Fincher and is largly created using advanced CGI. It features a desk with a laptop, speakers, and a variety of 'office toys' being brought to life and animated by the music.

Lyrics

    I'm becoming less defined, as days go by
    Fading away, well you might say I'm losing focus
    Kind of drifting into the abstract in terms of how I see myself
    Sometimes, I think I can see right through myself
    Sometimes, I think I can see right through myself
    Sometimes, I can see right through myself
    
    Less concerned, about fitting into the world
    Your world that is, cause it doesn't really matter anymore
    (No, it doesn't really matter anymore)
    No, it doesn't really matter anymore
    None of this really matters anymore
    
    Yes, I am alone, but then again I always was
    As far back as I can tell, I think maybe it's because
    Because you were never really real to begin with
    I just made you up to hurt myself
    
    I just made you up to hurt myself
    Yeah, and I just made you up to hurt myself
    I just made you up to hurt myself
    Yeah, and I just made you up to hurt myself
    
    And it worked
    Yes it did!
    
    There is no you, there is only me
    There is no you, there is only me
    There is no fucking you, there is only me
    There is no fucking you, there is only me
    
    Only (x4)
    
    Well, the tiniest little dot caught my eye
    And it turned out to be a scab
    And I had this funny feeling
    Like I just knew it's something bad
    
    I just couldn't leave it alone
    I kept picking at that scab
    It was a doorway trying to seal itself shut
    But I climbed through
    
    Now I'm somewhere I am not supposed to be
    And I can see things I know I really shouldn't see
    And now I know why now, now I know why
    Things aren't as pretty on the inside
    
    There is no you, there is only me
    There is no you, there is only me
    There is no fucking you, there is only me
    There is no fucking you, there is only me
    
    Only (x8)