"Physical" is a hidden track on 1992's Broken EP that was originally written and performed by Adam and the Ants on their 1980 album Kings of the Wild Frontier.
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When Broken was first released, this and another extra track, "Suck," were on a Mini CD that was packaged with the EP. But after allegations that some music stores were removing the mini CD and selling it separately, the two tracks were incorporated onto the EP as tracks 98 and 99, with tracks 7–97 consisting of one second of silence each.
At the beginning (approx. 27 sec.) of the song, Trent Reznor can be heard saying, "Eat your heart out, Steve." This is possibly directed towards Steve Gottlieb of TVT Records with whom Reznor had been feuding, as Gottlieb would not let him out of his contract. The entirety of Broken was created without the knowledge of TVT. In the credits, "Barks and Roars" are attributed to Maise, Trent's dog at the time of recording. At 3:36, barking and "Ow! Fucker" is heard being played at half speed over the track, as Maise - then a puppy - was playing with Sean Beavan in the studio, and bit him. (One of the recording techniques employed on both "Suck" and "Physical" was to play the guitar riff at double the speed of the track, and play the resulting recording back at half speed, for a unique, extra thick sound.)
According to a previously unreleased interview Reznor did with Melody Maker magazine, "Physical" was supposed to be a "tongue-in-cheek" cover. It should be noted that the Adam and the Ants version is named "Physical (You're So)" and features an extra verse.
Contents
Song Credits
- Writing: Adam Ant
- ©1980 CBS Records, Inc.
- Production: Trent Reznor
Appearances
Versions
Physical
This is the original version found on the Broken EP. It begins with layers of ambience and feedback before erupting into a guitar- and drum-heavy first verse. The chorus introduces a new, chugging chord progression before returning to the power chords and riff of the second verse. A bridge after the second chorus leads to the climactic final chorus variation, which descends into more feedback and whispering.
Physical (Mass Consumption mix)
Running Time: 5:16
A mix only found on radio promos released in the US.
Live
This track was rarely played live post-1993, but resurfaced on the Wave Goodbye Tour. In 1995, Nine Inch Nails performed this song live with Adam Ant for two nights in a row in New York City. After Reznor introduced Adam Ant and Marco Pirroni on the second night, Adam Ant proclaimed to the audience, "It's nice to be on stage with the best fucking band in the world."
I'm Afraid Of Americans (V1)
I'm Afraid Of Americans (V2)
I'm Afraid Of Americans (V3)
I'm Afraid Of Americans (V4)
I'm Afraid Of Americans (V5)
I'm Afraid Of Americans (V6)
Europe + Asia 2018 through present
"I'm Afraid of Americans" is a David Bowie song that was remixed by Trent Reznor for its maxi-single release in 1997.
Song Credits
V1-4, 6:
- Production and additional performances by Nine Inch Nails: Trent Reznor, Charlie Clouser, Keith Hillebrandt, Dave "Rave" Ogilvie, Danny Lohner
- Mixed by Dave "Rave" Ogilvie
- Engineered by Brian Pollack at Nothing Studios, New Orleans
- Special guest on V3: Ice Cube
V5:
- Additional production and remix by Photek
Appearances
Other
- I'm Afraid Of Americans
- Earthling
Versions
I'm Afraid of Americans
The original song appears on David Bowie's album Earthling, also released in 1997.
I'm Afraid of Americans (V1)
Remixed by Nine Inch Nails, this version was used as the single mix of the song, in its music video, and appears on the titular remix EP and the Best of Bowie compilation. Reznor sings backup in this mix, most notably in the choruses and the "God is an American" coda.
I'm Afraid of Americans (V2)
This remix resembles "Closer (Precursor)" in its laid back beat and soundscaping.
I'm Afraid of Americans (V3)
This version splices vocals by Bowie with those of Ice Cube, manipulated into phrases like "I pledge allegiance" and "a murder-merican" in addition to many others. The beat and bassline are very minimal, and eventually give way to a distant piano below Ice Cube's words "TV got your brain."
I'm Afraid of Americans (V4)
This remix is very atmospheric, created in more of an ambient style, and is predominantly instrumental, using various layers of the original beat and guitars.
I'm Afraid of Americans (V5)
Photek created this remix, a very minimal and bouncy electronic version of the song. Spliced vocals are arranged above a repetitious bassline, synth melody, and drum programming resembling that of Bowie's song "Little Wonder," the first on Earthling.
I'm Afraid of Americans (V6)
The final NIN remix of the song transitions directly from the Photek mix, and is mostly composed of very repetitious bass and drums. It is instrumental, and bears very little resemblance to any part of the original.
Music Video
The video features Reznor stalking Bowie throughout New York, with Bowie constantly trying to escape. Throughout the video, violent acts are "committed" with guns seemingly only visible to Bowie, culminating in Reznor firing an automatic imaginary gun at a cab that Bowie is hiding behind. Reznor subsequently appears bearing a cross as part of a misfit parade passing Bowie in the streets, chanting "God is an American."
Live
Nine Inch Nails first performed this song live on the NIN|JA 2009 Tour. It is performed with an elongated ending section. During the Tension 2013 Tour, this song featured backing vocals by Lisa Fischer and Sharlotte Gibson.
Lyrics
Johnny's in America
No tricks at the wheel
No one needs anyone
They don't even just pretend
Johnny's in America
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
Johnny's in America
Johnny wants a brain
Johnny wants to suck on a Coke
Johnny wants a woman
Johnny wants to think of a joke
Johnny's in America
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
Johnny's in America
Johnny looks up at the stars
Johnny combs his hair
And Johnny wants pussy in cars
Johnny's in America
Johnny's in America
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
Yeah, I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the words
I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't
I'm afraid of Americans
God is an American
The above lyrics are from the Nine Inch Nails V1 remix.