Heresy
Heresy (Version)
Heresy (Blind)
Heresy (Demo)
"Heresy" is the third track on The Downward Spiral. In 2004, a demo version was included with the Tenth Anniversary 2-disc SACD of The Downward Spiral.
Contents
Song Credits
- Production: Trent Reznor
- Mixing Engineer: Alan Moulder
Appearances
Halos
- The Downward Spiral
- Further Down The Spiral (UK)
- Closer To God
Other
- Righteous Kill internet teaser trailer
Versions
Heresy
Best described as a scathing attack on religion (particularly Western Christianity), Heresy contains heavy guitar riffs backed up by aggressive vocals. The lyrics are ripe with Nietzschean concepts and allude to the infamous "God Is Dead" statement. It is also the second song on the album to contain "The Downward Spiral Motif" and is played in power chords by the guitars during the chorus:
C A# A G F G# G D# D# F F F F
Heresy (Version)
Coming soon.
Heresy (Blind)
This version splices up the bass track and the drums to create a dancier beat (like the "Slate" remix of "Head Like A Hole"). In the choruses there is much less layering.
Heresy (Demo)
This demo version is found on the 2-disc Deluxe Edition of The Downward Spiral. The vocals in the verses are whispered and are not as layered as they are in the final album version. As well, the tempo is slower, and the structure is altered, specifically in the introduction.
Live
When performed during the Self Destruct warm up shows in 1994, the song was played very similar to the album version. The only noticeable difference is the much louder guitars to the point where the famous The Downward Spiral motif in the chorus can be heard clearly. The way it was played in 1994 is similar to how it is played 2007.
Lyrics
He sewed his eyes shut because he is afraid to see
He tries to tell me what I put inside of me
He’s got the answers to ease my curiosity
He dreamed a god up and called it Christianity
Your God is dead and no one cares
If there is a Hell I will see you there
He flexed his muscles to keep his flock of sheep in line
He made a virus that would kill off all the swine
His perfect kingdom of killing, suffering and pain
Demands devotion atrocities done in his name
Your God is dead and no one cares
Drowning in his own hypocrisy
If there is a Hell I will see you there
Burning with your god in humility
Will you die for this?
The last two lines of the final chorus as printed in the liner notes can't be heard on the final album cut.