Nine Inch Nails - Head Like A Hole - Lyrics Meaning

"Head Like A Hole" is 1989 single from the band Nine Inch Nails. The song was released as the second single from the band's debut "Pretty Hate Machine." The single marked the first time Nine Inch Nails received any considerable airplay on MTV or alternative radio. The song peaked on the U.K. charts at number 45.

Trent Reznor is infamous for writing lyrics that can seemingly be applied to sex, drugs, money, religion, and greed all at once. The general message of "Head Like A Hole" is a refusal to be controlled by money. Trent is expressing a general disdain for the fact that money has become a God to many people in our society. The song is essentially someone giving a middle finger to those who have power and authority based on their money and selfish greed. Reznor loathes the fact that power and wealth are disproportioned in society. He hates that the wealthy rule all. He despises the fact that people live lavishly on the bruised backs of everyone they've walked over to get ahead in life.

Trent is basically saying that he will never give up control, sacrifice his freedom, and be empty headed or easily persuaded by darkened selfish souls. Trent Reznor was raised with a strict religious upbringing and some people feel that this song is a statement against the influence, power and greed of the church and organized religion. Others consider the lyrics to be tinged with sexual innuendo, namely S&M, a recurring theme of NIN's music. Reznor reportedly had drug problems in the past and the lyrics could also easily be interpreted as a stance against the power and influence of addiction. These multiple interpretations are typical of Reznor's lyrical approach.