Only

Nine Inch Nails

About Only

"Only" is a song by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. It was released as the second single from Nine Inch Nails' fourth album, With Teeth. "Only" reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, where it stayed for seven weeks. It is the second successful release that Nine Inch Nails has had in the UK, peaking at number 20. The song is regarded as a fan favorite and has been a staple of Nine Inch Nails live performances for several years, placed by setlist.fm as their 20th most played song live.  


4:23

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I'm becoming less defined as days go by
Fading away
And well you might say
I'm losing focus
Kinda 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
Only
Only
Only

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 the scab
It was a doorway trying to seal itself shut
But I climbed through

Now I am 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, 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
Only
Only
Only
Only
Only
Only
Only

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Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails (abbreviated as NIN, sometimes stylized as NIИ) is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction. Nine Inch Nails' music straddles a wide range of genres. After recording a new album, Reznor (until the 2009 Wave Goodbye Tour) usually assembles a live band to perform with him. The touring band features a revolving lineup that often rearranges songs to fit a live setting. On stage, Nine Inch Nails often employs visual elements to accompany performances, which frequently include light shows. more »

7 fans

Written by: Trent Reznor

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Fact
"Only" is the second single from Nine Inch Nails' fourth album, "With Teeth."
Chart Success
The song reached number one in the Billboard's Modern Rock chart in the United States.
Music Video
The music video for "Only," directed by renowned filmmaker David Fincher, is best known for its unique use of computer-generated imagery.
Video Game Connection
The song is featured in the soundtrack of music video game "Rock Band," making it the band's first inclusion in the franchise.
Remix Versions
Several remix versions of "Only" exist, such as "Richard X" and "El-P remixes," serving as bonus tracks for various release versions of the album "With Teeth."
Grammy Nomination
The song's remix version, "Only (El-P Mix)," was nominated for Best Remixed Recording at the 2006 Grammy Awards.
Song Theme
Similar to other Nine Inch Nails songs, "Only" has lyrics reflecting self-doubt, dealing specifically with Trent Reznor's reflection on his significance in the world.
Recognition
Rolling Stone magazine placed "Only" at number 38 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of the 2000s.
Musical Style
The song is categorized in the alternative rock, industrial rock, and new wave genres, showcasing Trent Reznor’s dynamism in terms of musical style.
Cover Versions
Other artists and bands like Richard Cheese have released their cover versions of "Only," signifying the song's wide influence and appreciation in the music industry.
Critical Reception
Critics lauded "Only" for its catchy beat and introspective lyrics, with some reviews stating that it showcased Trent Reznor's maturity as a songwriter and performer.
Music Video Imagery
The music video of "Only" uses pin art to portray Trent Reznor's face, referencing the lyrics of the song about self-perception and identity.

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    Only

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2005

    Billboard #90


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