Scary Monsters
David Bowie/Nine Inch Nails Lyrics
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When I looked in her eyes they were blue but nobody home
She could've been a killer if she didn't walk the way she do, and she do
She opened strange doors that we'd never close again
She began to wail jealousies scream
Waiting at the lights know what I mean
Keep me running, running scared
Scary monsters, super creeps
Keep me running, running scared
She asked me to stay and I stole her room
She asked for my love and I gave her a dangerous mind
Now she's stupid in the street and she can't socialise
Well I love the little girl and I'll love her till the day she dies
She wails
Jimmy's guitar sound jealousies scream
Waiting at the lights know what I mean
Scary monsters, super creeps
Keep me running, running scared
Scary monsters, super creeps
Keep me running, running scared
Scary monsters, super creeps
Keep me running, running scared
Scary monsters, super creeps
Keep me running, running scared
Oh oh woh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh woh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
The lyrics of Scary Monsters by David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails describe a woman who is both mysterious and dangerous. She is afraid of rooms and seems to have disconnected from reality, as seen in her vacant eyes. Bowie sings that she could have been a killer if it weren't for the way she walks. She opens "strange doors," something that intrigues and frightens those around her. The chorus, with its repetition of "Scary monsters, super creeps, keep me running, running scared," highlights the fear and unease this woman instills in others, including the singer.
The woman's jealousy and screams are described, suggesting that she may be paranoid and unstable. The singer finds himself waiting at traffic lights, fearful of her presence. He then reveals a turn in the song's narrative as he describes stealing the woman's room and giving her a "dangerous mind" when she asks for his love. This is followed by a heartbreaking description of the woman's decline into a state in which she cannot socialize and is reduced to a "stupid" creature on the street. Despite this, the singer says he will love her until the day she dies.
Overall, the lyrics of Scary Monsters paint a picture of a woman who is both alluring and unnerving, dangerous and tragic. They create a sense of unease that is mirrored in the song's music and underscore the theme of fear that runs throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
She had an horror of rooms she was tired you can't hide beat
She had a fear of small spaces and was emotionally drained and physically weak
When I looked in her eyes they were blue but nobody home
When I looked into her eyes, there was no emotion or connection, she appeared empty
She could've been a killer if she didn't walk the way she do, and she do
Her pace and mannerisms were unsettling and aggressive, she had potential to be a dangerous person
She opened strange doors that we'd never close again
She led us to new experiences and exposed us to things that once we knew about, we couldn't turn back from
She began to wail jealousies scream
She started to cry out in agony and frustration, her envy and insecurity taking over
Waiting at the lights know what I mean
Standing idle, waiting for something to happen, hinting at an upcoming sense of urgency
Scary monsters, super creeps
Keep me running, running scared
Scary monsters, super creeps
Keep me running, running scared
Freakish people and situations terrify me, I feel like I must flee in fear
She asked me to stay and I stole her room
She requested my presence, and I took over her personal space
She asked for my love and I gave her a dangerous mind
She asked for affection, but instead I confused her thoughts, and filled her with issues
Now she's stupid in the street and she can't socialise
Now she's lost and confused, unable to function in society
Well I love the little girl and I'll love her till the day she dies
Despite everything, I cherish her, and will do so until the end of time
Jimmy's guitar sound jealousies scream
The sound of the guitar lashes out like screams of envy and desperation
Oh oh woh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh woh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
These closing lines can be interpreted as an anthem of fear, desperation and bewilderment, a haunting melody that lingers long after listening
Lyrics © TINTORETTO MUSIC
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Sindollx666x
Nine Inch Nails released a VHS box set in the late 90s it was called "Closure" one vhs contained only Nin Music Videos, the other was all live footage, backstage, and on the road. It had EXCELLENT clips of the tour with Bowie, Marilyn Manson and Jim Rose Circus sideshow, a clip with Lou Reed turning up at a Nin show talking about how Trents just doing smart rockin' and praising him. It was pretty fun. Lots of footage of them destroying shit, like the dressing rooms, many many keyboards. An epic one where they're throwing glass beer bottles at an Exit sign they're attempting to kill. If I remember correctly I believe Trent gets the ultimate money shot which finally severs the last cord holding it barely above the door.
Trent was a Bowie fan, and Bowie was a Nin fan.
Trent spoke to writer for Rolling Stone, resulting in a great article for the mag talking about Bowie and its REALLY good.
It was my favorite of all tributes written that I read after Bowie's death this quote is from it:
One of the greatest moments of my life was standing onstage next to David Bowie while he sang “Hurt” with me. I was outside of myself, thinking, “I’m standing onstage next to the most important influence I’ve ever had, and he’s singing a song I wrote in my bedroom.” It was just an awesome moment.
I reccomend the full read here
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/trent-reznor-recalls-how-david-bowie-helped-him-get-sober-229659/
Btw Closure will NEVER BE RELEASED ON DVD. Trent tried, but there's too many permissions he can no longer get to re-release it. Sadly.
@bigguy1164
Reznor flung David Bowie headfirst into the 1990's and beyond without ever being considered a nostalgia act.
Bowie taught Trent Reznor that he didn't have to succumb to his addiction issues and that he was allowed to find a life outside of his art.
It was a pretty good trade of talents.
@pf8860
perfectly said..
@jessemcclellan5278
Life is just crazy.
@NachtSchreck13
I love the original song + album, but this version definitely took this song to the next level. Trent has incredible aptitude for sonic layering and getting those sounds hidden in the cut to perfection
@bikshmeister8710
Nacht Schreck yes i tottaly agree with u
@cynthiacurrie5589
The interaction between David and Trent is eye-opening. Can only imagine how Trent felt about performing with one of his idols from childhood--luckily for us, Trent was very open about his love for David. What a powerful combination.
@MrHoohah1
I've always been a bit ambivalent about Trent, but holy hell he really brings it here... His love for Bowie is palpable is this clip.
@bikshmeister8710
yes
@cameron_fairchild
ditto
@michaelreidperry3256
Reznor will admit it really helps to have good material. Bowie brought good material.