During this period Nine Inch Nails also remixed Bowie's The Hearts Filthy Lesson (Alt. Mix) in '95, and contributed all but one of the Versions on his I'm Afraid Of Americans remix EP in '97.
Scary Monsters
David Bowie & Nine Inch Nails Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 light know what I mean
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 light know what I mean
[Chorus: Repeat 4X]
Oh oh woh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh
The lyrics of David Bowie / Nine Inch Nails's song "Scary Monsters" tell the story of a woman with a horror of rooms and a desire for danger. The singer describes her as having "nobody home" in her eyes, suggesting a vacant or disturbed state of mind. He also suggests that she could have been a killer if she walked differently, indicating a potential for violence. The woman opens "strange doors" that cannot be closed again, perhaps referring to dangerous or risky experiences that she seeks out. She begins to wail with jealousy and screams, and the singer mentions Jimmy's guitar sound, possibly indicating that they are at a concert or performance.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Scary monsters, super creeps / Keep me running, running scared," which could refer to the dangerous or unpredictable nature of the woman and the situations she puts herself and others in. The singer then describes staying in the woman's room and giving her a "dangerous mind," which has left her unable to socialize properly. Despite this, he still loves her and will continue to do so.
Overall, the lyrics of "Scary Monsters" paint a picture of a woman who is drawn to danger and risk-taking, with potentially harmful consequences. The singer seems to both fear and be fascinated by her, ultimately choosing to stay with her despite her unstable state.
Line by Line Meaning
She had an horror of rooms she was tired you can't hide beat
She was afraid of being trapped in rooms and exhausted by the constant rhythm of everyday life
When I looked in her eyes they were blue but nobody home
While her eyes were a vivid blue, there seemed to be no life or passion behind them
She could've been a killer if she didn't walk the way she do, and she do
Her strange gait and behaviors were so off-putting that some might have thought she was capable of violence
She opened strange doors that we'd never close again
She introduced the artist to experiences that were so unusual and thrilling that life would never again be the same
She began to wail jealousies scream
Her emotions became so intense and painful that she could no longer contain her despair
Waiting at the light know what I mean
The singer is waiting for something to happen, but it's unclear what that might be
Scary monsters, super creeps
Keep me running, running scared
The strange and unsettling people she introduced the singer to continue to terrify and haunt him
She asked me to stay and I stole her room
The artist was invited to stay, but ultimately took advantage of her hospitality
She asked for my love and I gave her a dangerous mind
In exchange for her love, the artist corrupted her with his own toxic philosophies and behaviors
Now she's stupid in the street and she can't socialise
The girl he once loved is now an outcast and unable to function in normal society
Well I love the little girl and I'll love her till the day she dies
Despite all that has happened, the singer still loves the girl he used to know
Jimmy's guitar sound jealousies scream
The guitar playing induces a sense of envy and pain
Oh oh woh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh
The song fades out with an expression of confusion and fear
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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.