During the verses, under the guitar stabs Reznor can be heard whispering "hey God!".
Live
"Terrible Lie" is often the opening song of Nine Inch Nails shows following the intro tape. Unlike the album version where a keyboard and bass melody is present throughout the entire chorus, the live version typically omits the melody for the first half of the chorus. The ending of the song is extended when performed live and is often concluded with Reznor screaming "you fuckin' promised me," followed by a brief sample of the words "will you forgive me?"
Song Credits
* Production: Flood, Trent Reznor
* Engineering: Flood, John Fryer, Doug de Angelis
* Mix: John Fryer, Trent Reznor
Terrible Lie
Nine Inch Nails Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Am I not living up to what I'm supposed to be?
Why am I seething with this animosity?
(Hey god) I think you owe me a great big apology
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
(Hey god) I really don't know what you mean
Seems like salvation comes only in our dreams
I feel my hatred grow all the more extreme
(Hey god) can this world really be as sad as it seems?
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
Don't take it away from me, I need you to hold on to
Don't take it away from me, I need you to hold on to
Don't take it away from me, I need you to hold on to
Don't take it away from me, I need someone to hold on to
Don't tear it away from me, I need you to hold on to
Don't tear it away from me, I need you to someone on to
Don't tear it away from me, I need you to hold on to
Don't tear it, don't tear it, don't tear it, don't tear it, don't
(Hey god) there's nothing left for me to hide
I lost my ignorance, security and pride
I'm all alone in a world you must despise
(Hey god) I believed the promises, your promises and lies
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
Terrible lie
You made me throw it all away
My morals left to decay (terrible lie)
How many you betray you've taken everything (terrible lie)
My head is filled with disease
My skin is begging you please (terrible lie)
I'm on my hands and knees, I want so much to believe
(I give you everything)
(My sweet everything)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
(I need someone to hold on to)
The song "Terrible Lie" by Nine Inch Nails explores the theme of disillusionment with God and religion. Trent Reznor, the lead singer and songwriter, challenges God's existence and questions the promises made about salvation and the afterlife. The lyrics are a direct address to God, expressing anger and frustration with the belief that the world is a sad and lonely place. The repeated use of "terrible lie" suggests that the singer feels betrayed by God and his teachings.
Throughout the song, Reznor reveals his inner turmoil and feelings of emptiness. He has lost his innocence, his sense of security, and his pride. He feels alone in a world that he believes God must despise. The desperation in his voice is palpable, as he begs God not to take away what little hope he has left. He needs someone to hold on to, but even that seems like a distant dream.
The chorus is powerful in its repetition, emphasizing the singer's anger and disbelief. The tone is one of bitterness and betrayal, as if the singer has finally realized that the promises made by religion are false. The use of strong, emotive language creates a sense of urgency, as if the singer is on the verge of a breakdown. In essence, the song is a cry of pain, a lament for a lost faith.
Line by Line Meaning
(Hey god) why are you doing this to me?
Asking God why they are causing them suffering
Am I not living up to what I'm supposed to be?
Wondering if they are not meeting God's expectations
Why am I seething with this animosity?
Questioning why they are filled with so much anger
(Hey god) I think you owe me a great big apology
Believing that God is responsible for their pain and should apologize
Terrible lie
The repeated phrase is likely a reference to a false promise or act of deceit
(Hey god) I really don't know what you mean
Expressing confusion over God's intentions or actions
Seems like salvation comes only in our dreams
Becoming disillusioned with the concept of salvation coming from within oneself
I feel my hatred grow all the more extreme
Noticing their anger and resentment becoming more intense
(Hey god) can this world really be as sad as it seems?
Questioning the state of the world and if there is hope for improvement
Don't take it away from me, I need you to hold on to
Begging God to keep something important to them intact
Don't tear it away from me, I need you to hold on to
Repeating their plea to God to keep something important to them intact
(Hey god) there's nothing left for me to hide
Feeling exposed and vulnerable to God
I lost my ignorance, security and pride
Realizing they are no longer ignorant and that their sense of security and pride have been shattered
I'm all alone in a world you must despise
Feeling isolated and abandoned by God in a world filled with suffering
(Hey god) I believed the promises, your promises and lies
Admitting that they fell for God's promises and deceit
You made me throw it all away, my morals left to decay (terrible lie)
Accusing God of leading them astray and corrupting their morals
How many you betray you've taken everything (terrible lie)
Describing feeling betrayed and robbed by God
My head is filled with disease, my skin is begging you please (terrible lie)
Experiencing emotional and physical pain while appealing to God for help
I'm on my hands and knees, I want so much to believe
Expressing desperation to have faith in God despite their suffering
I give you everything my sweet everything
Offering everything they have to God in exchange for relief from pain and despair
You everything my sweet everything (I need someone to hold on to)
Seeking comfort and guidance from God
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Trent Reznor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SabrinaOnlineFan96
on Hurt
This is the most depressing song ever. I listened to this a lot back in November-December 2022.
SabrinaOnlineFan96
on Eraser
This song is so intense. It sounds like music from a horror movie. I love the Dissonance Tour version, but I don't like the Polite version, as it just sounds like one of those easy listening tracks. This song has gory vibes.
DrJKintobor
on Driver Down
I have a theory that this song is the instrumental for "Just Do It", the lost song from TDS that was scrapped for "promoting suicide".
DrJKintobor
on Heresy
I'm really resisting the urge to make a Warhammer 40k joke.
DrJKintobor
on Mr. Self Destruct
This song reminds me of Fleetway Super Sonic (if you don't know, the Fleetway Sonic Comics have Super Sonic as an evil split personality of Sonic)
Mohin Kann
on Closer
Moien
Antoinette Alvarez
on Something I Can Never Have
This song is sooo beautiful ♡
Antoinette Alvarez
on Sanctified
♡
Antoinette Alvarez
on Find My Way
OMG I ♡ THIS SONG