- Head Like A Hole
- Sanity Assassin
- Hurt
These tracks can be found on the NIN bootleg called “Where Darkness Doubles, Where Light Pours In”.
Bela Lugosi's Dead
Trent Reznor & Peter Murphy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back on the rack
Bela Lugosi's dead
The bats have left the bell tower
The victims have been bled
Red velvet lines the black box
Bela Lugosi's dead
Bela Lugosi's dead
Undead undead undead
The virginal brides file past his tomb
Strewn with time's dead flowers
Bereft in deathly bloom
clone in a darkened room
The count
Bela Lugosi's dead
Bela Lugosi's dead
Bela Lugosi's dead
Undead undead undead
Undead undead undead
Undead
Oh Bela
Bela's undead
Oh Bela
Bela's undead
Bela's undead
Oh Bela
Bela's undead
Oh Bela
Undead
The lyrics describe an eerie and haunting scene that is reminiscent of classic horror movies, particularly referencing Bela Lugosi, a famous actor known for his portrayal of Count Dracula. The imagery presented in the lyrics sets a dark tone, with white on white translucent black capes and red velvet lining the black box, creating a sense of mystery and darkness. The bats leaving the bell tower and the victims being bled evoke a sense of impending doom and death, further emphasizing the macabre atmosphere.
The repetition of "Bela Lugosi's dead" throughout the song serves as a somber refrain, emphasizing the theme of mortality and the passing of time. The mention of virginal brides filing past his tomb and the imagery of time's dead flowers symbolize the cycle of life and death, with the count remaining a powerful and immortal figure even in death. The mention of being "bereft in deathly bloom" conveys a sense of loss and finality, highlighting the inevitability of death.
The lyrics also reference the undead, underscoring the idea of eternal life and the supernatural. The repetition of "undead undead undead" reinforces the idea of a lingering presence beyond death, with Bela Lugosi's character defying mortality and existing in a state of undeath. The use of repetition and haunting imagery creates a sense of foreboding and unease, drawing the listener into a world of darkness and decay.
Overall, the lyrics to "Bela Lugosi's Dead" evoke a sense of gothic horror and a fascination with death and the supernatural. The song pays homage to the iconic figure of Bela Lugosi and his portrayal of Count Dracula, capturing the essence of classic horror movies and the enduring legacy of these chilling tales. Through vivid imagery and atmospheric storytelling, the lyrics create a haunting and immersive experience that resonates with the themes of mortality, immortality, and the macabre.
Line by Line Meaning
White on white translucent black capes
Strikingly pale, nearly invisible, yet darkly shrouded garments symbolize a haunting presence.
Back on the rack
Remnants of past glory are left behind, returning to a place of obscurity.
Bela Lugosi's dead
The iconic figure representing vampiric allure has submitted to mortality.
The bats have left the bell tower
Creatures of the night have abandoned their sanctuary, signifying a loss of mystique.
The victims have been bled
The lifeblood of innocence has been drained away, emphasizing tragedy and despair.
Red velvet lines the black box
Luxurious yet macabre fabric adorns the coffin, contrasting beauty with death.
Bela Lugosi's dead
The demise of the legendary figure reiterates the theme of inevitable decline.
Bela Lugosi's dead
The repeat affirms the impact of loss on a cultural icon.
Undead undead undead
A celebration of the eternal return, where life and death intertwine.
Undead undead undead
Emphasizing the cyclical existence beyond traditional mortality.
The virginal brides file past his tomb
Pure souls approach the resting place of a fallen idol, marked by innocence yet tinged with loss.
Strewn with time's dead flowers
The passage of time has left withered tributes, painting a picture of decay amidst remembrance.
Bereft in deathly bloom
A paradox of beauty and desolation, where lifeless growth symbolizes lingering influence.
clone in a darkened room
A replica or spirit obscured in shadow, hinting at the idea of resurrection or imitation.
The count
Referring to aristocracy or nobility—evoking the vampire lore surrounding Lugosi's character.
Bela Lugosi's dead
Reiterating the loss of a figure who became synonymous with darkness and allure.
Bela Lugosi's dead
A continued acknowledgment of great talent eclipsed by time.
Bela Lugosi's dead
Persistently returning to the tragic end of an influential persona.
Undead undead undead
Reinforcing the concept of an existence that defies death's hold.
Undead undead undead
Highlighting the enduring legacy that continues after physical demise.
Undead
Final assertion of existence beyond life's finality.
Oh Bela
An invocation of nostalgia and reverence towards the lost icon.
Bela's undead
A recognition that his impact and persona endure in cultural memory.
Oh Bela
A melodic lament for what has been lost yet still influences the present.
Bela's undead
Reiterating the idea that the essence of the figure persists.
Bela's undead
Affirming the notion that true legacy transcends the bounds of life.
Oh Bela
A continuous celebration of a persona that cannot be forgotten.
Bela's undead
Reaffirming the eternal connection and significance of his character.
Oh Bela
A final homage to the enduring spirit of a once-great figure.
Undead
The closing assertion of the perpetual essence and influence that persists.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Redhotrussian1
I'm amazed sometimes how connected we are, considering how many people are on the planet.
I was at the same show as you, in the pit as well. Also went to Holmdel and AC that year. I've been listening to NIИ since 93. My younger brother got into them because of me, so whenever a tour was announced, right away we were making plans to which ones we'd go. But the Camden show was extra special!! My dad was my best friend and I was always his little girl. He raised me right, taught me valuable lessons and loved his music - from LZ, Bruce, Queen to RATM and yes, NINE INCH NAILS. My father came with us to the show and had an amazing time, even with the crazy younger ones who will mosh at anything. At one point I even turned around to check on him. He was 6'1 but in his 50s and his face was red like he was hot. Asked him if he's ok and he told me he's just making sure I don't get hit or kicked (gotta love him for that, even though my brother and I almost always got GA tix, so it wasn't my first time LOL).
A little over 3 years after that he passed. (Another odd thing - the anniversary of his death is coming up in a few days.) I have many good memories with him. But being with him at the 2006 Camden show, in the pit, watching my favorite band while my dad sang along will always be something I'm eternally grateful for. To this day, I still have and wear the shirt he bought at that show.
**lil side note - last November at the last minute I was able to get a ticket to see Tool in Newark. The show was on the anniversary of my father's death and I went for both of us, because I know he'd want me there thinking of him. Show is over and I look to my right to see a guy and maybe a 13 year old girl. I ask the guy if it was his daughter and it was. So I quickly shared the story I just shared with you, told them he died on that day quite a few years ago and for them both to go to as many concerts together as possible.
Who knew I'd leave a comment about so many memories just because of the turns I took while cruising around YouTube 😊
@cptsmashy
I love it when I fall into these youtube holes and find stuff like this.
@rainmaker690
+Captain Smashy
Me too! That's always fun because you wind up finding so much good stuff that you just stumble across while looking for other stuff, and the stuff you stumble across is so good, you forget the stuff you were actually looking for in the first place,lol.
@dresdyn100
As an aging Goth/Industrial guy, I didn't even know this existed! I love it of course :)
@kimberlyjohnson3735
Indeed!
@marciarecardoso
Me too!
@ZillMob
Yay for spooky black holes
@Swift363
Everyone's on about Trent and Peter, but notice how TV on the Radio totally nails this classic in their own inimitable style. Great stuff.
@ambeaux4d
Swift363 You said it, mane.
@droneforever
Totally. They are a great live band.
@concept1027
They elevated it, really.