Outside
david bowie and nine inch nails Lyrics
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Yesterday
Not tomorrow
It happens today
The damage today
They fall on today
They beat on the outside
And I'll stand by you
It's happening now
Not tomorrow
It's happening now
The crazed in the hot-zone
The mental and diva's hands
The fisting of life
To the music outside
To the music outside
It happens outside
The music is outside
It's happening outside
The music is outside
It's happening, now
Not tomorrow
Yesterday
Not tomorrow
The music is outside
It's happening outside
The music is outside
The music is outside
Outside
Outside
Outside
In David Bowie's song Outside, the lyrics urge listeners to focus on the present moment rather than getting lost in the past or future. Bowie underscores the importance of the present by repeating "Not tomorrow, yesterday, not tomorrow" over and over again. The song is about being present and aware of what is going on around you right now. The words "Now. Not tomorrow" present an urgency to live in the moment and appreciate what is happening around us presently.
Bowie goes on to describe the chaos and turmoil that exists outside our controlled world. The "crazed in the hot-zone" and "mental and diva's hands" are references to the wild and unpredictable nature of the outside world. The line "The fisting of life to the music outside" suggests that we should embrace the dangers and excitement of the world outside to fully appreciate the life force that exists within us.
The overall message of the song is about breaking free from societal norms and expectations and living in the moment. It encourages individuals to embrace the unpredictability and danger of the world outside and to engage with the music that is happening there.
Line by Line Meaning
Now. Not tomorrow
It's important to act now, not wait for tomorrow
Yesterday
The past
Not tomorrow
Don't wait for the future to act
It happens today
Events occur in the present moment
The damage today
Negative consequences are happening now
They fall on today
Some people are suffering the consequences of the present moment
They beat on the outside
There is conflict and chaos outside of oneself
And I'll stand by you
I will support you through difficult times
Now. Not tomorrow
Again emphasizing the importance of taking action in the present moment
It's happening now
Events are currently taking place
The crazed in the hot-zone
People who are desperate and in crisis
The mental and diva's hands
Mental illness and the influence of celebrity culture
The fisting of life
The challenges and struggles of existence
To the music outside
People express themselves and find release through art and music
It happens outside
Signifying that the source of some of life's struggles is found externally
The music is outside
Art and music can be cathartic in the midst of chaos
It's happening outside
Reiterating that conflicts are present in the external world
The music is outside
Again emphasizing the value of artistic expression
It's happening, now
Returning to the theme of present tense events
Not tomorrow
Don't procrastinate or delay action
Yesterday
The past again
Not tomorrow
Once more emphasizing the importance of acting in the present moment
The music is outside
The final reminder of the value of artistic expression
It's happening outside
Closing out the song with the message that external conflicts and challenges are currently taking place
The music is outside
The final repetition of the value of artistic expression
Outside
The title of the song
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KELLY JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@caedencloud3504
Trent on this performance: “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.”
@theymademedoit2003
That’s just beautiful.
@1958TimMoore
Fab!
@prestonward5488
I know what kind of person Reznor is. He's the kind that can't be happy no matter how amazing he is. He got a little break from that during this performance. Otherwordly beautiful. I'm not a fan of egocentric living but THIS is definitely the way to do it, if one is inclined.
@MARSBELLA1
Thanks Caeden Cloud - always good to know those we respect remain humble. Its a rare thing in ''modern'' music to be humble. I apprieciate you knew words from actual Trent.
@HollyLiana
His very unusual grin says it all! Beautiful Boy is living his dream with an influence on his craft. Incredible moment!!!
@raipier
I love that Bowie backs his voice off to not overshadow Trent's voice and balance the dissonant harmony between them.
@jussitikkuri6991
Bowie was a proper gentleman & grand performer
@colintevis8764
There’s nothing dissonant about the harmony man. Bowie just nails it and it’s mixed very well together
@cajunsweettart
Loved it too!