Somewhat Damaged
Nine Inch Nails · The Fragile [1999]
Tried so hard to be like you
Flew too high and burnt the wing
Lost my faith in everything
Lick around devine debris
Taste the wealth of hate in me
Shedding skin succumb defeat
This machine is obsolete
Made the choice to go away
Drink the fountain of decay
Tear a hole exquisite red
Fuck the rest and stab it dead
Broken bruised forgotten sore
Too fucked up to care any more
Poisoned to my rotten core
Too fucked up to care any more
In the back
off the side
far away
is a place
where i hide
where i stay
tried to say
tried to ask
i needed to
all alone
by myself
where were you?
how could i ever think
it's funny how everything
that swore it wouldn't change
is different now
just like you
would always say
we'd make it through
then my head
fell apart
and where were you?
how could i ever think
it's funny how everything
you swore would
never change
is different now
like you said
you and me
make it through
didn't quite
fell apart
where the fuck were you?
Somewhat Damaged
Somewhat Damaged serves as a pivotal moment on Nine Inch Nails' 1999 double album, The Fragile. Following the intense, industrial aggression of the previous era, this track embodies the introspective and melancholic shift that defines the record. Trent Reznor constructs a soundscape that balances fragile acoustic textures with the band's signature electronic distortion, creating a sonic environment that feels both intimate and expansive. The song explores themes of emotional vulnerability and the struggle to maintain stability amidst internal chaos. As part of a critically acclaimed body of work, it highlights Reznor's ability to deconstruct traditional rock structures while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision. The recording remains a testament to the band's evolution during a period of significant creative experimentation and personal reflection.