"RIGHT WHERE IT BELONGS" - Nine Inch Nails // music theory analysis

[@iximusic]

Preorder my debut album by December 22nd and get perks! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ixi/decca-ixis-debut-album Influences are NIN, Imogen Heap, Aurora, Radiohead, and more.

[@VictorSanchez11]

This is the analysis that NIN deserves. I love this channel.

[@iximusic]

Thank you Victor, that means a lot to me!

[@eLiFILMSinc]

Yabsolutely

[@lueymeteora1410]

A huuuge second to that sentiment!

[@mikez1701e]

IXI is The Best! 🖤🎶🎵🎶🎵🖤

[@larrycheek3588]

loved this!!

[@PhilipCoetsee]

The fact that you left it unresolved was so beautiful and made it feel like it ended with a question mark, like "Right Where It Belongs?" I love every minute of it!

[@activeaudiencemedia2513]

Of the entire NIN catalogue, this is the one song that consistently generates tears. The Lyrics and Music combine to the most powerful emotional experience I have ever felt in music. Ever.

[@williamleoppky661]

Yes

[@sandermalschaert2336]

Same

[@wiidlbeetle3857]

I get chills every time I hear it

[@UbiDoobyBanooby]

It’s is so powerful in its minimalist nature. It doesn’t overwhelm you with multiple layers of sound. It’s like he wants you to hear exactly what he’s saying and not be distracted. “Listen to me damn it!” he seems to say. It’s absolutely gripping.

[@iximusic]

CORRECTION: I was just listening to this song and I realized I got the ending wrong - sorry y'all. He does resolve it on the I chord on the tonic itself and does not leave you hanging at all. Well there goes my whole theory about the ending 😂

[@tjhughes4257]

When you said it I thought you were wrong at first, but then when you played it your way at the end of the video it sounded so right I had to go back and listen to the original again lol. Then I came here to tell you to listen to the end again because you might be surprised, but you beat me to it. In a way I kinda like your way a bit better because to me the song always felt like an identity crisis and a lot of self doubt and just being unsure of everything. His ending kinda feels like "but everything is OK" and yours is like "is it though?" Lol. Especially since the first time he says "what if all the world you THINK you know . . ." and the last time he says "what if all the world you USED TO know . . ." Your way still feels very unsure and I like that.

[@benb1127able]

You should watch the version of this song from the beside you in time dvd. Its incredible

[@MrDavidWoof]

@@benb1127able that explains the 'lifting of the veil' part, there is one that is lifted metaphorically and really. and i love how the sound changes to become unmuffled somehow. @ixi, i'm so glad that an obviously hardcode NIN fan like yourself has figured out the depths of this, probably one of the most beautiful NIN songs ever. This one has had me on the verge of tears since With Teeth came out !

[@WobblyBits_X]

I've always really loved that last note it's left on. It sounds so frail and lonely...

[@klawn69]

No puedo evitar llorar cada vez que escucho ese tema

[@TheBaconStrip]

When this Album was released I was going through an extremely painful time in my life. In the span of 6 months I was grieving the loss of my very good friend & musical mentor. He died from a brain aneurysm. My girlfriend at the time left and took our 14 month old son, who I was absolutely crazy for. I had really hurt my back which left me disabled and I was just in a dark place. Now all of that happened a little less than 2 years before WITH TEETH was released. My sons mom was an extremely insidious person. I remember driving away from her house after taking my son back home and she would let my boy watch me leave while he was crying. WITH TEETH was in my CD player and "Right Where It Belongs" was the next song. I had to pull into a parking lot because I was crying so hard. I was truly lost. The lyrics just hit me in a way that until that moment no other had come close. But all didn't stay so bad. I eventually got custody of my son and he is a very good friend and smart young man now. I got in touch with an old friend and she and I fell in love and got married in 2014. She is my best friend and soul mate. So really everything is "Right Where It Belongs. Sorry so long. I had to tell y'all how much this song and Nine Inch Nails means to me.👍🏼🥓🥓

[@Starwars83]

This is one of my all-time favorite NIN songs. There's such a beautiful childlike innocence to it (probably a lot to do with that alternating octave thing), yet there's also a certain sadness there. And the sound of this song does so much for me. You cover that brilliant moment where everything comes into clarity, like the curtain is opened up. I don't even know why but that touched me so much when I heard the song for the first time. It is so very intimate and beautiful, and a great example of why I like NIN so much. The audio "landscape" is as much a part of the songs as chord progression, melodies etc. Or the sort of noises at the start of the song which sounds like... I don't know, like a car going through a city or something? I always felt that sort of signified "the safety of the life we built". One of the most moving songs ever for me. Thanks for the analysis!

[@psychophelia]

That was beautiful. So glad you showed up in my feed. Your passion for music radiates.

[@iximusic]

Aw, that's so nice. I will never get tired of talking about music!

[@SosumiInc]

With Teeth is Trent's most emotional album. This was the song with the moral at the end of it. He did the same thing in The Downward Spiral with "Hurt" and with "Zero Sum" on Year Zero. I particularly liked this moral, as after an album of what was clearly Trent's "screw it, let's just ship it ugly and imperfect" philosophy permeating his concept album about getting his shit together, he clearly understood that lots of people were likely going to be on the same path, so he provided them with a suggestion to realize their potential, wherever it may take them, and to not be afraid of it. The great care given to this ending song cannot be understated; This song above all others shows Trent's explicit attention to detail on an album where that attention was decidedly and willfully less-focused overall. For this reason, if you haven't listened to the 5.1 version of this song, you haven't listened to this song. The mixing, and the dramatic shift in fidelity during the "You keep looking but you can't find the words" ending in crystal-clear "Are you hiding in your dreams" and continuing in a new world of clarity is the best moment of the entire album.

[@paingenerator8338]

"What if all the world's inside of your head, just creations of your own? Your devils and your gods, all the living and the dead. And you're really all alone?" Will always be one of the most haunting and terrifying lyrics ever written.

[@Tim-Sherer]

I've had a theory about this song. I think Trent caught his reflection on a pane of glass, maybe at the zoo, maybe at the mall, wherever, juxtaposed with imagery of other people's reflection on the glass as well and asked himself: who is in the cage? Me or them? Something like that anyway. And he decided to write about that thought. If you could look the glass of your own cage, how you see yourself, would you be too afraid to see? Again, this is my theory. I may be way off.

[@paingenerator8338]

@@Tim-Sherer This, combined with some other lyrical content, especially the song "Only" lead me to believe Trent used to be a solipsist and possibly had Depersonalization/derealization.

[@Tim-Sherer]

@@paingenerator8338 I had to look up the term 'solipsist'. Yeah, that could describe his song writing. Perhaps with the caveat that we, the listeners, also feel the same way from time to time. And here are these songs to revisit when we need them.

[@Loki-sk7bi]

I literally got chills when I heard that.

[@stephenmarseille5425]

5:26 - the moment when you see the shared harmonic DNA of this song and A Warm Place.

[@Rhuggins]

WHOA

[@d00mf00d]

I'm a pretty stoic guy, but you always make me smile with your wit and perception of music. So cheers.

[@jayc2469]

I've only just realised after your review of this track, how the piano sounds like a Shepard Tone, seeming to constantly fall but end up right where it starts (Right Where It Belongs)

[@Tim-Sherer]

I am learning that Trent is a far better songwriter than I ever thought. The dissonance to consonance, the tension to resolution, happens in many microcosms in his composition style. This is the best song on the album imo. Thx for the breakdown.

[@iximusic]

I'm learning that too! 🙌

[@Macacos]

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever. Just goes to show this dude's musical ability.

[@williamleoppky661]

Reznor has always resonated with me.

[@YannickJoubert]

its my favorite song from them.

[@mreshadow]

If Shakespeare was Beethoven then Reznor Thanks for this analysis!

[@Tijamo]

Thanks Ixi, this is my fav NIN song - simple but really textured and always makes me feel happy at the end! I only discovered your channel this week and despite not being a pianist I feel like I'm learning a lot :)

[@iximusic]

You're welcome

[@twiggyeison]

Personally i prefer this song over Hurt. It hits way deeper for me. Both great songs though.

[@bradoozy]

hurt is much better in context with the album, in all honesty, but there's so many nine inch nails songs that cut deep that it would take forever to denote them all. lights in the sky is a very good one.

[@TheParadox1010]

The song is almost the opposite of hurt.

[@drummerrene]

I'm so glad you mentioned the change in sound for the overall track at 11:58. It's a very important change and Trent does this a lot. It's a rather large change to his composition that can't be notated musically. It's all studio work. I believe Dave Grohl said once that Trent uses technology as a tool as opposed to a crutch as many others do in this era. I really love that change in the song.

[@aaronzook9540]

Brilliant analysis. I will only add that this is one of my favorite NIN songs lyrically, and that the introduction of crowd noise near the end always gives me goose bumps-- the contrast between the accolades and the emptiness of the speaker in the song, his awareness of how ignorant he is of the very nature of his existence... It just screams Ecclesiastes "Vanity, all is vanity..."

[@EmpathySaves]

12:26 I always envisioned this moment as the sound of him appearing on stage (that’s how they performed it on the “With Teeth” tour- when the curtain dropped to reveal the band). You can clearly hear the audience cheering, so I think he’s having a conversation with them and with himself, asking, “Are you sure what side you’re on?” He made this album after rehab, so do you think it’s the sound of him waking up from addiction? Your videos are the Perfect Drug! Thanks & please keep making more!

[@night_speed]

Definitely keep these coming. Especially from The Fragile, it's one of my favorite albums of all time. Not to mention you should sing more, you have a beautiful voice and NIN songs tend to sound good with female vocals.

[@iximusic]

Thank you! I've gotta give some attention to the more recent albums first but I'll be getting back to The Fragile soon. It's so brilliant 🙌

[@GearSplaining]

Mixolydian flat 6 keeps coming back. And I didnt realize how often he stylistically uses 7ths. Especially since he presents as a "rocker" but he has almost a progressive level of theory embedded.

[@iximusic]

Right? I also think he's just not afraid. He's not afraid to make things sound "ugly" or unsettling, and 7ths, while considered by many including myself to be exquisite, are not comforting the way many of the other intervals are, or as accessible.

[@bryanjames1561]

I know I have said this to you before, but every time I watch your videos on NIN You give the information about Trents music,that no one cant get ANYWHERE else,you have given all of us that like NIN A gift and insight into the music, thank you so much,as far as I know you are the only one doing this and is even capable of doing it,I watch other things on KZbin but nothing has given me the knowledge about NIN like you have.we are lucky to have someone like you break it down for us to truly understand the genius of Trent, if you lived around me I would do favors for you as much as I could manage to do,that is how I feel about the gifts you have given us,I hope you have a wonderful day,and if you ever come up to Alaska, put a message out saying you are,and you have a free tour guide to make your vacation the best as possible

[@zoltanberkes8559]

The entire song is about acceptance. Accepting our cruel fate with the utmost calm. The moment when you come to terms with everything. This is why contradiction is present in every detail: on one side, the unsettling reality, and on the other, the absolution of resignation. The alternation of tension and release in every dimension. A beautiful artistic portrayal of the feeling of hopelessness.

[@leonardhohrein9924]

I feel for all musically talented people. That they make one song that they can't out live and then are forever known for. With NIN it would be "Closer" or in this song "Hurt". Though out of all the emotional sadness I think "Zero Sum" actually wins over both "Hurt" & "Right Where it Belongs" all because "Zero Sum" concludes and simplifies this sadden ideology in it's lyrics.

[@simonread8713]

My favourite NIN track. The outro is beautifully fragile.

[@niallgoddard02]

Omg! I am sooooo glad you covered this! I LOVE this song so much, thank you Ixi. Also "Reznorance" is awesome. Opposite of suspension, elevation? 😃 And that melody is beautiful! In relation to the "feel" I get from the song, it's like he feels lost, alone, abandoned and uneasy. Like he needs to be comforted. The sudden burst of clarity feels to me like a realisation and anger in the face of the fact that it IS just as he thought, it IS that hopeless. ... "And it's all... Right where it belongs"... A beautiful video, on a beautiful song, by a beautifully talented person. Thank you so much. ❤️

[@iximusic]

NIN fans are the sweetest people. I guess we've all been through it! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. It's interesting to hear your interpretation of the sonic clarity feeling like anger. I can see that.

[@notanothercreativetechnologist]

This is so beautiful. You put into perfective properly how astounding his work really is...

[@theogonia1983]

I really value how your analysis of NIN puts to language all the feelings and moods i feel when listening to his music but don’t have the musical vocabulary to articulate. My listening has been enriched greatly whenever i watch one of your videos and revisit the song. Thank you for that!

[@iximusic]

I'm glad I could help you go Even Deeper into the music! ♥️

[@chriszewski]

This. Thank you for being our cypher.

[@juanpilanco8237]

@@chriszewski te

[@juanpilanco8237]

@@chriszewski cv la

[@Arakiel9]

I know I comment a lot on your videos... sorry, kind of... but, it's Trent. So, of course I have thoughts and feelings. I was having a difficult time really listening to everything you were saying/playing... you know how some people are good listeners, but other people are really just waiting to talk? That was me for this video. Sorry. But, it paid off. You got there! It was exciting. You said that you're bad with lyrics (well, posted it on the screen), I was a vocalist and I'm terrible with lyrics. Go figure. So, this song is (can't... say... it...) one of my favorites by Trent. (Doh! Said it.) It is poignant, and beautiful, and has just enough dissonance to hold my interest while still being lovely and gentle, and like you said, a bit less like NIN than usual. For me, it's all explained by the lyrics (and engineering, you got that too... that was the most exciting part of the whole video for me). My personal interpretation of the song is someone who is thinking/feeling in their inner world. Having those thoughts that we don't share with other people. Considering them. Feeling vulnerable. Trying to understand it all within the context of the external world. The meaning of it, their place in it, all of those things. There is a part where you mention that it sounds "playful"... that is critically important to my interpretation of the song. That is symbolic of the child-like self (Freudians would call that the "id", but eww... Freudians), the part that let's us know that the protagonist is in a vulnerable, innocent place, emotionally, perhaps dealing with trauma from early in their life. The lyrics talk about the realization that so much of what we call "reality" is internally generated. We think, therefore, things are. I'm not talking about ultimate causality, but our perception of the world is NOT what is actually there. It is a construct of what we perceive, colored by everything we've ever experienced. Studies show that we don't see what we "see". We see what we expect to see. The brain takes in sensory input and changes it in real time, filtering it, altering it, based on expectations and previous experiences. People regularly describe not only external objects, but their own appearance and behavior very differently than any objective measurement would suggest is accurate. The first section of the song is a vacillation of perspective... "things are ~this~ way"... "what if things aren't ~this~ way?"... followed by an attempt at reassurance with the phrase, "See the safety of the life you have built, everything where it belongs". But that isn't the end of it... the very next line is, "Feel the hollowness inside of your heart." It's a dawning realization that the stable, certain world which you live in... which you believe you live in... is maybe not quite accurate. If everything is so good, why do I feel so bad? The following lyrics reinforce this exploration. They touch on the uncertainty and fear of questioning things that are "accepted truth", as perhaps nothing more than opinions that were comfortable to accept. This is actually very real. A key component of understanding human behavior is to understand a person's "individual narrative". This is the story that they tell themselves, that they define themselves by... that describes reality (to them). The problem is, everybody has a different "individual narrative". They are not the same. They aren't even compatible. They do not accurately describe objective reality... but the most frightening part... the part that has initiated many the mid-life crisis, is that it doesn't even accurate describe YOU. Your story is what you believe about yourself, but it's not accurate. That realization has been initiating existential crises since the dawn of time. Some people never get there. They live their whole life without this sort of reflection, without this sort of realization. So, this is a song about a character who is going through this process, realizing that they do NOT know what they know. That their "facts" are, in fact, opinions. Their identity is not a solid thing, immutable, but a construct that is vulnerable to threats, both external and internal. Neat. Nice song. Deep. Interesting character. Good lyrics. Beautiful music. Love it. Wait a second... there's something we're forgetting. You caught it. It was my favorite part of the video. But if you caught it's significance, you didn't say it, or at least, it didn't make the final cut. Referring to the studio version of the song, since you don't play it in your video, the engineering of the track alters, gradually at first, then dramatically at approximately the 3:01 mark, where he sings, "You keep looking but you can't find the woods, while you're hiding in the trees." 3:12. That's the part you didn't mention. The "big reveal". As Trent's voice becomes more rich, more full, more clear, the "low fi" aspect of the song has faded away, and the roar of a cheering audience is clearly heard. It's Trent. He's the main character. Now, some of you just rolled your eyes... I know... he wrote the damn song. Of course it's about him. Of course he's the main character. Well, not so fast. Many, many artists write many, many songs, and many of them are NOT about themselves, or even loosely based upon themselves. They are based on someone they know, maybe a conglomeration of people who they've known. Sometimes it a complete work of fiction, they pull it out of their... uh... imagination. But here is why this is such a big deal to me. Why I get so jazzed about it. Why I'm writing so many words about it. An artist is someone who does "something", typically "creative", which communicates emotion and part of the human experience. That's one possible definition of an artist. It's what I'm working from at this moment, for this purpose. It's not just that someone has these thoughts, these doubts, these realizations... many people, over thousands of years have had these thoughts and doubts and realizations. It's not just that Trent Reznor has had these thoughts. The roaring of the crowd. To me, my personal interpretation, what this song communicates to me artistically, is the sense of a celebrity, a rock star, Trent ******* Reznor on stage, performing, in the flow, adored by thousands, realizing that none of it is real. Well, some of it is real. Some of what he is experiencing can be confirmed through objective observation. The fans are indeed cheering. He is indeed wearing tight black leather. (*cough* *cough*, sorry, don't know where that came from) The song, to me, is Trent describing what it's like to be "on top of the world", performing in front of adoring fans, while having an existential crisis. Realizing, that not only are his beliefs about what is real open to questioning, but so are the thoughts and beliefs of all those people who are cheering for him. We are all different, but we are all the same. If you think about it, for a celebrity who gets so much attention, to realize that those people are cheering for an idea of "you" that they have created in their minds... not really you at all... that could be quite the blow. It would definitely take some of the hype out of fame. So, again, my personal interpretation of this song is that it is an incredibly intimate revelation of a moment... perhaps several different times and places, where he has pondered these ideas, and struggled with issues of self-doubt, insecurity, uncertainty... all of that. Sometimes, even when he's performing, even when he's being cheered by thousands. Again, so what? We knew that. If you read his lyrics, Trent has always been open to describing emotional vulnerability, emotional "flaws", personal problems... all of that and more. Why is this so important to me? Because, artistically, this song, as recorded in the studio, gives a visceral and deeply moving portrait of a single moment in time. I can see it happening. I can feel it happening. I am "there". There are no pictures. I'm not telepathic. But still, this song paints a picture of that moment so clearly that I am there, experiencing it. That, in my opinion, is one definition of a "great work of art", no hyperbole intended. I mean that. Sorry. I did it again. So many words. It's funny, I just came here to watch this before watching your new "v2" post on this song. I wanted to see what you were updating/continuing/expounding upon. "Oh, it will just be a few minutes, no harm in that." There. That is a great example. My internal story, my identity of myself... it bears little resemblance to my actual, observable behavior. Love your content. You are wonderful. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@StottMikel]

I am going to strongly recommend the Japanese version of this track. It's usually called "V2." But it lacks the noise and really showcases this most-excellent vocal work & proves ixi's case that this is, at its core, a piano ballad.

[@ThatManWasRightThereISwear]

I couldn't agree more. The original is great but v2 is what this song was truly meant to be.

[@SosumiInc]

I'm going to strongly disagree. While the v2 is wonderful, the point of the song is the transition from a lo-fi life to dolby 5.1 surround sound understanding, right as he's saying "are you hiding in your dreams". The intent is to give a listener a glimpse into a world they didn't quite understood existed, one where they are attuned to all the other voices in the crowd cheering them on. The piano ballad at the core merely provides a foundation for the actual message Trent chose to convey with the overall sonic experience. v2 is a beautiful song, just like The Day The World Went Away (Quiet). Trent absolutely made the correct choice in version for the album.

[@Baxxter101]

I love this, but I have no idea what you're talking about. Thanks for blowing my mind and peaking my interest in music theory.

[@Stray7]

This is one of my all-time favorite NIN songs, because I was listening to it a LOT during a stressful transitional time in my life (moving out on my own for the first time). So this (and Beside You In Time, but this was the one that really stuck with me) has a lot of sentimentality built up for it, and part of that is probably because it's fairly simple as NIN songs go. Good to hear some in-depth analysis on it.

[@PBewer]

The images at the end of the "Beside You In Time" Tour Video of this song add a dimension and give closure.

[@iamjacksnick]

Listening to you analyze and play this song I feel like you really understand it! Wonderfull video :-)

[@mattmovesmountains1443]

Always loved this one.. so simple (seemingly), but really shrouding something more complex. Almost like a fake smile hiding the actual feelings. Or perhaps a duck looking still but its feet are paddling like crazy under the water.

[@ericpelletier7123]

i love nin so much thank you to explain what the no musician fan miss in the music

[@aettic]

This is one of my favorite NIN songs - amongst all of them. It hit me super hard the first time I heard it because I was probably 20, and just suffered a really major loss in my life, and was sort of in this weird place of questioning everything I believed, so I felt like the lyrics in this track were directly relevant to what I was feeling, and it stuck with me really hard. It is a fairly simple song overall, but man it's just so gorgeous, and the lyrics are so amazing.

[@evropa100]

Incredible. While you were playing the outro to this video a car passed by outside replicating how it sounds on the album

[@iximusic]

Wow! Like the driver was playing the song in their car??

[@evropa100]

@@iximusic no like theres a sample in the song that kind of sounds like a car passing or something. Happened in real time over here :p

[@chriswilson4466]

I just discovered your channel. Mind blowing analysis! I have been a big NIN fan since his first album and never really appreciated his true genius until I watched several of your videos. THANK YOU!

[@iximusic]

💜

[@seagers_studio]

Great analysis! Loved your point about the change in production as a metaphor for "waking up". Ive always thought this was a touch of class from Trent. Great to experience in a pair of good headphones too.

[@jameshendricks4846]

So cool to find a musician who dives deep with my favorite band!

[@13Gisang]

I've spent most of this week thinking about how my life more or less unraveled over this past year, all while I've been in quarantine. But for the last few minutes while you were playing, I was just thinking about how much I would LOVE to go to a NIN concert with you, a person I've literally never met, who I discovered on KZbin just a couple days ago...aaaaand now I'm crying lol

[@iximusic]

Sometimes you have to unravel completely to weave something new. Things may get broken but they can be fixed. I hope things start to get better for you soon! Stranger things have happened! I would go to a NIN show with all of you🤘

[@tosh_is_me942]

There's a "broken"/"fixed" ep metaphor pun in there somewhere, if you get past the trentones

[@fontcaicoya5686]

This was the first NIN song that brought me to literal tears... and by tears I mean sobbing between lyrics while stuck in daytime traffic. I'd been going through an existential crisis at the time, and the song helped me resolve some of that. Like you said, it "crystallized." Thank you for covering this song, and all your incredible work. I'm enjoying this rabbit hole into one of my favorite artists.

[@etherealskies]

Hi Ixi, thanks for sharing this video on one of favorite NIN songs ; I really like your enthusiasm which beautifully contrasts with the melancholy of the song. Keep on the good work :)

[@DavidCouttsPhotography]

I'm really enjoying these Ixi! I've always found with Trent's work, no matter how simple it sounds, there's always lots to discover under the hood!

[@UkDave3856]

Lyrically it is a song about a mind that is experiencing a solipsistic crisis, and as my mind is the only mind that I can prove to exist, I must have created Trent Reznor just to sing this song to myself. It amazes me that my mind can also create such a talented and intelligent lady to explain the music to me as well

[@benbrujo8989]

I absolutely LOVE your videos! I know bupkis about music but you convey the concepts so well. I love your thoughts on the low-fi production flowing into the more textured, crystalized sound. I noticed at the very end of the last note there is a warble added that tells me no matter how profound the realization or waking up at the end of the narrative is, there is always that little bit of sadness there.

[@smkh2890]

The lyrics: See the animal in his cage that you built Are you sure what side you're on? Better not look him too closely in the eye Are you sure what side of The glass you are on? See the safety of the life you have built Everything where it belongs Feel the hollowness inside of your heart And it's all Right where it belongs What if everything around you Isn't quite as it seems? What if all the world you think you know Is an elaborate dream? And if you look at your reflection Is it all you want it to be? What if you could look right Through the cracks? Would you find yourself Find yourself afraid to see? What if all the world's inside of your head Just creations of your own? Your devils and your gods All the living and the dead And you're really all alone? You can live in this…

[@iximusic]

Thank you.

[@Stray7]

You can live in this illusion You can choose to believe You keep looking but you can't find the woods While you're hiding in the trees What if everything around you Isn't quite as it seems? What if all the world you used to know Is an elaborate dream? And if you look at your reflection Is it all you want it to be? What if you could look right Through the cracks Would you find yourself Find yourself afraid to see?

[@bryonburrell9509]

Woohaa. Late to the party. Probably one of NIN songs that rezonates with me the most. From the "simplicity" of the piano through to the lyrics. Much of the terminology of what your saying is lost on me but seeing you break it down along with that you truly enjoy their music makes the analysis palatable and easy to digest. Hells yeah!!

[@brianh4625]

Love this channel. Thanks for this analysis of my favorite NIИ song. It's so poignant and delicate. I got chills several times just listening to you play it.

[@lueymeteora1410]

Beautiful! So powerful and moving! I'm going to go listen to it with the lights low...just sit on the recliner with no distractions - no devices, no instruments..just soak it all in. P.S. I get a similar tonal vibe from the Great Below. It's a beautiful tragedy. Or a tragic beauty..

[@PBewer]

I first heard the end of the song during a documentary. And while the song was ending and I could anticipate the next notes... could only think: "Right where it belongs."

[@highr.powermusic6002]

I love your videos! Sometimes trents music sounds simple but you explain how complex it is

[@iximusic]

Thank you! It's a really neat thing to experience something as simple, and also as complex. Multiple levels of appreciation!

[@thealmightyego6339]

To this day my favorite NiN song ever released, I can't NOT get the chills! Would you consider a Getting Smaller analysis? I'm OBSESSED with the bit after the second chorus

[@iximusic]

Great song! It's not at the top of the list but I'll make a note.

[@sampatterson2434]

I love this song. There is just something about when his voice clears up that gives me chills and goosebumps stand up on my scalp. One thing I’ve been doing when watching your videos is listening to the song you analyze right afterward on my best headphones or my main hone theater setup. I dug out the old With Teeth DVD edition with the 5.1 mixes. This sounds so amazing! Parts of this song drift every and slowly move around you. The last few piano note comes out of the left rear, so a little behind you and not centered. Something about that feels like it is drifting off, leaving me behind and feeling alone. Since I’ve always listened to this is stereo, I never got that at the very end before.

[@byronjbanks]

When I pass I want this played at my funeral. Kind of Morbid I know... But it just had that much of an impact on me. This song shook my world as Trent knew we all needed our worlds shaken.

[@Nitelifebuzz]

12:02 - This vocal clarity happens exactly on the 3 minute marker of the track. I don't think it means anything, but I noticed that the very first time I listened to it.

[@iximusic]

Woah. I love stuff like that!

[@rickgiles6121]

Yes. Best part of the song. Someone turned the volume up. It like when Smashing Pumpkins would depress the Distortion Pedals on their Ballads-only more meaningful and unexpected!😀

[@PBewer]

It's their darkest song. I Believe the lyrics belong to the music (as well as pictures in the Beside You In Time live video). They remind us that, ignorance won't remove us from the inherent cruelty of the world. Especially the last note is emphasises the title. (everything is right where it belongs)

[@Seichinha]

Dear Ixi love u're videos. It's very cool to see and listening how u dissect Trent music.

[@Shen_YouTube_]

Fantastic channel. Exactly what I need. Subscribed immediately. I’ll go through all NIN videos, amazingly detailed and knowledgeable analysis. I will learn a lot about music listening to your videos. Thank you in advanced. Keep up the good work! Congrats.

[@evanjohnson1815]

somehow while binging your videos, i missed this one. the song that is probably the most tortuously painful of his catalogue IMO. going to be a hard view, but your analysis are always so insightful, and show me the songs in a way that feels new.

[@shockingbluevenus]

One of the best music Analysis from this band and specially this song thats so dear to me since I was a teenager. You make me feel your passion on music, you are truly talented. Such a joy to listen to. You get every mood of this songs Beautifully. Feeling so inspired. :D

[@marshalsea000]

Thanks for these vids, I was a bit late to finding them. From a 1st Gen UK NIN (OG 90-91.... *ahem*) fan they're absolutely brilliant. Spreading like wild fire amongst all my friends. We love your sense of humour! Your playing in this is beautiful - wish I had your chops. Please do EVERYTHING!!! They're really informative and I'm learning more music theory from you than I have in 20 years and finally working out why I do things in the noise I make.

[@captainadmiral1]

Favorite song of all time! So grateful for all of your videos! Thank you for being our public Trentologist! 🙏

[@nakedraidenn]

Reznorology*

[@Bear_It_]

This one is so beautiful

[@morganwellsmusic]

I still remember where I was the first time I listened to this song on headphones. SHIVERS when that shift in the mix happened. Felt like a first time doing mushrooms or something.

[@duckboi94]

As a die hard NIN also, I really appreciate this series you’ve been doing. Definitely my favorite ones to binge on right now. Can’t wait to also hear more of your original music :) you rock!!

[@Scarlessarms]

so great, thanks...

[@johnnyv9914]

I don't know what to say. I'm in a nin fan page and they redirected us here. I've listened to them for so long and bot as musically inclined to breakdown the things I love about the song in a musical language. This is more than wonderful, and you are appreciated for the work and passion you put in on your projects. Small tidbit. That pretty part in the end always makes me slightly tear up spontaneously. I was great to see how it affected you as well...those notes cut. Cheers from boston

[@iximusic]

I'm glad you found your way here. Thank you for this thoughtful comment - it's nice to know we can all tear up together! I was born in Boston! Cheers from Austin.

[@tosh_is_me942]

I closed my eyes and I slipped away, It's more than a feeling, When I hear that old song they used to play...

[@oceanmachine420]

Went looking on youtube for help learning the piano on this song for a doom/sludge metal cover I'm doing of it, this was great, thank you! Admittedly I didn't really understand some of the super technical theory stuff, but you have a certain charm/charisma that pulled me through it hahaha

[@iximusic]

Rad :) Glad I could help. If you need any additional help with the piano part, feel free to message me on Instagram!

[@garretteeny1102]

KZbin algorithm sent me here and I am glad there is someone creating content like this! This is my favorite song of all time. Thank you for giving this song attention! Great channel. Trent Reznor forever.

[@Portekberm]

Incredible song

[@chrisbolducrowan5110]

One of my favorite songs of all time.

[@JesseRobertsF-T-C]

This song gets me everytime I hear any part of it. It is so precious and beautiful. You have such a gorgeous talent and voice.

[@iximusic]

It seems to be a really important song for many people. I'm glad I spent some time with it.

[@miamylin]

One of my favorite songs. Thank you :D This was so well done

[@FabiusandGertie]

This song moves me everytime no matter what.

[@WizardBlender]

You are wonderful and this was wonderful

[@ArturJanKazimierz]

Beautiful work. I just subscribed. Thank you.

[@michaelmartin6150]

this song fascinates me again and again. when I ask myself why, I think it's all right. when I analyze it, it's confusing. and that is exactly why it is consistent. it is like opening up or waking up. Your analysis feels like a realization and awakening. it's just like the song. Thank you, at the right time in the right place where it belongs

[@goldenglove2851]

most beautiful analysis ever

[@martyngrifhorst6484]

I don’t know if you noticed, but in the chorus he’s alternating between a high note and a low note, indicating the duality of the mood of this song. It’s almost as if the piano is saying “Are you ok? (High), “I’m not ok” (low). (Or maybe that’s just in my head)

[@tw200rocks]

Love being a fan of yours!

[@iximusic]

🖤

[@GuyBrave]

Just discovered this channel, and I'm so glad I did. As with many people here, NIN has had a big impact on my life, and this track in particular is one that has really affected me and stuck with me. I love what you do on this channel. To hear you talk about this amazing music the way you do lets people engage with it in away that they might not otherwise would have. If you take requests, I'd love to hear you talk about The Perfect Drug, The Day the World Went Away, Complication or In This Twilight. Thanks for an awesome channel, I'm definitely going to be keeping a close eye on it now that I have found it.

[@iximusic]

All of those are on my list! It's a matter of when, not if! Thank you for the kind words. ♥️

[@BullyMaguire4ever]

For how deep you are into NIN it really surprises me that you hadn’t gotten into this masterpiece until now.

[@hektik2200]

Grew up listening to NiN. Trent is one of my favorite musicians. I don't really understand half of what you're saying but I love that you're saying it. Having the music broken down and explained helps understand the emotions convoked even if I don't quite understand the terminology.

[@iximusic]

I think some will start to rub off on you! Pretty soon you'll be like "oh yeah, there's the tritone guys." :)

[@hektik2200]

@@iximusic well I finally googled what a tonic is 🤓🧐

[@iximusic]

Excellent! 🏠

[@geoffreyeljefe4544]

I love your channel!

[@Substance242]

Reznorance... :-) One of only two NIN songs I had the audacity to record (over instrumental) with my voice and sang at company party (didn't win, damn it), one of my favourites also because of the lyrics. (not released, available on request haha) Yes DVD/BluRay Beside you in time version is magnificient.

[@pongtrometer]

The shimmering ‘IXIENCE’

[@iximusic]

🤩

[@af893489]

Excellent work. Thank you for being so talented and sharing.

[@iximusic]

Thank you for watching! 🖤🙏

[@af893489]

@@iximusic Please check out the NIN fan made Music video I made a few years ago. Also, would love to chat more with you about music if you want. If so, please email: [e-mail]

[@dysamoria]

I'm so glad to see that MUSIC ITSELF makes you cry. I've been struggling NOT to cry when listening to music I love, ever since I escaped fucking psych drugs.They broke something in me; my emotional core hasn't been the same since (I was coerced onto them and never should have been on them; wrecked everything about my life and the damage persists in so many ways to this day). I am so much more apt to cry now (for other people's pain, for beauty, but not for myself), and it's getting irritating to not be able to sing along to music I love because I get choked up. I feel sort of like what people describe with ASMR, but it's not the same thing. It might be neurologically similar, though, because music has always been a powerful experience for me, especially with interesting sound design (I was once tested for seizure disorders and flashing lights made me want to giggle; the testing people disregarded it but another doctor said "Uh, yeah, that's terribly significant!"). It's great to see your emotion here; makes me feel less alone with that particular aspect of my existence.

[@spoffproduction]

Once again, love your vids. You've got that pation and that energy that is just beautiful to watch. You've reminded me of some of the best teachers that I've got. It's the spark, I don't know how to say it, but, we can feel that you're still learning as you're teaching and ir makes the experience really fun to watch. Also, you should do Lights in the sky. Can't wait that you finish with TDS.

[@sijimo]

This song sounded to me like the kid could play it on the piano. But I knew, that with Trent it's never gonna be just so simple inside :) Thank you for decoding this so nicely! I really enjoy your videos!

[@iximusic]

It's both simple and complex. I think he is a master of contrast and juxtaposition!

[@FerMonsa5]

Im in love with The Becoming, specially the Still version

[@iximusic]

I haven't heard any of the Still versions yet. I'm really looking forward to it!

[@rickgiles6121]

Wonderful. Just shared and told my sister about you!

[@RichardAcevedo2814]

love this channel and your content!

[@brianwest1991]

You are wonderful. Never stop.

[@iximusic]

Nothing can stop me now. 🙌