In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Say your name
Try to speak as clearly as you can
You know everything gets written down
Nod your head
Just in case they could be watching with
Their shiny satellite
I hope they cannot see
The limitless potential
Living inside of me
To murder everything
I hope they cannot see
I am the great destroyer
Turn it up
Listen to the shit they pump into your head
Filling you with apathy
Hold your breath
Wait until you know the time is right
On time, the end is near
I hope they cannot see
The limitless potential
Living inside of me
To murder everything
I hope they cannot see
I am the great destroyer
Try to speak as clearly as you can
You know everything gets written down
Nod your head
Just in case they could be watching with
Their shiny satellite
I hope they cannot see
The limitless potential
Living inside of me
To murder everything
I hope they cannot see
I am the great destroyer
Turn it up
Listen to the shit they pump into your head
Filling you with apathy
Hold your breath
Wait until you know the time is right
On time, the end is near
I hope they cannot see
The limitless potential
Living inside of me
To murder everything
I hope they cannot see
I am the great destroyer
Lyrics submitted by not_for_real
The Great Destroyer Lyrics as written by Trent Reznor
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Around two years ago I was listening to Year Zero on (what seemed like) a daily basis. I was in the midst of a job search having become very disillusioned with my employer at the time. I felt like a drone and after six months of searching I became even more depressed than I had been at the start of my search.
So this song really started to become my rally cry. I saw my employers as the ones "writing everything down". I had to keep nodding my head; couldn't let them suspect I was looking for a better job. I had to convince myself that I had "limitless potential". Don't let them take advantage of you...remember all the crap they've told you and put you through - but hold your breath and wait for the right moment to escape.
I didn't take much longer before I gave notice - and another job found me. I regret nothing about it and I am so, so happy with where I am now in my career.