"The Day the World Went Away" (HALO 13), released 25 years ago, on July 20, 1999, by Nine Inch Nails, is a significant single from their third studio album, "The Fragile." This track showcases Trent Reznor's distinctive industrial rock style, blending haunting melodies with raw, emotional intensity.
Clocking in at over four minutes, the song, which contains no drums at all, diverges from the band's earlier aggressive sound, favoring a more atmospheric and introspective approach. The lyrics, minimal yet powerful, reflect themes of loss and despair, creating a somber and reflective tone. Reznor's vocal delivery is both haunting and evocative, complementing the song's melancholic instrumental backdrop.
Musically, "The Day the World Went Away" features layers of distorted guitars, intricate electronic textures, and a compelling use of silence and dynamics. The track's unconventional structure and ambient elements exemplify Reznor's innovative approach to songwriting and production.
Accompanied by a stark, monochromatic music video directed by Reznor and Bill Yukich, the song has become a fan favorite and a testament to Nine Inch Nails' enduring influence in the industrial rock genre.
The song was the band's first top-forty hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 17, which remains their highest-ever position on the chart.
Formats and track listings
"The Day the World Went Away" (HALO 13) CD single
Nothing Records / Interscope Records INTDS-97026
1. "The Day the World Went Away" (single version) – 4:03
2. "Starfuckers, Inc." (long) – 5:24
3. "The Day the World Went Away (Quiet)" (remixed by Trent Reznor) – 6:20
"The Day the World Went Away" (HALO 13) - 12" single
Nothing Records / Interscope Records INT12-97026
Side A
1. "The Day the World Went Away" (single version) – 4:01
2. "The Day the World Went Away (Quiet)" – 6:20
Side B
3. "The Day the World Went Away (Porter Ricks)" – 7:04
