Changes

This is the original album version. It is characterised by heavy use of loud, layered percussion loops; in fact, the bridge of the song is completely constructed from percussion patterns and synthesized machinery sounds as well as Reznor's distorted voice. Guitars are featured prominently during the verses and choruses, the latter also including synthesized bass. Each verse is punctured by screamed backing vocals. The repetitive buildup at the end of the song eventually gives way to quiet whispers, which segue into "[[Gave Up]]"."

This remix contains samples from the album version as well as from performance artist Bob Flanagan. Repetitive in nature, it contains very few lyrics, instead focusing on the percussion loops and synthesized bass and leads, similar in sound to "Heresy"."

"Happiness in Slavery" was a set staple during the [[Self Destruct Touring Cycle|Self Destruct]] tour, and usually concluded with a lot of destruction by the band after an extended outro. During later dates on the [[Performance 2007]] tour, samples from the song began to appear in the end of "[[The Great Destroyer]]"." The song was played live again for the first time since 1995, during the [[Cold And Black And Infinite Tour]] in 2018. For this iteration, Reznor used a bullhorn on the high-pitched screams of "slavery!" during the outro.