View source for Zero-Sum

{{song
| title = Zero-Sum
| album = ''[[Year Zero]]''
| length = 6:15
| versions =Zero-Sum<br>Zero-Sum: Stephen Morris & Gillian Gilbert
| live = N/A
}}'''"Zero-Sum"''' is the sixteenth and final track on the 2007 release ''[[Year Zero]].''

==Song title==
In game theory and economic theory, zero-sum describes a situation in which a participant's gain or loss is exactly balanced by the losses or gains of the other participant(s). It is so named because when the total gains of the participants are added up, and the total losses are subtracted, they will sum to zero. Go is an example of a zero-sum game, it is a strategic board game for two players. To differentiate it from the common English verb go, it is written with a [[capital G]].

==Appearances==
===Halos===
* ''Year Zero''
*''[[Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D]]''

==Versions==
===Zero-Sum===
This is the original album version.

===Zero-Sum: Stephen Morris & Gillian Gilbert===
This remix appears on ''Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D.'' It begins with a basic melody and beat before the vocals come in. A synth comes in over the vocals, riding over them like a wave. The melody changes as the verse transitions over to the first chorus. After the chorus, many elements drop out as it builds to the second verse. Many sound elements from the first verse returned but are now joined by a hi-hat and drum beat. After the second chorus repeats, the melody heard at the very beginning returns accompanied by the hi-hat and drum percussion. These sounds drop out at the end save for a synth beat that simply fades quickly.

====Song Credits====
*Remix by Stephen Morris & Gillian Gilbert

==Live==
"Zero-Sum" has yet to be played live.

==Lyrics==
     They're starting to open up the sky
     They're starting to reach down through
     And it feels like we're living in that split-second
     Of a car crash
     And time is slowing down
     And if we only had a little more time
     And this time
     Is all there is
     Do you remember the time we
     And all the times we
     And should have
     And were going to
     I know
     And I know you remember
     How we could justify it all
     And we knew better
     In our hearts we knew better
     And we told ourselves it didn't matter
     And we chose to continue
     And none of that matters anymore
     In the hour of our twilight
     And soon it will be all said and done
     And we will all be back together as one
     If we will continue at all
     
     Shame on us
     Doomed from the start	
     May God have mercy
     On our dirty little hearts
     Shame on us
     For all we've done
     And all we ever were
     Just zeros and ones
     
     And you never get away
     And you never get to take the easy way
     And all of this is a consequence
     Brought on by our own hand
     If you believe in that sort of thing
     And did you ever really find
     When you closed your eyes
     Any place that was still	
     And at peace
     And I guess I just wanted to tell you
     As the light starts to fade
     That you are the reason
     That I am not afraid
     And I guess I just wanted to mention
     As the heavens will fall	
     We will be together soon if we
     Will be anything at all
     
     Shame on us
     Doomed from the start	
     May God have mercy
     On our dirty little hearts
     Shame on us
     For all we've done
     And all we ever were
     Just zeros and ones

The sixth line of each chorus is sung as follows:
     For all we have done

[[Category:NIN Songs]][[Category:NIN Songs Released as Multitracks]][[Category:NIN Songs Never Played Live]]