 " Vacant " is one of two songs to be attributed to the Tapeworm project . It was initially written by Lohner and re @-@ arranged by Clouser , with lyrics and melody by Keenan and chorus and backing vocals by Reznor . The song was first performed live by A Perfect Circle throughout their 2001 tour . Reznor was apparently not happy that Keenan performed the song : " I have to admit I find it mildly irritating for " Vacant " to debut in this fashion before feeling it has been properly realized , " Reznor said in a post on the Nine Inch Nails official website . Nonetheless , a remake of the track appeared in a revised form on A Perfect Circle 's 2004 cover album eMOTIVe under the title " Passive " . 
