The song is poignant and full of sadness/regret, as it accurately captures the personal disintegration of Curtis' marriage to Deborah. Ian suffered from epilepsy and depression, with the 2007 film 'Control' admirably deciphering the life of this reluctant rock star who could not tame his demons. His deep echoing baritone voice gives the song an eerie quality, as if he is singing from beyond the grave. The incessant drumming and screeching synthesizer do nothing to alleviate this foreboding of dread. Judge for yourself with the accompanying video.
On May 18, 1980, Ian Curtis committed suicide at the age of 23.
When routine bites hard,
And ambitions are low,
And resentment rides high,
But emotions won't grow,
And we're changing our ways,
Taking different roads.
Then love, love will tear us apart again.
Love, love will tear us apart again.
Why is the bedroom so cold?
You've turned away on your side.
Is my timing that flawed?
Our respect runs so dry.
Yet there's still this appeal
That we've kept through our lives.
But love, love will tear us apart again.
Love, love will tear us apart again.
You cry out in your sleep,
All my failings exposed.
And there's a taste in my mouth,
As desperation takes hold.
Just that something so good
Just can't function no more.
But love, love will tear us apart again.
Love, love will tear us apart again.
Love, love will tear us apart again.
Love, love will tear us apart again.
