Tuesday, 31 July 2012

CLASSIC SONG & LYRICS - Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division, 1980)


One of the most haunting songs of the New Wave era is Joy Division's  "Love Will Tear Us Apart."  Although the single was released in April 1980, it become the band's biggest chart hit posthumously after lead singer Ian Curtis hanged himself. This happened just days before the band's first major North American tour. In effect, it became Joy Division's swan song, as the remaining members agreed to change the band name in respect for their departed singer. From the ashes emerged a new band New Order, that inherited Ian Curtis' legacy.


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.



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