An examination of some Depeche Mode song lyrics, and an
expression of what I think they mean, say, or attempt to get across. Hopefully I
will continue to add to the lists of songs that I look at, so check in
frequently!
NOTE: I do not claim to know exactly what Martin Gore, Alan
Wilder, or Vince Clarke were thinking
when they wrote these songs, nor do I claim to know their true meanings.
These are MY interpretations, what the songs say to me, and my speculations
about why they were written.
Click on a song to see my interpretation:
And Then...
Barrel of a Gun
Behind the Wheel
Blasphemous Rumours
Blue Dress
Breathe
But Not Tonight
Clean
Dream On
Fly on the Windscreen
Home
I Feel Loved
Just Can't Get Enough
Mercy In You
My Joy
Never Let Me Down Again
New Dress
Only When I Lose Myself
Personal Jesus
Pleasure, Little Treasure
Policy of Truth
A Question of Lust
A Question of Time
Shake the Disease
Sister of Night
Somebody
Sometimes
Stories of Old
Stripped
Walking In My Shoes
World Full of Nothing
World In My Eyes
And
Then...
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I feel that this song is Martin's attempt at creating a little
reformation in the world. He seems to look at the world around him and realize
that things could be much better. He seems to make the suggestion that the youth
of the world be lead and taught by others to change things.
"Let's take a map of the world, Tear it into pieces,
All of the boys and the girls,
Will see how easy it is, To pull it all down and start again"
A second quote that really drives that point home is:
"Let's take the whole of the world, The mountains and
the sand,
Let all the boys and the girls, Shape it in their hands"
He also seems to feel that any kind of change is a good thing over the current
state of the world:
"I'll have faith, or I prefer, To think that things
couldn't turn out worse"
A fairly good song for 1983, showing Martin's cultural and social awareness
Reviewed February 2, 2000
Barrel
of a Gun
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I’ve kind of put off reviewing this song, since it’s so full of
symbolism. It’s also my favorite DM song, so looking over songs that already
mean something to me is a little hard. But, after weeding through the difficult
references, I think I’ve hit the core meaning, or some form of it at least...
This seems to be a song about frustration, wrapped up in anger. All the wording
indicates that the person who’s frustrated is the songwriter, Martin. Not only
for the blatant references, such as “Whatever I’ve
done, I’ve been staring down the barrel of a gun”, and “I’m
not the one”, etc. To me, someone is asking or expecting Martin to be
something he feels he can’t be. He seems to doubt his own ability to be this
person, and go to the effort of pointing out his own flaws and shortcomings:
“Do you mean this horny creep set upon weary feet/Who
looks in need of sleep that doesn’t come?/This twisted, tortured mess...”
I think Martin is referring to and describing himself as this “horny
creep”, and as a “twisted, tortured mess”.
At this point in the song, we don’t really know what all this means. He’s
confessing his true feelings of himself, and that’s about as much as we know.
The true meaning of this song, I think, is best expressed by the next set of
lines:
“What do you expect of me?/ What is it you want?/
Whatever you planned for me/ I’m not the one”
With this statement, the true point of the song is made. By first describing
himself in unfavorable terms, and then telling another person that he’s “not
the one”, it seems clear he either doesn’t want to be what the other
person wants him to, or feels he can’t. The next paragraph retells Martin’s
self-described affliction again, about his “unbearable
pain”, etc. The next few lines support the idea that Martin wants to be
this somebody, but doesn’t feel he can:
“What am I supposed to do/When everything that I’ve
done/Is leading me to conclude/I’m not the one?”
I think that he wants to be what the person desires, but feels he can’t due to
his own inadequacies. One more suggestion I have is that this person wants him
to be a more ‘proper’ person, as Martin suggests, ‘holy’, something he
feels he can’t be. Phrases such as ‘horny creep’,
‘bed of sinfulness’, and ‘a
vicious appetite visits me each night’ conjure up images of sex, taken
in the context where it isn’t ‘holy’. The phrase that supports this theory
is: “I never agreed to be/Your holy one”.
The final line that sums up the whole song, but also gives more room for
interpretation is the line: “Whatever I’ve done/I’ve
been staring down the barrel of a gun”. To me, this offers two
conclusions:
1. The symbolic ‘gun’ really stands for the situation he’s facing,
inadequacies, doubt, or maybe even the person Martin's speaking to. Whatever he
does in life, these same feelings or situations arrive, with bad consequences.
He’s frustrated and angry about them, but yet they continue to arise.
2. The ‘gun’ is literal. When he says gun, he means gun! Maybe these
feelings of inadequacy lead him to have suicidal thoughts? These situations
drive him up the wall, bring him so much pain, and it leads him to consider
ending it all?
In the end, it seems to be a song of frustration. Whether it is directed at
himself, due to feelings of insecurity, or directed at the person who expects
him to be their ‘holy one’, it comes across as
angry and frustrated. Something we can all relate to...
Overall, my favorite Mode song...Ever! The music really brings about feelings of
despair and desolation, and Dave’s gritty vocals fit the mood perfectly. Maybe
Dave related to this subject matter and it showed in his stellar vocal
performance? Anyway, a very good song.
Reviewed February 14, 2001
Behind
the Wheel
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I feel that this is a song of submission, of giving oneself completely to
another, no matter if the results are bad or good. Someone ceding control to
somebody else, to be used for whatever purpose they have in mind:
"Pull my strings, Watch me move, I do anything"
Definitely portrays an image of somebody held powerless, as this quote evokes
images of a puppet being moved and controlled by someone else. Also, the phrase
"Behind the Wheel" has always been used to describe a person in
control, providing further evidence for this theory. Overall I think this piece
is pretty self-explanitory and easy to analyze, probably why I chose this song
as my first lyrical review!
Reviewed November 3, 1999
Blasphemous
Rumours
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This song takes a serious look at life's tragedies, and makes a biased
observation on the meaning of them. The song describes two different scenarios,
both supposedly true, where unfortunate things happen for no apparant reason to
two young girls.
"Girl of eighteen, fell in love with everything,
Found new life in Jesus Christ, Hit by a car,
Ended up, On a life support machine"
This seems to be questioning how God could allow something like this to happen
to someone who isn't doing anything wrong, one who is a believer in Him. When
Martin wrote this, he could have recently experienced a death of someone close
to him, or just sympathized with the girls' families. He expresses his feelings
of confusion in the chorus:
"I don't want to start any blasphemous rumours, But I
think that God's got a sick sense of humour,
And when I die I expect to find Him laughing"
This is the ultimate statement of somebody frustrated with the seeming
unfairness of death, as he feels that it is something that God takes pleasure
in. Many religious groups had a problem with this song, and it was even banned
in the U.S. I feel that under certain circumstances, a statement like this is
understandable, but ultimately untrue. Bad things happen. It's a fact of life,
it doesn't mean that God is out to get you, or that he takes pleasure in our
demise. Overall, a song that I think many people who have faced tragedy can
relate to, not particularly one of my favorites...
Reviewed January 22, 2000
Blue
Dress
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I feel that this song could have two meanings:
1) A look at how such a simple object can make a huge impact on the actions and
feelings of a person, in this case, it is the title role of the blue dress.
Martin describes the effect that this woman in a blue dress has on him, and how
he pleads with her to wear it again:
"Can you believe something so simple, something so
trivial, makes me a happy man. Can't you understand? Say you believe, just how
easy it is to please me."
This quote demonstrates the first theory suggested, that Martin is in love with
the image of the woman wearing the blue dress, and how superficial his
admiration is.
2) The second theory that I have, is that the song is commenting on the fact
that the world judges a person often by their appearance. The fixation on the
dress, and not the woman underneath it, can be understood as how the world views
most people. The line that supports this idea the best is:
"Because when you learn you'll know what makes the
world turn."
This quote could be reflecting on the fact that so many people base their
attitudes towards a person by their looks. Martin could be pointing out the
critical part that appearance plays in the superficial world, a place that
judges people by their physical attributes.
Overall, a beautiful sounding song, vocally and musically, and one of my
favorites.
Reviewed April 1, 2000
Breathe
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
As it seems with a lot of songs off of “Exciter”, the meaning behind
this one appears to be pretty clear. Martin himself has confirmed (most
memorably, in the May 2001 MSN Chat Session, he clearly said “It’s a song
about gossip”) In addition to Martin’s admission, the following lines affirm
this:
“I heard a rumour, they travel far. You know what it’s
like, the way people are.
They talk and they talk, though they don’t understand”
“I heard it from Peter, who heard it from Paul, who
heard it from someone I don’t know at all”
The most common question I’ve seen regarding this song is “Why all the
Biblical
references?” (Names mentioned: Peter, Paul, Mary, Ruth, Simon, James, Sarah,
Joseph, and John. SIDE NOTE: Weren’t Simon and Peter the same person?) I’ve
heard varying theories regarding the inclusion of many Biblical names, but here
is what I think is the best one (probably because I thought it up!): Martin used
Biblical names to signify honesty, meaning that the rumours that he’s hearing
are from legitimate, reliable sources, thus confirming that the rumours are
true. Another possibility is that he used such noble and righteous names to show
that nobody is above a little gossip, even religious figures. Yet another
possibility is that he was showing his frustration with so-called Christians who
engage in gossip, while maintaining that they are spiritual and devout. (Wow,
more possibilities than I thought!)
Taking a side-line to all the back and forth of the song is the notion that
Martin’s partner is the subject of the rumour. And, in Martin’s eyes, the
offense was pretty bad, but not unforgivable: “Tell me
this whole thing is madness, and we’re doing fine...Put your head on my chest
and breathe love”. But in the end, the situation is bleak: “I
need to hear that you love me before you say goodbye”. Now, I’m
guessing that Martin was not writing this about a real situation he faced,
because as far as we know, he and his wife are still together. But, this could’ve
been written about a past relationship, a friend’s situation, or just pulled
out of the air by Martin and not written about any real events. Again, we’ll
never know unless Martin himself wants to comment on it!
Reviewed July 9, 2001
But
Not Tonight
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I’ve always seen this one as pretty self-explanitory.
It seems to be an expression of real contentedness, the rare feeling that
everything is right in the world, and nothing can spoil it:
“Oh God, it's raining/But I'm not complaining/It's
filling me up/With new life”
This seems to be Martin’s turning something that is often
seen as bad and depressing (rain) into something positive, filling him up ‘with
new life’. Further evidence of the serenity of the author is seen here:
“The stars in the sky/Bring tears to my eyes/They're
lighting my way/Tonight/And I haven’t felt so alive/In years”
Again, more positive feelings. Looking at the stars and
crying. Now that’s serenity! The feeling of being alive, and being glad to be
alive is clearly expressed here. Several more lines go on to pretty much say the
same thing in different ways, even saying how good it feels to be alone on this
special night. The next notable line is this:
“The moon Is shining in the sky/Reminding me/Of so many
other nights/When my eyes have been so red/I've been mistaken for dead/But not
tonight”
This pretty much sums up the whole song. He feels really good, better than on
any other night, the nights where he’s ‘been mistaken
for dead’, which I see as being a description of depression. He feels
that for just this night, he can be happy, and ‘get away
from this constant debauchery’. Overall, not among my favorites, but
still pretty good for a b-side. If not for it’s overtly optimistic nature, it
might have been included on the otherwise dark “Black Celebration” album.
And, in some pressings, it was, simply because of it’s poppy, commercial
nature.
Reviewed February 14, 2001
Clean
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I think this song is pretty straightforward in meaning, although a lot of
people focus on the majority of the lyrics, and not the one crucial one. Most of
the song appears to detail a person who has recovered from some form of
addiction, and is happy to describe the changes in his life:
"Clean, the cleanest I've been, an end to the tears
and the in-between years, and the troubles I've seen"
This seems to be all well and good, as the song goes on to list other pleasant
advantages to being clean, but I feel that the true meaning of the song is
revealed in this quote:
"I've broken my fall, put an end to it all, I've
changed my routine. Now I'm clean. Sometimes."
The word "Sometimes" really discredits the rest of the song, and seems
to point to a person who lives their life mostly clean, but still reverts back
to old habits.
The origins and reasons this song was written are obviously unknown. Martin
wrote this song before Dave begun using heroin, so it could not have been
written about him. Martin has been rumoured (It's pretty much a fact) to have an
alcohol problem, so it's very possible that this could have been written about
himself.
Reviewed March 28, 2000
Dream
On
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This is a song that seems very easy to interpret, but I figure I might
still as well do this anyway! I think it’s clearly about addiction of some
sort, the most obvious options being drug or alcohol abuse.
The majority of the lines in the song support this theory, such as:
“Paying debt to karma, you party for a living. What you
take won’t kill you but careful what you’re giving”
“Feel the fever coming, you’re shaking and twitching.
You can scratch all over but that won’t stop you itching”
Both those quotes seem to describe a situation in which someone has been abusing
certain substances (“Party”, “What
you take”), and living a destructive lifestyle in general. So far, so
good! Most of the words and lines from the song definitely seem to be describing
addiction, abuse, or a similar situation (“Been walking
home a crooked mile”-drunk, staggering, etc). However, the usual Martin
twists come with the lines, “Can you feel a little love?”
and “Dream on”. I think those are sarcastic
lines, especially the “Dream on” part. Perhaps
saying that the subject of the song can’t feel love for anything, so they
choose to live a destructive and unproductive life. Following the “Can
you feel a little love?” line is the sarcastic “Dream
on”, suggesting that it’s an unrealistic and nearly absurd thought
that the subject could ‘feel a little love’.
Another part of the song that throws me a bit is the opening lines of: “As
your bony fingers close around me, long a spindly, death becomes me. Heaven can
you see what I see?” The only interpretation I can offer for these
lines are that Martin is possibly identifying himself as the subject of the
song, the “pale and sickly child”, the one who can’t “feel a little love”.
But, that seems unrealistic, since the rest of the song is written by saying “you”
instead of “me”, so that kind of rules out Martin as the subject. Another
option is that the subject is affecting Martin somehow, in a way that’s
hurting Martin, who’s being grasped by the “bony fingers”. Again, there is
very little proof for this, since the only ‘me’ references come in the very
beginning of the song. Who knows?
On the whole, the song seems to be about addiction or abuse of a substance
(alcohol or drugs) and about the karmic/fateful consequences of living a life
based on partying. Although Martin has said repeatedly that he doesn’t write
for or about Dave, it’s always strange how his words seem to describe Dave’s
past situation(s). On a personal note, I didn’t care for this song much upon
first listen. Like most fans, Dream On was the first song I heard from Exciter,
and I thought it to be far too simplistic and not very innovative, lyrically or
musically. But, like most Mode songs, this one grew on me, and is now one of my
favorites from Exciter!
Reviewed July 9, 2001
Fly
on the Windscreen
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
Fairly obvious in meaning and motives, but still a song that some might
not look at seriously because of the repetitive, seemingly unfitting 'Come here,
touch me, kiss me, touch me, now' phrases. The song is about death, and I think
the line that brings the whole song together to make sense is:
"Death is everywhere, the more I look, the more I
see, the more I feel, a sense of urgency, tonight"
Obviously, the repetitive 'Death is everywhere' reiterates the fact that
everyone will die eventually, but maybe at this time Martin felt his death was
close, as death can come at any time. Seeing death everywhere, Martin feels 'a
sense of urgency' to do things and live his life, represented by the 'Come here,
touch me, kiss me, touch me, now' line. A very smart, deep, dark look at a
subject not often handled in pop back in 1985,
and marked an important change in the feel of Mode music.
Reviewed November 3, 1999
Home
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This song represents (to me at least) one of
the best examples of writing from Martin’s career as a songwriter. This means
that I think his word usage is perfect, fitting the mood of the song while
retaining the message of the song. Now, that doesn’t mean that I understand
what he’s saying here, but I’ll give it a shot!
I think most people ignore the majority of the lyrics, and tend to look toward
the chorus as the main message of the song:
“And I thank you for bringing me here, for showing me
home...Finally I’ve found that I belong here”
From this, I think most people assume it’s simply a song about finding peace
and tranquility with family, presumably Martin’s wife and children. While the
chorus of course contributes to the meaning of the song, I think it doesn’t
represent the happiness that it seems to. By looking at the other lines, the
meaning behind it seems to take a darker approach:
“Here is a song from the wrong side of town, where I’m
bound to the ground by the
loneliest sound that pounds from within, and is pinning me down”
“Here is a page from the emptiest stage, a cage or the
heaviest cross ever made, a gauge of the deadliest trap ever laid”
Now, these lines seem pretty desperate and depressing, as Martin reveals his
true feelings. Since these dark lines are followed by the chorus, “And I thank
you...”, it seems to me that he sees home as a trap, a cage, something pinning
him down, etc. This approach to the song definitely makes it seem as if Martin
misses his old life, of bachelorhood, freedom, and so on. Further evidence comes
after the chorus:
“The heat and the sickliest sweet smelling sheets, that
cling to the backs of my knees
and my feet, I’m drowning in time to a desperate beat”
The ‘sheets’ line definitely makes it seem as though home is the place that
is trapping him, pinning him down, and drowning him. Also, the line “Befriend
the glorius end of the line” can be interpreted as Martin saying
goodbye to his former, free life, and accepting his new life as a
family-man.
This sure has been a depressing interpretation for such a seemingly happy song,
eh?
The other possibility I see is that Martin was writing the chorus about his
current feelings, and the rest of the song about his old feelings. Such as,
before he found happiness with family and home, he felt trapped and lonely, but
was saved by the feeling of ‘home’. But, I see this possibility as remote,
and I think the lyrical evidence shows that my earlier interpretation is more
accurate than this one.
Reviewed July 25, 2001
I
Feel Loved
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This one of course seems like another very easy song to
interpret, but I'm going to review it anyway! Firstly, the title. “I Feel
Loved” pretty much sums up the whole song, but it’s the other lyrics which
make the song more interesting:
“It’s the dark night of my soul, and temptation’s
taking hold. But through the pain and the suffering,
through the heartache and trembling...I feel loved”
This seems to be describing a situation in which Martin was tempted, whether
that be to cheat, to leave, or betray the trust of, presumably, his family (wife
and/or children). This is describing a dark hour, his deepest pain. But through
it all, he feels loved. All the rest of the lines pretty much just repeat what
the first set does, but just in different words.
An alternate interpretation, one taken or exemplified in the promo music video
for this song is that Martin is describing his relationship with his fans, the
feeling of being in a popular band. All the same lines would apply to this
interpretation, but in the end, it seems less likely based on lines such as: “I
can feel my soul on fire”. (While being in a band as popular and loved
as Depeche is probably very fulfilling, I doubt that they could cause Martin’s
soul to catch ‘on fire’!)
In my opinion, this is not a very interesting song. The meaning behind it is
spelled out distinctly in the title, and while the body of the song makes for an
interesting read, the simple chorus (necessary for the theme, though) is far to
blatant and obvious. I can see Martin saying in a few years that this is one of
his least favorite Mode songs, since he seems to dislike songs that are too
obvious in meaning (He and the others have repeatedly said how much they dislike
‘People are People’ for that reason). “I Feel Loved” also reminds me of
“My Joy” (interpretation below), the 1993 b-side to “Walking in My
Shoes”. Both songs have simple, seemingly happy choruses surrounded by darker
imagery and bleak references. In the end, not particularly a favorite.
Reviewed July 9, 2001
Just
Can't Get Enough
Written by Vince Clarke
Click the song title to see the lyrics
"I just can't get enough"
Pretty self explanitory!
Reviewed May 29, 2000
Mercy
In You
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I feel that this song is a little bit more negative than it may initially
seem. I think there are two possible explanation of this song's lyrics:
1. Mercy is defined as as a condition of benevolence and forgiveness. Martin
seems to be expressing his desire to do whatever he wants, knowing full well
that the woman in his life will fully forgive him for his transgressions. He
seems to take a sort of sick joy in it, doing something bad or wrong, just to
receive the feeling of forgiveness, a.k.a: Mercy.
"I can't conceal the way I'm healed, the pleasure I
feel, when I have to deal with the mercy in you"
"I would lose my way again, be led hopelessly astray
again, just so I could pray again, for the mercy in you"
These quotes seems to demonstrate his care-free attitude, feeling that he can do
anything and still be forgiven,
and to experience the feeling of absolution.
The other possibility I see for this song, is this:
2. Martin loves the relationship he is in, knowing that the love is so strong
between him and the woman in question, that he could do anything and the
relationship would be fine. While he may not actually do anything wrong, he
loves the knowledge that forgiveness would be inevitable if he did. However, I
think the evidence for option #1 is overwhelming...
Reviewed May 28, 2000
My
Joy
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
A song that is fairly self-explanitory in meaning. The lyrics appear to
commend someone with whom the writer (Martin) seems to be completely lost in.
Martin compares the person to elements necessary for life to exist:
"My joy, the air that I breathe"
And then later on:
"My joy, the blood in my veins, My joy, flows
in your name, My joy, you move me"
By saying that his blood flows in the subject's name, he insinuates that he
lives for this person, and is moved by this person. He seems to state that the
subject, his joy, is necessary for his survival. He also seems to have a
religious awakening because of this person, "My joy,
in God I believe". Obviously, the person this song was written for
made a life-changing impact on Martin's life, and he felt compelled to express
his admiration in this song.
Overall, one of my favorites!
Reviewed January 31, 2000
Never
Let Me Down Again
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
There have been many theories about the meaning behind this particular
song, and I don't really have a solid interpretation to provide either, but I'll
try to weed through the other explanations and arrive at some kind of informal
conclusion!
One theory I've heard or read about this song is that it details a plane ride
and a disappointment in a friend, and nothing more. Coming to that conclusion
means only looking at a few lines of the song, and not analyzing it any more
than that:
"I'm taking a ride with my best friend, I hope he
never lets me down again"
While that theory could be true, I think the real meaning goes further than
that. A second idea I've heard is that it details an encounter with drugs. Some
of the wording could be faintly describing an episode with drugs, even though
all members of the band (except Dave of course) deny ever using any form of
illegal drug. The following excerpt could be misinterpreted as an experience
with drugs, but I doubt it:
"We're flying high, We're watching the world pass us
by, Never want to come down,
Never want to put my feet back down on the ground"
Another theory that I've heard is that this is documenting a homosexual
experience, but I highly doubt this, as none of the members are gay. I really
can't find any lines from the song to support this explanation, but I guess you
can't rule anything out, as we don't know the true reasons that Martin wrote the
song!
Overall, I can't really find much to explain in this song, the only thing that I
can think of is that Martin was truly let down by a friend, and in a roundabout
way he describes it, but in a way hard for a reader or listener to understand.
Or perhaps it's as simple as taking a plane ride...who knows but Martin himself?
If you have an explanation or other interpretation of this song, feel free to e-mail
me and maybe I'll post your opinion!
Reviewed February 19, 2000
New
Dress
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
A very politically and brash statement about life, media, and how people
tend to blow up the unimportant events in life, and ignore the important ones.
This quote seems to represent some serious matters, that often are overshadowed
by trivial, meaningless events:
"Jet airliner shot from sky, Famine horror, millions
die, Earthquake terror figures rise"
This line is immediately followed with a topic that many people, mostly media,
tended to focus on,
(I'm sure even more in Britain):
"Princess Di is wearing a new dress"
This shows how foolish and superficial some people are, choosing to look more at
unimportant topics while real topics are often forgotten or overshadowed. Gore
definitely delved into an important topic, one that makes a true statement about
modern society, and very likely about the English media.
Reviewed November 3, 1999
Only
When I Lose Myself
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I believe that this song is an expression of true gratification, of
loving someone so much that you find things out about yourself that you didn't
realize before.
"It's only when I lose myself in someone else, That I
find myself"
Many of the lyrics reflect someone who has found happiness, and is completely in
love with someone:
"I feel hypnotised, I feel paralysed, I have found
heaven"
Toward the end of the song, the words take a dramatic turn. The writer (Martin
Gore) begins to question if love and understanding of himself is worth the price
paid:
"Did I need to sell my soul for pleasure like this?
Did I have to lose control to treasure your kiss? Did I need to place my heart
in the palm of your hand? Before I could even start to understand?"
Overall, the feelings of finding oneself through the love of another is the
question that this song raises. Martin likens selling ones soul to love, but in
return he finds inner peace.
One of my favorites, not only for beautiful lyrics, but for the whole dreamlike
feeling of the music...
Reviewed January 23, 2000
Personal
Jesus
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
Here are two of my theories...I feel both could be true by themselves, or
possibly of combination of the two.
A) Supposedly Martin got the name 'Personal Jesus' from an autobiography written
by Priscilla Presley, who called her husband Elvis her own personal Jesus.
Martin may have felt that he wished to be somebody else's personal Jesus,
meaning that he wanted somebody to love him and admire him that much to be
considered almost holy.
"Take second best put me to the test, things on your
chest you need to confess, I will deliver you know I'm a forgiver"
B) The other option is that this song is a poke at organized religion. In many
ways this song does sound like Martin is mocking religion and faith by
challenging the listener to "Reach out and touch
faith", which is obviously impossible, and seeming to show his
reliance on physical proof of something to believe in it. Since faith is
intangible, he chooses not to believe in it, and in this case, maybe mock those
who do. Another aspect to this theory is in this quote:
"Feeling unknown and your all alone, flesh and bone
by the telephone. Lift up the receiver, I'll make you a believer"
The image of the telephone could simulate how far God seems to be detached from
us, and that both God and the use of the telephone require faith. In one, faith
in God, and in the other faith that we are indeed talking to the person through
the phone, even though we can't see them.
Reviewed December 7, 1999
Pleasure,
Little Treasure
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This song is a little hard to review, because of the conflicting message
it seems to send. On one hand, it's mentioning the positive affects that
pleasure can have. On the other, it's mentioning the possible consequences and
downfalls of living solely for pleasure.
"Everybody's looking for a reason to live, If you're
looking for a reason I've got a reason to give,
Pleasure, little treasure"
In that quote, Martin seems to recommend living for pleasure, but later on in
the song the consequences of pleasure, in this case, sex, are brought up, and
the affects that it can have on people.
"Maternity frocks and paternity suits, If that's what
you want, They're waiting for you"
A maternity frock is a piece of clothing designed for pregnant women, and
paternity suits are lawsuits that go to court to decide the biological father of
a child. These are obviously consequences of people who live for pleasure,
without taking into consideration the results of their actions.
Overall, I think this song is making a statement about certain people who live
their lives without thinking of the consequences of their actions, and trying to
discourage people from basing their lives around pleasure.
Reviewed January 31, 2000
Policy
of Truth
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This song is a good example of Martin's ability to express even the
simplest idea in confusing and impressive fashion. The main scenario that Martin
describes is about a person who tells the truth in this situation, and ends up
suffering the consequences as a result. He seems to say that a lie would've been
better, clearing the person of guilt in the end.
"You will always wonder how, it could have been if
you'd only lied. It's too late to change events, it's time to face the
consequence for delivering the proof, in the policy of truth"
The individual decided to assume the "policy of truth" and admit to
something ("delivering the proof"), and now are suffering the
consequences, and "paying the price".
Martin seems to condemn honesty in certain circumstances, seeming to take an
attitude that lying, or at the very least, deceiving or misleading someone is
more beneficial in the end, and therefore a better "policy":
"You'd better learn your lesson well. Hide what you
have to hide, and tell what you have to tell. You'll see your problems
multiplied if you continually decide to faithfully pursue the policy of
truth"
With this evidence, the meaning seems to be clear. Lie when you can benefit,
"tell what you have to tell", and that partial honesty is a good
thing. But, in typical Martin style, the line "Never
again is what you swore the time before" pops in the song, providing
a little doubt. Now, this is pretty well worded here, and I had to take a moment
and actually think about it harder than I was...To me, it describes the lesson
learned by the honest person, that they should no longer swear (say or promise)
the same things in such an honest way again. Through this experience, they've
learned to lie, and therefore will never again make the same mistake again, the
mistake of being honest at all times.
I conclude this review with a bit of a bitter taste...I feel as if I've missed
something here, not completely covered everything...Maybe it's just me? Or maybe
it's the fact that it's 1:22 AM at the moment and I'm not exactly feeling very
intelligent...:-) Anyway, I like this song, in spite of it's seemingly negative
message, a disregarding of honesty. If you want to contribute any ideas, as
always, feel free to e-mail me.
Reviewed October 23, 2000
A
Question of Lust
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This song has had several very different interpretations. I remember
reading a review online somewhere where the interviewer said that Martin used
the word 'lust' simply to have a word to rhyme with 'trust' and 'dust'. The
reviewer went on to say that the word 'love' was the word that should have been
used. Needless to day, I sharply disagree. The song might be about a loving
relationship, but not love, in my opinion. I think that this song could have
been written to a serious girlfriend, who questioned Mart's faithfulness to her,
maybe while out touring, and his denial of the allegation.
"But I need to drink more than you seem to think
before I'm anyone's"
This quote is not a denial of wrongdoing, just a statement that he wouldn't
betray her while sober. It's also clear that Martin doesn't want to give up on
the relationship, as showed in this quote:
"It's a question of not letting what we've built up
crumble to dust. It is all of these things and more that keep us together"
A very nice song in my opinion
Reviewed November 7, 1999
A
Question of Time
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
A fairly straightforward song in meaning, a song about wanting to protect
somebody from the real world, and how people perceive others based solely on
appearance. The imagery here is of a beautiful young girl, becoming a woman, who
is in danger of being taken advantage of by older men.
"Well now you're only fifteen, and you look
good...They've persuasive ways, and you'll believe what they say"
You'll notice that the above quote is not
an exact quote, the ... part represents a line removed to help emphasize the
point.
Martin also writes that he can sometimes be as shallow as the men he mentions:
"Sometimes I don't blame them for wanting you, you
look good, and they need something to do.
Until I look at you, and then I condemn them. I know my kind, what goes on in
our minds"
He also seems to know that the girl in question will eventually succumb to the
pressure:
"It's just a question of time, and it's running out
for you.
It won't be long until you'll do exactly what they want you to"
Overall, the song makes a very valid and true point about the people of this
world. Not one of my favorites, but not bad either.
Reviewed November 7, 1999
Shake
the Disease
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This song seems to be the result of a certain event or occurance in
Martin's life, in my opinion. Like most of Martin's songs, it appears to be
about a relationship, one that is fragile and with an uncertain future. For me,
this seems to be the ultimate fear of commitment song. He seems to be trying
desperately to get the person for whom the song is written to understand and
listen to what he says. Understanding seems to be the key to this song, due to
the repetitive nature of the line: "Understand
me", and the presence of the line: "I've
tried as hard as I could, to make you see". I think the 'fear of
commitment' part that I mentioned earlier is most evident in the line:
"Some people have to be permanently together. Lovers
devoted to each other forever. Now I've got things to do, and I've said before
that I know you have too. When I'm not there, in spirit I'll be there"
In my opinion, this is evidence for the fear of commitment theory. He seems to
want to maintain the relationship, and support one another, but not fall head
over heels in love. In many ways, he seems to be apologetic for feeling this
way, and perhaps apologetic for something he said, or just in the harsh way he
seems to be rejecting this other person's devotion:
"You know how hard it is for me to shake the disease
that takes hold of my tongue in situations like these"
The 'disease' that Martin is describing could be the blatant way that he
expresses what he feels, and in turn hurts people with his open nature and
honest attitude. Or, it could be a personal reference to a specific event,
fight, or argument with the other person in the relationship. The 'tongue' would
most obviously be the spoken words or actions that hurt the individual. Overall,
I do believe that Martin wants to be understood, and makes it as clear as he can
to the subject of the song. He doesn't want to hurt them, but doesn't want to
completely devote himself to them either.
A very nice song.
Reviewed May 31, 2000
Sister
of Night
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
Alright. This one is another one I feel a little uneasy about reviewing, simply
because it is one that could possibly have many different interpretations. And,
again, I have a few different ideas!
First off, I always kind of thought it was in the same vein as “A Question of
Time”, seeing young girls taken advantage of and wanting to help and console
them, while at the same time having the same motives in the back of his mind. I
still think this could be a possibility, but you never know.
What I’ve come to think of it more as, is, well, uh, maybe prostitution?! Now,
now, don’t call me crazy just yet! It may not be prostitution as we think of
it, but maybe just a situation in which a woman is taken advantage of,
mistreated, etc. But, it could be real, actual prostitution. Even the title “Sister
of Night” lends itself to this theory. Anyway, how about some quotes to back
me up? :
“Sister of night/When the hunger descends/And your body’s
a fire/An inferno that never ends/
An eternal flame/That burns in desire’s name”
Ok, not really solid evidence from just that quote. The references to “hunger”,
“fire”, and “desire”
can all be associated with lust and sex. The woman in question seems to be
described as on fire, with a body that burns with desire. Now, for more
evidence!
“Sister of night/When the longing returns/Giving voice
to the flame/Calling you through flesh that burns/
Breaking down your will/To move in for the kill”
More sexual imagery, I think. “Longing”,
more references to “flame”, “flesh”,
“breaking down your will”. Going with my
theory, this could suggest that: The ‘longing’ refers to lust, which is
personified by a flame that breaks down her will. The flame that has a voice
could be her patron, if sticking with the prostitution theme. And, I’m sure a
life like this would ‘break down your will’.
“Sister of night/In your saddest dress/As you walk
through the light/You’re desperate to impress/
So you slide to the floor/Feeling insecure”
This paragraph seems to confirm my theory even more than the other ones! “Saddest
dress” (All she can afford), “Walk through the
light” (streetlights), “desperate to impress”
(pick up clients), “insecure” (anyone would be
in this situation). Ok! I’m beginning to feel more confident with this
interpretation! Again, more quotes:
"Sister of night/With the loneliest eyes/Tell
yourself it’s alright/You’ll make such a perfect prize/
But the cold light of day/Will give the game away”
“Loneliest eyes” (Not hard to imagine, anyone
in this situation would likely be truly lonely), “Perfect
prize” (to be won by her clients/people taking advantage of her), “Cold
light of day will give the game away” (Don’t usually see prostitutes
on the streets during daytime). The one part of the song that confuses the issue
(in typical Martin style!) is the chorus:
"Oh sister/Come for me/Embrace me/Assure me/Hey
sister/I feel it too/
Sweet sister/Just feel me/I’m trembling/You heal me/Hey sister/I feel it
to"
Talk about confusing! Really, I think this is just Martin’s way of showing
sympathy for the girl in question. He might be in the same emotional state as
the girl, saying he ‘feels it too’. Or, showing his reliance on the matter
of the song, lust. He feels it too, and this type of girl heals him and comforts
him, or at least the similar feelings comfort him. Trust me, I’m not trying to
say that Martin is into prostitutes or anything!! Just that maybe he sympathizes
with their situation, and wishes to comfort them, let them know they’re not
alone.
Even if this song isn’t really about prostitution, and is just about people
taking advantage of an insecure girl, I think it still could make sense. Martin’s
beautiful words and the simplistic yet powerful music really gloss over what
appears to be a troubling topic. I still think it’s a beautiful song, and
consider it among my favorites.
Reviewed February 14, 2001
Somebody
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I feel that this song is often misinterpreted, that many people take it
for a love song, but I think it is more of a wishful song, as the conditions and
situations that Martin describes throughout the song seem to be his desires, not
true affection. During the course of the song, Martin lists several wishes, or
demands from his ideal woman:
"She will listen to me when I want to speak about the
world we live in and life in general."
During the course of his demands, Martin starts to show his tender side, and his
need for someone to love him. He shows it best in these quotes:
"I want somebody who cares for me passionately, With
every thought and with every breath."
"But when I'm asleep I want somebody who will put
their arms around me and kiss me tenderly."
Just when the writing of the song gets all nice and fluffy, Martin reveals his
true wishes in this quote:
"I don't want to be tied to anyone's strings, I'm
carefully trying to steer clear of those things."
Overall, this song gives very mixed messages. On one hand, Martin seems to be
longing for a perfect woman, one who will have a brain of her own: "...won't
easily be converted to my way of thinking", but also one who will
love him even when they disagree. Martin seems to have a slightly twisted view
of love, he seems to dislike all of the romantic, flowery side of love, but then
admits to it being necessary in some circumstances:
"Though things like this make me sick, in a case like
this I'll get away with it."
A good song, for it's musical simplicity and for Martin's wonderful vocals,
evident most in live performances. (Most noticeably in the 1988 Rose Bowl
concert)
Reviewed April 4, 2000
Sometimes
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
A not often talked about ballad, very short and to the point. I have a
theory that Martin wrote this after being emotionally hurt by someone, who maybe
was embarassed by his behavior (as we all know, when Martin drinks a little, he
can become a little embarassing!). This point is expressed in this excerpt:
"If you catch me in a mood like this, I can be
tiring, Even embarrassing"
Another stanza that could possibly explain the circumstances for whence this
song was written, is as follows:
"But you must feel the same, when you look around,
you can't tell me honestly, you're happy with what you see"
This could suggest that maybe Martin criticized or critiqued something or
somebody to the point of embarassing that person, but still feels like he isn't
the only one with that opinion, maybe just the only one that can express his
dissatisfaction. Overall, a very sad song, as the following line shows: "Oh
sometimes, only sometimes, you must be, you must be, as embarrassing as me".
One of my favorites.
Reviewed November 3, 1999
Stories
of Old
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I think the meaning behind this song is fairly obvious, the author admits
that while he enjoys the companionship and romance between himself and a woman,
he could never give up his life for her. The author (Martin), sums up his
feelings in this quote:
"You hear stories of old, of princes bold, with
riches untold, happy souls. Casting it all aside, to take some bride, to have
the girl of their dreams, at their side. But not me, I couldn't do that..."
Which is followed by the important line:
"I couldn't sacrifice anything at all, to love."
Clearly this shows a man unfaltering in his belief that he wouldn't be willing
to be like others and choose love over possessions and the ability to live his
own life without having to compromise. At one point in the song, the author
seems to almost go back on this claim, and seems to almost give in to his
feelings, but then reaffirms them...
"I'll probably burn in hell for saying this, but I'm
really in heaven whenever we kiss. But Oh no! You won't change me..."
At this point in the song, the writer decides to end the relationship and move
on, since he is not willing to sacrifice himself for the relationship.
"Now I've got things to do, you have too. And I've
got to be me, you've got to be you."
This is Martin realizing that both of them are too different to continue the
relationship, and move on with their lives. Overall, certainly not a favorite,
as I cannot relate to the idea of choosing the world and yourself over the love
of another person.
Reviewed March 30, 2000
Stripped
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I feel that most people take this song at face value far too often. All a
lot of people hear is just the chorus: "Let me see
you stripped down to the bone", and they immediately think it's some
guy trying to get a girl to strip for him. While I'm not denying that this
interpretation could be accurate, I seriously doubt it! I choose to look at
lines like:
"Let me hear you make decisions, without your
television, let me hear you speaking just for me"
I feel that this song states a desire to 'strip' back an outer facade, and dig
down deep to the real person inside. In this case, the 'television' seems to
represent popular culture or the subject's peers, who some people turn to for
answers and live their life by. The line: "You're
breathing in fumes, I taste when we kiss" seems to represent how
some people act differently when their friends, etc, are around, and how Martin
seems to want to hear what they really think, without outside interference or
influence (The fumes represent the attitudes and philosophies of outside
influences, and the kiss representing intimate conversation). Really, I think
some people don't look at this song very favorably, or even take it seriously.
And that's highly unfortunate, as it is one of the most complete and whole songs
detailing one specific mood or emotion that I can find, a true example of
beautiful and meaningful songwriting. One of my favorites!
Reviewed November 3, 1999, Updated May 31, 2000
Walking
In My Shoes
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
This song is pretty self-explanitory, but thought I'd document an
interpretation anyway!
This song talks about the difficulties in living life, and how the songwriter is
being judged by a person or people because of the decisions that he makes. The
songwriter, Martin of course, seems to be confronting those who judge him, and
he freely admits his sins to them:
"The countless feasts laid at my feet, Forbidden
fruits for me to eat"
And he also admits that he seeks no forgiveness for the way he lives his life:
"Now I'm not looking for absolution, Forgiveness for
the things I do"
At this point, Martin really challenges those who judge him, by telling them
that if they were in his position, they would have a hard time living up to the
pressures and situations that his life demand, presumably his "rock
star" life style:
"You'll stumble in my footsteps, Keep the same
appointments I kept, If you try walking in my shoes"
Overall, not one of my favorites, but a good song nonetheless. It is lyrically
similar to 'Condemnation',
except for the fact that this song admits wrongdoing, while 'Condemnation' does
not.
Reviewed February 19, 2000
World
Full of Nothing
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
I think that this song takes a look at the power that love, or in the
example used in this song, a powerful liking or lusting, has in our lives. The
scene that Martin sets in this song is one of two young people, experiencing a
relationship for the first time. While they are not yet in love, they appear to
have strong feelings for one another.
"Tears are falling, tears of joy, her first boy, his
first girl"
Martin points out the significance of this relationship in the lives of the two
participants,
how it changes their lives and their perceptions of the world:
"In a world full of nothing, though it's not love it
means something"
But, in typical Martin style, this next quote seems to contradict the rest of
the song:
"It's easy to slip away and believe it all"
He seems to be pointing out that while love, or an emotion near it, is
important, it really is superficial and almost unreal. He seems to state that
while relationships are significant, the feeling and the action of falling in
love is false, and that it is possible to lose yourself in it, and "slip
away"...
Reviewed May 29, 2000
World
In My Eyes
Written by Martin
L. Gore
Click the song title to see the lyrics
Like the vast majority of Martin's songs, this track could contain more
than one meaning, even though it might seem rather unambiguous at first. Much of
the lyrics are rather sexually-charged, and really come off pretty clear cut in
meaning:
"Now let your mind do the walking, and let my body do
the talking, let me show you the world in my eyes"
AND:
"I'll take you to the highest mountain, to the depths
of the deepest sea, and we won't need a map, believe me"
Variations of these lyrics appear throughout the song, really making the song
seem to be Martin's 'dirty talk' to a love interest. The lines that provide
possibly the true meaning of the song are:
"That's all, there is nothing more than you can feel,
now, that's all there is"
AND:
"That's all, there is nothing more than you can touch,
now, that's all there is"
(Emphasis added)
To me, this brings about two possibilities...
1) Martin is saying that when put in this situation, he'll make the girl feel so
needed, the center of attention, that in his mind, and hers, nothing more will
exist than what they can feel or touch. She'll see the world in his eyes, as he
says, that there is nothing more than the two of them...
2) Martin is really just using the sexual front of the lyrics to admit his true
feelings of the 'world in his eyes'...Meaning that he only believes in what is
tangible, what he can feel or touch. Maybe another poke at religion? At the
intangibility of faith? Of God? Guess we'll never know...
Regardless if I've hit on the meaning of the song 'in Martin's eyes' :-) or
missed it here, I think either theory could apply, based around the sexual
theme. The point being, he wants to influence this person, whether it be in an
atheistic way as Theory 2 suggests, or just in an all-encompassing feeling of
love, as Theory 1 suggests...In the end, a likeable song...