Ratings of the best songs now you will not see anyone. They are offered by almost all print media, Internet projects, TV channels and radio stations dedicated to music. But when such a list is published by such a well-known publication as New Musical Express, this event is worthy of attention.
In 2014, NME presented its own version of the hit parade of the greatest songs released during the existence of the magazine. In second place was a song by the British rock band Joy Division called Love Will Tear Us Apart.
The history of creation and the meaning of the song Love Will Tear Us Apart
Ian Curtis was the author of words and music. Many believe that the Joy Division vocalist wrote the lyrics under the impression of a difficult relationship with his wife Deborah. His former bandmates are also of this opinion.
Here’s what they had to say about the story behind Love Will Tear Us Apart in an interview with NME:
I just thought: “Yes, this is a good song, someone might like it.” It was a great time for the band, but Ian’s personal life – everything was bad there. In retrospect, when you listen to it in light of what happened, it seems pretty damn obvious. I didn’t really realize what he was writing about himself. I just said, “That’s a great text, Ian.” Because of this, listening to her now is a little difficult.
Stephen Morris, drummer for Joy Division
He
got married very, very young. And before the creation of that song, he was at a crossroads, already having experience in relationships. His life changed tremendously and he was forced to make a choice. We thought he was right in the head. But Ian has two guises: a public image for the band, and the personal problems he had at home that came out through his songs. We didn’t really listen to the lyrics. Joy Division was four people put on pedestals and we didn’t talk to each other about what the songs meant.
Bernard Sumner, Joy Division guitarist
It was written very quickly. To be honest, I really analyzed the lyrics when I needed to sing it again.
Peter Hook, bassist for Joy Division
There is also an opinion that Ian Curtis wrote Love Will Tear Us Apart in response to the song Love Will Keep Us Together by The Captain & Tennille.
Release and achievements
The group presented the composition to the public in September 1979, but it became a hit only in the summer of the following year, after the suicide of Ian Curtis. On the UK Singles Chart, Love Will Tear Us Apart rose to number thirteen. Later it was reprinted several times.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked Love Will Tear Us Apart at number 181 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Clip Love Will Tear Us Apart
Now let’s see the music video for the famous song of the group Joy Division, which she filmed on her own.
Cover versions of Love Will Tear Us Apart
The song has been covered by many popular bands, including U2, The Cure and others.
Interesting Facts
- The title of the song is inscribed on the tombstone of Ian Curtis.
- During the recording of the song, a young band from Ireland appeared in the studio, the members of which wanted to discuss with the producer the release of the single. They had the opportunity to watch the work of Joy Division, which made a strong impression on them and influenced their future work. This group was the rock band U2.
- British football fans often sing a slightly modified main line of the song, inserting the names of idols into it. For example, “Giggs, Giggs will tear you apart”.
- The computer game Will Love Tear Us Apart? was dedicated to the song.
Love Will Tear Us Apart Lyrics
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 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
Love Will Tear Us Apart Lyrics
When routine gets stuck
And ambition is almost gone
And a strong sense of resentment
Feelings don’t develop
And we’re changing directions, 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 turned away from me
Am I so out of time?
Our respect has run out
But there’s still this attraction
that we managed to keep
But love, love will tear us apart again
Love, love will tear us apart again
You scream in your sleep
All my flaws are exposed
And there’s a taste in my mouth
When I’m in despair
Something so good it just can’t last anymore
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
Song quote
Definitely, I wouldn’t want a song like this written about me.
Peter Hook
