The popular composition Never Let Me Down Again played a very important role in the history of Depeche Mode. It became the first song by a British band that had previously played pure synth-pop, with a real rock sound and the ability to lead a huge audience at a concert. Soon the band ended all performances with this track, performing it together with the listeners.
The story of creation and the meaning of the song Never Let Me Down Again
Composed by Never Let Me Down Again Martin Gore. What the song is dedicated to, he did not particularly explain, so music lovers could only speculate. There are two most common interpretations. The first, of course, is drugs. The second is homosexuals. Some try to weave religion into “Never Let Me Down Again”. However, many also believe that this is just a song about male friendship.
A representative from Raygun once asked Gore if he was asked questions about the meaning of Depeche Mode’s songs, to which Martin replied:
Yes. There was a case with “Never Let Me Down Again” where two separate people came up to me the night after the show and said, “I really like this song.” One of them thought it was a gay anthem, and the other thought it was a drug anthem. Both of them loved the song, so I think it’s okay.
Release and achievements
In August 1987, Never Let Me Down Again was released as the second single from Music for the Masses and Depeche Mode’s nineteenth single. In the UK Single Chart, he only reached number 22, and became his biggest hit in Germany.
Never Let Me Down Again is a favorite among DM fans, and as mentioned above, the band often ends their shows with this song. At the same time, fans usually sing along in chorus and wave their arms to the beat.
Video of Never Let Me Down Again by Depeche Mode
Two video were filmed for the song, differing in duration and scale. I suggest you look at one of them.
Cover versions
The most famous cover of Never Let Me Down Again was recorded by the rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Both Horus and Gahan liked their version. At one of the concerts in 1998, members of Depeche Mode even invited Billy Corgan to the stage to sing Never Let Me Down Again with them.
Interesting Facts
- The cover of the single “Never Let Me Down Again” shows fragments of the Soviet map of Europe and the USSR. Different editions used different elements of the map.
- Depeche Mode played “Never Let Me Down Again” at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2001.
- “Never Let Me Down Again” is DM’s most played live song.
- They say that once at a Paris concert, Dave Gahan, during the song “Never Let Me Down Again”, gestured as if he was injecting himself in the arm.
Never Let Me Down Again Lyrics by Depeche Mode
I’m taking a ride
With my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
He where knows he’s taking me
Taking me where I want to be
I’m taking a ride
With my best friend
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
I’m taking a ride
With my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
Promises me I’m as safe as houses
As long as I remember who’s wearing the trousers
I hope he never lets me down again
Never let me down
See the stars they’re shining bright
Everything’s alright tonight
Lyrics of Never Let Me Down Again by Depeche Mode Alternate
I’m skating
With best friend
I hope he never fails me again
He knows where he’s taking me
Takes me where I want to be
I’m skating
With best friend
We’re flying high
We watch the world go by below us
I don’t want to come down
I don’t want to get down
To the ground
I’m skating
With best friend
I hope he never fails me again
He promises that with him I’m like behind a stone wall
As far as I remember, who wears pants,
I hope he never fails me again
Never let me down
Watch the stars shine
Everything is good today
Song quote
Our songs always convey some kind of atmosphere: sad or optimistic. The new single “Never Let Me Down Again” gives me goosebumps. Not all of our songs make such an impression on me, but this one is amazing.
Dave Gahan
