“You cry out in your sleep, All my failings exposed. And there's a taste in my mouth, As desperation takes hold.”

song ~ “Love Will Tear Us Apart”  
artist ~ Joy Division   

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.    _{(Image source)}

Comments 

This song was released in June 1980 (the month after Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide). The title is clearly a play on the title of the 1975 international pop hit “Love Will Keep Us Together.”  

Things fall apart

These lyrics reflect not only the marital discord Curtis was dealing with, but also his struggles with depression and general existential angst. In the first few lines, Curtis outlines how a loveless relationship has deteriorated into one of routine and resentment.   

While he affirms that “there’s still this appeal”  to love and to be loved, his despair makes him believe that “something that good just can’t function no more.”

Love might keep some people together, but there are times and situations where, indeed, love will tear people apart.  

Singularly profound

In 1980, “Love Will Tear Us Apart”  became the Single of the Year as ranked by New Musical Express magazine (NME). In 2002, NME listed it as the Best Single of All Time.    

Yes, this cheerless song is that good. Listen and read for yourself.       _{(Image source)}
Joy Division – "Love Will Tear Us Apart"  _{(Right-click to hear on YouTube)}
Lyrics by Ian Curtis, courtesy of – AZLyrics.com
References – Wikipedia

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