Bauhaus first broke up in 1983. Peter Murphy began a solo career while the other members continued as Tones on Tail and later as Love and Rockets. Both enjoyed greater commercial success in the United States than Bauhaus had, but disappeared from the charts in their homeland. The band reunited for a 1998 tour and on a more permanent basis in 2005. The group announced plans to disband again following the release of their final album Go Away White in 2008.
The release of Go Away White signaled the end of the band and there was no supporting tour. Drummer Kevin Haskins said in an interview that they “were getting along really well, but there was an incident that occurred.” As a result, “some of us just felt that we didn’t want to carry on as a working unit.” In an interview with SuicideGirls, bassist David J said about the breakup: “You have a test tube, and you pour in one chemical, and you pour in another chemical, and something happens. It starts to bubble. Pour in another chemical, and it starts to bubble a bit more. You pour in a fourth chemical, and it bubbles really violently, and then explodes. That’s my answer.” Peter Murphy claimed in another interview that he “he was most satisfied with the bonding on an emotional level. It was good to be working together and to put the past behind us and it was very positive. The result was coming out really fast, so it was exciting and it was very enjoyable,” but in the end “That rocky character worked and I think it was a bit right to finish it, really.”
Murphy also stated in his MySpace blog that “there’s a lot more to it than this ‘incident’ that I’ve heard bandied about. In any group’s business there are constant incidents, so what? Committing to being in a band takes tolerance, love, and a massive commitment. I’ve walked on that stage at times when I could emotionally barely manage to and give it all just the same. If I’d let some disagreement or bad word distract me from that goal, then I’d need to question my integrity. Anton Corbijn once related to me how Bono of U2 talked about one of the reasons that U2 had survived was that they’re unlike many English bands; there was a kinship and priority given to each other as family. I personally sympathize with that. ‘There is no love where there is no Love.’”
A Bauhaus reunion was aborted in 2022 after Peter Murphy forced the band to cancel the tour as he entered rehab.
(2) Bauhaus was also the name of an Italian jazz rock band. They made recordings in 1974 but they weren’t released until almost thirty years later.
Double Dare
Bauhaus Lyrics
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To touch a flickering flame
The pangs of dark delight
Don't cower in night fright
Don't back away just yet
From destinations set
I dare you to be proud
To dare to shout aloud
For convictions that you feel
Like sound from bells to peal
I dare you to speak of your despise
For bureaucracy, hypocrisy- all liars
I dare
I dare
I dare, you, you
The lyrics of Bauhaus's Double Dare are a call to action, urging the listener to be honest with themselves and embrace their true feelings and convictions. The opening lines set the tone, daring the listener to face the realities of life, even if they're uncomfortable or painful. The reference to a flickering flame could be seen as a metaphor for truth, which can be both beautiful and dangerous. The song encourages the listener not to give in to fear, but to embrace both the light and dark sides of life.
The second verse takes a more political turn, challenging the listener to be proud and stand up for their beliefs. The call to "shout aloud" suggests a need for action and activism, particularly against the injustices of bureaucracy and hypocritical liars. In essence, the song calls for a rejection of complacency and a willingness to take risks and speak one's mind.
Overall, Double Dare is a powerful anthem of defiance and individuality. It encourages the listener to embrace their true selves and stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of opposition or danger.
Line by Line Meaning
I dare you, to be real
I challenge you to be authentic and genuine.
To touch a flickering flame
To explore things that can be dangerous or volatile, but also exciting and illuminating.
The pangs of dark delight
The unpredictable, tantalizing sensations of exploring forbidden or taboo subjects.
Don't cower in night fright
Don't be afraid of the unknown or potential consequences of taking risks.
Don't back away just yet
Don't give up or retreat before you've fully explored your potential or tested your limits.
From destinations set
From preconceived notions of where your life should be going or what your goals or aspirations should be.
I dare you to be proud
I challenge you to feel confident and self-assured.
To dare to shout aloud
To express yourself loudly and unapologetically.
For convictions that you feel
For the beliefs or principles that you truly believe in and are passionate about.
Like sound from bells to peal
To resonate powerfully and clearly with others, like the ringing of church bells.
I dare you to speak of your despise
I challenge you to voice your strong feelings of hatred or disgust for things like bureaucracy, hypocrisy, or lying.
For bureaucracy, hypocrisy- all liars
For the people or institutions that represent deception, insincerity, and oppressive systems.
I dare
I continue to challenge and provoke you.
I dare
I push you to keep growing and testing yourself.
I dare, you, you
I am specifically challenging and addressing you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ASH, HASKINS, JAY, MURPHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind