Confusion
New Order Lyrics

W-W-W-R-L
The song starts with this random sequence of letters and is open to individual interpretation.

You just can't believe me When I show you what you mean to me
The singer is expressing frustration that the person they care about doesn't understand how much they mean to them.

You just can't believe me When I show you what you cannot see
The singer is trying to show the person they care about something that they aren't able to see or comprehend.

You're hiding from feelings, searching for more Sharing and hoping, untouched for so long Our lives still change from the way that we were And now I'll tell you something I think you should know
The person they care about is protecting themselves from emotions while searching for something new, but the artist still sees them longing for connection. They acknowledge that their relationship has already undergone change and want to share something important.

Confusion Confusion Confusion
The repeated chorus emphasizes the confusion and mixed emotions at play in the situation.

You cause me confusion, you told me you cared He's calling these changes that last to the end Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies The past is your present, the future is mine
The person they care about has caused confusion by telling the singer that they care, but the changes that have occurred seem more permanent. The singer suggests not dwelling too much on the past and implies that they have control over the future.

You tell me you need me, I'll make it this time Thread won't divide us, the sensation survives I was sure that I told you it was good from the face You've caused me some problems, you've taken my place
The singer reassures the person they care about that they will make things work this time and that they won't let anything come between them. They reference a previous conversation where they expressed positivity which the other person missed. Finally, they acknowledge that the other person has caused them some difficulty but still has a significant place in their life.

Why can't you see what you mean to me?
The artist's frustration is summed up in this question -- they want the person they care about to understand how much they mean to them.

Why can't you see, why can't you see, why can't you see what you mean to me Why can't you see, why can't you see, why can't you see what you mean to me Why can't you see what you mean to me
The repetition of this question suggests that it is a central theme of the song and that the artist cannot let go of the idea that their love is not being fully understood.