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.
Nerves
Bauhaus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One eye's closed in fear, anticipation
Will it stay shut? Will it ever open?
What if?
What if?
Nerves
Tell tale tongues lick at seven senses
The fabric of dreams is ripped apart
As you feel the twist of the shadowed dagger
In your pumping heart
Nerves
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
A trail of random cutlery cuts a dash in the concrete underpass
Sense of serenity is shattered in the glint of splintered glass
Nerves
Nerves
Nerves, nerves
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
Stop
The lyrics of Bauhaus's song Nerves embodies the feeling of fear, vulnerability, and uncertainty. The song draws its imagery from various sources, describing the struggles of living in a world where danger lurks around every corner. It begins with the description of nerve endings ticking like the pages of a flicker book in animation. One eye is closed in fear and anticipation, unsure if it will ever open again. The repetition of "What if?" adds to the sense of anxiety and the unknown that the person is experiencing.
The second verse tells a tale of tongues licking at the "seven senses" and leaving the person defenseless. The "fabric of dreams" is ripped apart, leaving the person feeling the twist of a shadowed dagger in their heart. The imagery used here is dark and violent, adding to the sense of unease and danger.
The final verse describes a trail of random cutlery cutting a dash in the concrete underpass, shattering the person's sense of serenity. The repetition of "Nerves" throughout the song serves as a reminder of the constant fear and anxiety that the person is feeling.
Overall, Bauhaus's Nerves is a powerful exploration of fear and anxiety. The use of vivid imagery and repetition creates a sense of unease and uncertainty that mirrors the experiences of many people facing the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
Nerve ends tick in flicker book animation
The sensation of nervousness feels like a flickering animation in one's body
One eye's closed in fear, anticipation
When nervous, one may close their eye in fear and anticipation of what's to come
Will it stay shut? Will it ever open?
Uncertainty arises as to whether or not the eye will ever open again
What if?
The mind begins to ponder the endless possibilities and outcomes of what could happen
Tell tale tongues lick at seven senses
The sensation of nervousness can affect all seven senses and can be felt in different parts of the body
Brittle spittle sparks you are defenseless
Nervousness can leave one feeling vulnerable and defenseless
The fabric of dreams is ripped apart
Nervousness can disrupt and shatter one's dreams and aspirations
As you feel the twist of the shadowed dagger
Nervousness can feel like a sharp pain, twisting and stabbing in one's body
In your pumping heart
The feeling of nervousness can be felt in one's heartbeat
Nerves like nylon, nerves like steel
The sensation of nervousness can feel like both a flexible and strong material
A trail of random cutlery cuts a dash in the concrete underpass
The feeling of nervousness can create a sense of paranoia and fear in one's surroundings
Sense of serenity is shattered in the glint of splintered glass
A peaceful environment can be disrupted by nervousness, causing one's sense of serenity to shatter
Stop
The song abruptly ends, possibly representing the end of the feelings of nervousness
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Daniel Gaston Ash, David Jay, Kevin Haskins, Peter John Murphy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jabsluna
The first part, is like the instrumental interpretation of an anxiety attack. Literally. The entire song is anxiety provoking in the most fascinating way. Pure art.
@haroulang
Leila OH YEAH!
@rowan3209
For me the song is an anxiety attack followed by an adrenaline rush! Like getting yourself ready for battle or something.
@morgoth_bauglir
Χαρούλα Νικολαίδου οπα, καποιος απο ελλαδα😂
@haroulang
χαχα! έτσι εδώ!
@Lindjomar
Meu deus, sim!
@doriandawes
His voice. My GOD, that VOICE.
@Dimas4616
You is live today?
@DrZook
I've been dead for 8 years and I love Bauhaus.
@zanesanetoo
Best fuckin comment on Utube I've read so far