Disorder
Bernard Albrecht/Bernard Sumner/Ian Curtis/Joy Division/Peter Hook/Stephen Morris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?
These sensations barely interest me for another day,
I've got the spirit, lose the feeling, take the shock away.
It's getting faster, moving faster now, it's getting out of hand,
On the tenth floor, down the back stairs, it's a no man's land,
Lights are flashing, cars are crashing, getting frequent now,
What means to you, what means to me, and we will meet again,
I'm watching you, I'm watching her, I'll take no pity from you friends,
Who is right, who can tell, and who gives a damn right now,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
I've got the spirit, but lose the feeling,
I've got the spirit, but lose the feeling,
Feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling.
The lyrics to Joy Division’s “Disorder” can be interpreted in multiple ways, but it primarily seems to express feelings of disorientation and a search for meaning. The opening lines express a desire for guidance, potentially from someone or something outside of oneself. The next lines suggest that the singer is seeking to feel more alive and experience things that a “normal man” would enjoy. However, these sensations quickly become uninteresting, and the singer seeks to eliminate the shock or discomfort that comes with them.
The song then intensifies as it describes chaos and confusion. The speed and urgency of the music and lyrics increase, and there are references to various disasters like car crashes and flashing lights. The line “I’ve got the spirit, lose the feeling” takes on a new meaning here, as if the singer is actively trying to escape or ignore his own emotions. The final lines of the song suggest that there may be some resolution or enlightenment to be found, but it is fleeting and unpredictable.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been waiting for a guide to come and take me by the hand,
I am searching for someone or something to show me the way and help me to feel normal.
Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?
I wonder if these experiences can help me feel like a regular person and enjoy life.
These sensations barely interest me for another day,
These feelings are becoming mundane and unfulfilling for me.
I've got the spirit, lose the feeling, take the shock away.
I have the willpower to ignore my emotions and remove any pain or discomfort.
It's getting faster, moving faster now, it's getting out of hand,
Things are getting more intense and uncontrollable, spinning out of my grasp.
On the tenth floor, down the back stairs, it's a no man's land,
I feel isolated and alone in this situation, like I'm in a desolate area with no one around.
Lights are flashing, cars are crashing, getting frequent now,
The overwhelming chaos and destruction around me is increasing in frequency.
I've got the spirit, lose the feeling, let it out somehow.
Despite my emotional numbness, I need to release my emotions in some way.
What means to you, what means to me, and we will meet again,
Everyone has their own interpretation and understanding of the world, but perhaps we can come together again despite our differences.
I'm watching you, I'm watching her, I'll take no pity from you friends,
I am observing those around me without pity or sympathy from my acquaintances.
Who is right, who can tell, and who gives a damn right now,
There is no one who can definitively say what is right or wrong in this situation, and no one cares currently.
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
Only when a new, powerful feeling overtakes me will I understand.
I've got the spirit, but lose the feeling,
I have the motivation and drive, but I am emotionally disconnected.
Feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling.
The repeated call for feeling emphasizes the singer's emotional emptiness and frustration.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNARD SUMNER, IAN KEVIN CURTIS, PETER HOOK, STEPHEN PAUL DAVID MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
frankie0iero
Ian Curtishad much to do with creating the song. He wrote all their lyrics. He lend his voice to his own words. I think it is special. As special as his words.
cromozzer
great song!!!!!!!!!!! great video!!!! you did a wonderful job... strong video :)
MilosHrma
Everytime I listen to this song I feel like doing something kinda heroic...
Carlos Julio Arosemena
awesome video, powerful song
annie123454
fucking genius!!!!!! lyrics! vocals! and wat instruments! has it all! percussions are something else!!!!!!!!!!!!
Laufer88
GREAT !!!
tailorisdead
great song, nice pictures, thank you
nemodot
Excellent video! I also loved 'Dead Souls'.
Lillie Barron
Yep you pulled a blinder there mate! I was just about to give you a bollocking,cos I wanted 2 see Ian's manic dancing,but your video was (nearly as good) his dancing is better. P.S. ace video. Lisa X
PetertheImpaler
Nice job again (See "Dead Souls) on the video. Thanks and best wishes...