A succession of singles and albums established Dr. C.J. Johnson as one of the country’s foremost hymnologists. His recordings were at once anachronistic and refreshing at a time when gospel music focused squarely on hard-singing leads and heavy instrumental backing. Dr. Johnson’s commitment to the old time sound – straight congregational singing with occasional slaps of the tambourine – earned him an invitation to sing at the White House on three separate occasions.
Love Will Tear Us Apart
C.J. Johnson Lyrics
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And ambitions are low
And the 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 will tear us apart again
Love will tear us apart again
Why is the bedroom so cold
Turned away on your side?
Is my timing that flawed,
Our respect run so dry?
Yet there's still this appeal
That we've kept through
Our lives
Love, love will tear us apart again
Love will tear us apart again
Love will tear us apart again
Love will tear us apart again
Do you cry out in your sleep
All my failings expose?
Get a taste in my mouth
As desperation takes hold
Is it something so good
Just can't function no more?
When love, love will tear us apart again
Love will tear us apart again
Love will tear us apart again
Love will tear us apart again
The lyrics to "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by C.J. Johnson explore the complexities and challenges of a deteriorating relationship. When the day-to-day routine becomes monotonous, and both parties have differing ambitions, resentment can build. Despite attempts to change their ways and take different paths, emotions remain stagnant, and the relationship suffers.
The chorus, which repeats several times throughout the song, embodies the theme of the song by stating that love, no matter how strong, will ultimately tear them apart. Even in the midst of the struggle, there's still something about their connection that keeps them together.
The second verse addresses the physical distance that's present in the relationship as well as the emotional disconnect. There's a sense of bitterness and self-doubt as each partner questions whether they're to blame for the relationship's failure. The line "Is my timing that flawed, our respect run so dry?" suggests that poor timing and waning respect may be contributing factors.
The final verse reveals an underlying desperation, a fear of being alone, or losing something that once brought them immense joy. The phrase "something so good just can't function no more" implies that the love they once shared has reached its expiration point.
Overall, the lyrics are poignant and emotive. The sorrowful tone, coupled with the resigned statement that love is ultimately doomed, create a heart-wrenching image of the struggle to maintain a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
When the routine bites hard
When life becomes mundane and repetitious
And ambitions are low
And we don't have much drive or passion
And the resentment rides high
And we hold onto grudges or bitterness
But emotions won't grow
But we can't seem to connect on a deeper level
And we're changing our ways,
Taking different roads
And we're drifting apart, going in different directions
Then love, love will tear us apart again
Then our love will come undone once more
Why is the bedroom so cold
Why do we feel so distant and disconnected
Turned away on your side?
Why do we feel like we're sleeping next to a stranger
Is my timing that flawed,
Our respect run so dry?
Is it my fault for not being there when you needed me or have we lost all sense of mutual admiration?
Yet there's still this appeal
That we've kept through
Our lives
Despite our issues, there's still something about each other that keeps us tethered
Do you cry out in your sleep
Do you grieve the state of our relationship even when you're unconscious
All my failings expose?
Do you see all of my flaws and shortcomings
Get a taste in my mouth
Feel like I'm consuming something I shouldn't
As desperation takes hold
As the fear of losing each other grips us
Is it something so good
Just can't function no more?
Is what we had too perfect to maintain, or are we simply broken beyond repair?
When love, love will tear us apart again
When our love inevitably falls apart once more
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bernard Sumner, Ian Kevin Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Paul David Morris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind