David Gahan (born May 9, 1962 in Epping, Essex, England) is the baritone le… Read Full Bio ↴David Gahan (born May 9, 1962 in Epping, Essex, England) is the baritone lead singer for English electro stalwarts, Depeche Mode. Dave released his first solo album titled Paper Monsters in 2003 to critical acclaim. Lyrically, it had strong autobiographical elements and musically was tinged with a rockier sound than previous DM releases. Three UK singles, a tour and live DVD followed..

Dave subsequently penned a couple of tracks on Depeche Mode's next album, the 2005 effort Playing the Angel. The latter half of 2007 saw the release of his second solo LP, Hourglass, which saw a dirtier, more electronic, groove-orientated sound come through in his solo work. It was decided that he would not tour to promote the album's release, instead concentrating on his day job: the recording of the next Depeche Mode effort, Sounds of the Universe released in April 2009. The album sees more of his songs released under the DM brand, as well as a co-write with main songwriter, Martin L. Gore on the B-side Oh Well.

Bitter Apple
Dave Gahan Lyrics

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Days long gone
And lost hot nights
No crowded streets to walk tonight
Still the stars shine so bright
Don't need a coat I'll be alright

Then you walked into my life
Halo bright with dark brown eyes

Just standing in her light
Remembered love again that night

Bitter apple take a bite
(It's kind of wonderful)
Fallen star you're mine tonight
(Strange but beautiful)
Bitter apple take my life
(It's kind of wonderful)
If I close my eyes you're mine tonight
Tonight

We laughed so hard it caused some pain
Two strangers standing in the rain
We smoked our cigarettes
(It's kind of wonderful)

Exchanging our regrets
(Strange but beautiful)

Overall Meaning

In Dave Gahan’s song “Bitter Apple,” the lyrics depict the feeling of encountering love after a long time of feeling lost and lonely. The opening lines describe a time that is long gone, and a time where the singer was alone with no one in sight. The stars shine so bright that they don’t need a coat, and the night is no longer cold. However, a glimmer of hope appears as the singer meets someone new. When they walked into the singer’s life, their light was so bright that the singer can’t help but remember love again. The person that the singer encounters is described as having dark brown eyes, and her presence is enough to revive the singer’s belief in love.

The chorus is where the title, “Bitter Apple,” comes into play. The singer describes the complexities of love with someone, falling deep into it and taking a bite out of the apple that is bittersweet. The feeling that the singer feels towards their new love is wonderful but strange, beautiful yet bittersweet. The second part of the chorus affirms the singer’s dedication towards their new love, describing that if they close their eyes, their new love is with them.

Overall, “Bitter Apple” is a song about falling in love again after a long time of feeling lost and lonely. The lyrics explore the emotions that come with meeting someone new and feeling the bittersweet complexities of love.

Line by Line Meaning

Days long gone
Reflecting on the past

And lost hot nights
Remembering intense experiences

No crowded streets to walk tonight
Feeling a sense of solitude

Still the stars shine so bright
Finding beauty in the darkness

Don't need a coat I'll be alright
Feeling strong and self-sufficient

Then you walked into my life
Meeting someone who changed everything

Halo bright with dark brown eyes
Being drawn in by someone's appearance

Just standing in her light
Feeling the power of someone's presence

Remembered love again that night
Feeling a sense of connection and possibility

Bitter apple take a bite
Taking a risk even though it may be unpleasant

(It's kind of wonderful)
Acknowledging the paradox of the situation

Fallen star you're mine tonight
Feeling a sense of awe and wonder

(Strange but beautiful)
Recognizing that the experience is unexpected yet valuable

Bitter apple take my life
Surrendering to the intensity of the moment

If I close my eyes you're mine tonight
Hoping to hold onto the feeling forever

We laughed so hard it caused some pain
Finding joy even in the midst of difficulty

Two strangers standing in the rain
Being open to unexpected connections

We smoked our cigarettes
Sharing a moment of relaxation

(It's kind of wonderful)
Appreciating the simplicity of the moment

Exchanging our regrets
Sharing vulnerabilities and disappointments

(Strange but beautiful)
Finding meaning in the midst of ambiguity

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID GAHAN, KNOX CHANDLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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