Death in June emerged in 1981, reuniting singer/multi-instrumentalist Douglas P. and bassist Tony Wakeford; drummer Patrick Leagas completed the original lineup, which made its live debut late the following year with an opening slot for the Birthday Party.
The 12-inch Heaven Street soon followed, and in 1983 Death in June issued their first full-length effort, The Guilty Have No Pride. From the outset, the group was criticized for its adoption of fascist imagery, and charges of Nazism dogged Pearce throughout his career. However, Pearce is openly homosexual and has also collaborated with various ethnic Jews throughout his discography; the official Death in June web site used to sport an Israeli flag, and Death in June played live in Israel on June 18, 2004 for a predominantly Jewish audience.
Upon completing the Burial LP, Wakeford left the lineup to form Sol Invictus. Following the release of 1985’s Nada!, only Pearce remained, with Leagas exiting to form his own project, Sixth Comm.
Beginning with the 1986 double album The World That Summer, Pearce continued Death in June primarily as a solo concern, aided by a revolving group of collaborators including Current 93’s David Tibet, Boyd Rice and Coil’s John Balance. The abrasive electronics and martial rhythms of early efforts gave way to an increasingly expansive sonic approach over the course of subsequent outings including 1987’s Brown Book, 1989’s The Wall of Sacrifice and 1992’s But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter?, the latter evoking Pearce’s longstanding interest in traditional European folk music.
The first British act to perform in Croatia following the outbreak of Yugoslavia’s civil war, Death in June documented their experiences on 1993’s Something Is Coming. Subsequent efforts include 1995’s Rose Clouds of Holocaust, 1998’s Take Care and Control, 2000’s Operation Hummingbird, and 2001’s All Pigs Must Die.
The official web site of Death in June is maintained at http://www.deathinjune.net.
Official Death In June merchandise can be bought here http://www.plastichead.com/catalogue.asp?ex=backlist&category=merch&target=DEATH+IN+JUNE.
But What Ends When The Symbols Shatter?
Death in June Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And nothing is amusing
The one wild hunt
For loneliness
Is a life without god
Is an end without love
Soulless today
And soulless tomorrow
Oh, we struggle for tthe joy
That life is haunted by
Its memories - its meaninglessness
Yearn to be gathered, cracked and saved
A thought for a life time
A thought for a night time
But, what ends when the symbols shatter?
And, who knows what happens to hearts?
But, what ends when the symbols shatter?
And, who knows what happens to hearts?
In "But What Ends When The Symbols Shatter?", Death in June paints a picture of a bleak and joyless existence, where the only refuge from disappointment is loneliness. The song explores the idea that a life without a sense of purpose, without love or connection to something greater, is ultimately soulless. The lyrics suggest that we are all in search of something that gives our lives meaning and joy, something that can help us look beyond the memories and experiences that haunt us.
The chorus of the song, "But what ends when the symbols shatter? And who knows what happens to hearts?" underscores the idea that even when we do find those meaningful symbols or connections, they are fragile and fleeting. The symbols we hold dear can be shattered, leaving us lost once more. And even if we do find something that gives us joy, we can never be sure how long it will last.
Line by Line Meaning
When life is but disappointment
When life does not live up to one's expectations
And nothing is amusing
And nothing is enjoyable
The one wild hunt
The pursuit of one's desires
For loneliness
For solitude
Is a life without god
Is a life without purpose
Is an end without love
Is a life without fulfillment
Soulless today
Empty and lacking feeling in the present
And soulless tomorrow
Empty and lacking feeling in the future
We struggle for the joy
We strive for happiness
Oh, we struggle for the joy
Oh, how we strive for happiness
That life is haunted by
That life is troubled by
Its memories - its meaninglessness
The memories that hold no meaning
Yearn to be gathered, cracked and saved
Desire to be collected, broken and preserved
A thought for a life time
A thought that lasts a lifetime
A thought for a night time
A thought that only lasts for a night
But, what ends when the symbols shatter?
But, what is left when everything falls apart?
And, who knows what happens to hearts?
And, who knows what emotions will follow?
But, what ends when the symbols shatter?
But, what is left when everything falls apart?
And, who knows what happens to hearts?
And, who knows what emotions will follow?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vargasdaniel6729
When life is but disappointment
And nothing is amusing
The one wild hunt
For loneliness
Is a life without god
Is an end without love
Soulless today
And soulless tomorrow
We struggle for the joy
Oh, we struggle for the joy
That life is haunted by
That life is haunted by
Its memories - its meaninglessness
Yearn to be gathered, cracked and saved
A thought for a life time
A thought for a night time
But, what ends when the symbols shatter?
And, who knows what happens to hearts?
But, what ends when the symbols shatter?
And, who knows what happens to hearts?
@deckelm
I didn’t dare to listen to this song for years. Too painful. But today I couldn’t resist anymore. And with all the pain and sadness, it gave me also comfort
@lordoflightning7506
The way all these instruments shape into one sounds brings indescribable comfort to my soul
@theculturedthug6609
Soulless today and soulless tomorrow. How true.
@QuintTheSharker
Stay doped and occupied and sleep and obey.
This kind of life has to change. It starts with us.
@Jay-yd6qk
0:01 😊
@Jay-yd6qk
0:01
@newglof9558
Start it off, champ
@nathanmaye2920
This song perfectly describes the despair one feels when they lose faith in anything they've ever strongly believed in. Whether it be God, humanity itself, or even a seemingly good and just cause that was built on lies and self-serving agendas
@delroku
Everything kinda ok until you pulled out the "agenda" meme
@delroku
@ʙᴜɴᴅᴇꜱᴡᴇʜʀᴘɪʟᴏᴛ wehraboos get to the weirdest conclussions