The band has been highly influential in the electronic dance music scene, especially synthpop, techno, and trance, partly due to their innovative work, recording techniques, and use of sampling. Their most successful album is arguably 1990's Violator, which reached the #2 position in the UK, #7 in the US, and sold over 8 million copies worldwide. The band has released a long series of high-charting singles over their three-decades long career. Enjoy the Silence is their most recognized song and one of history's most covered songs.
The original line-up was Dave Gahan, Martin L. Gore, Andy Fletcher, and Vince Clarke. In December 1981, Clarke left the band and later formed Yazoo, The Assembly, and Erasure. Alan Wilder joined the group initially in January 1982 as a live keyboardist but became an official member in December 1982. He left in mid-1995 to fully concentrate on his Recoil project, and the band continued as a trio. In 2010 Wilder re-joined Depeche Mode on stage after 16 years for a performance of Somebody during a show at London's Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Depeche Mode's origins date back to 1977, when Vince Clarke and Andrew Fletcher formed a band called No Romance in China, with Clarke on vocals and guitar and Fletcher on bass. In March 1980, Clarke, Gore, and Fletcher formed a band called Composition of Sound, with Clarke on vocals/guitar, Gore on keyboards, and Fletcher on bass. Soon after the formation of Composition of Sound, Clarke, and Fletcher switched to synthesizers. Dave Gahan joined the band in 1980 after Clarke heard him perform at a local scout hut jam session, singing to a rendition of David Bowie's "Heroes" and Depeche Mode was born.
While playing a live gig at the Bridge House in Canning Town, Daniel Miller, the founder of Mute Records, approached the band, who proposed a verbal contract. The result was their first single, Dreaming of Me, recorded in December 1980 and released in February 1981, reaching number 57 in the UK charts and followed soon by a real contract with Mute.
To date, Depeche Mode have released:
15 studio albums: Speak & Spell (1981), A Broken Frame (1982), Construction Time Again (1983), Some Great Reward (1984), Black Celebration (1986), Music For the Masses (1987), Violator (1990), Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993), Ultra (1997), Exciter (2001), Playing the Angel (2005), Sounds of the Universe (2009), Delta Machine (2013), Spirit (2017), and Memento Mori (2023);
8 compilations: People Are People (1984), The Singles 81-85 (1985), Catching Up with Depeche Mode (1985), Greatest Hits (1987), The Singles 86>98 (1998), Remixes 81-04 (2004), The Best Of Depeche Mode Volume 1 (2006), The Complete Depeche Mode (2006);
5 live albums: 101 (1989), Songs of Faith and Devotion Live (1993), Recording the Angel (a series of live recordings; 2006), Tour Of The Universe: Barcelona 20/21:11:09 (2009) and Live In Berlin (Soundtrack) (2014) ;
Over 50 singles: including Just Can't Get Enough, Everything Counts, People Are People, Master and Servant, Shake the Disease, Stripped, A Question of Time, Strangelove, Never Let Me Down Again, Personal Jesus, Enjoy the Silence, World in My Eyes, Policy of Truth, I Feel You, Walking in My Shoes, In Your Room, Barrel of a Gun, It's No Good, Home, Dream On, Freelove, Precious, Wrong and Heaven ;
14 live / video collections (VHS/DVD/Blu-ray): The World We Live In and Live in Hamburg (1985), Some Great Videos (1985), Strange (1988), 101 (1989), Strange Too (1990), Devotional (1993), The Videos 86>98 (1998), One Night in Paris (2002), The Videos 86>98 (2002), Touring the Angel: Live in Milan (2006), The Best of - Volume 1 (2006), Tour of the Universe : Barcelona 20/21.11.09 (2009), Live in Berlin (2014) and Video Singles Collection (2016)
A Question of Lust
Depeche Mode Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be gentle with me, I'd never willingly do you harm
Apologies are all you seem to get from me
But just like a child, you make me smile when you care for me
And you know
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
That keep us together
Independence is still important for us though
(We realise)
It's easy to make the stupid mistake of letting go
(Do you know what I mean?)
My weaknesses, you know each and every one
(It frightens me)
But I need to drink more than you seem to think before I'm anyone's
And you know
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
It is all of these things and more
That keep us together
Kiss me goodbye when I'm on my own
But you know that I'd rather be home
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
It is all of these things and more
That keep us together
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
It is all of these things and more
That keep us together
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
It is all of these things and more
That keep us together
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
It is all of these things and more
That keep us together
The lyrics of Depeche Mode's "A Question of Lust" are about the delicate and vulnerable nature of love and the importance of trust and understanding in a relationship. The singer acknowledges his weaknesses and apologizes for his mistakes, but also recognizes the value of his connection with his partner. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust, it's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust" emphasizing the idea that love is not just a feeling, but also a commitment and a choice to maintain the relationship.
The verses also explore the tension between independence and dependence in a relationship. While the singer acknowledges that he needs his partner's care and affection, he also values his own autonomy. The line "Independence is still important for us though" suggests that the couple must find a balance between their individual needs and their shared bond.
Overall, the lyrics of "A Question of Lust" convey a sense of vulnerability, fear, and uncertainty in love, but also a deep sense of commitment and connection between the singer and his partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Fragile, like a baby in your arms
I am vulnerable and need your care and protection
Be gentle with me, I'd never willingly do you harm
I am asking for your kindness and assuring you of my intentions
Apologies are all you seem to get from me
I have made mistakes and feel regretful
But just like a child, you make me smile when you care for me
When you show me love and attention, it makes me happy
And you know
You are aware of how I feel and what I need
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
Our relationship depends on both physical desire and emotional reliance
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
We must work to maintain and sustain our relationship
It is all of these things and more
Our relationship involves multiple factors and complexities
That keep us together
These elements are the glue that holds us as a couple
Independence is still important for us though
We value our individuality even as a couple
(We realise)
We understand the importance of this balance in our relationship
It's easy to make the stupid mistake of letting go
Ending our relationship out of impulse can be a foolish action
(Do you know what I mean?)
I want to make sure you understand my point of view
My weaknesses, you know each and every one
You are aware of my flaws and shortcomings
(It frightens me)
I fear my vulnerabilities may push you away
But I need to drink more than you seem to think before I'm anyone's
I require more self-care and attention than you might realize
And you know
You are aware of my needs and how to support me
Kiss me goodbye when I'm on my own
I need your affection even when we are apart
But you know that I'd rather be home
I want to be with you and feel your presence
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
Our relationship involves both physical and emotional connection
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
We must work to maintain our connection and not let it fall apart
It is all of these things and more
Our relationship is complex and multifaceted
That keep us together
These factors are what hold us together as a couple
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
Our relationship is based on both physical attraction and emotional reliance
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
We must work to maintain our connection and not let it fall apart
It is all of these things and more
Our relationship is complicated and encompasses many aspects
That keep us together
These elements are what bind us as a couple
It's a question of lust, it's a question of trust
Our relationship involves physical attraction and emotional dependence
It's a question of not letting what we've built up crumble to dust
We must work to keep our connection strong and not let it fall apart
It is all of these things and more
Our relationship is intricate and involves many different components
That keep us together
These components are what hold us together and keep us strong as a couple
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Martin Gore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@saintnicole3209
I love Dave’s voice, but oh my god there’s just something about the sheer clarity and power behind Martin’s voice that gives me chills. He puts soooo much emotion behind even just the simplest notes. And it WORKS. No wonder why my favorite vocal lines from DM are when Martin and Dave harmonize.
@wasserpigeon1197
Dave and Martin are musical soulmates. They were made for each other and I love them so much 😭🖤
@saintnicole3209
HL Dreger 💖💕
@alregis8668
I've listened some live version of DM and I've found a version of Ice Machine with one of their best harmonization : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpITNQV6cX0&t=1643s
@ecm467
I hope I'm not ruining this for you, but that's actually Alan's voice. He's doing the backing vocals on this song, not Dave. :)
@saintnicole3209
EC M I had no idea! But still, their voices sound incredible together
@normanjames9780
There is something about Martin's singing. It can be gentle and delicate and then very forceful and powerful. Each has the same way to cause a feeling within you as you listen.
@AndreaAnd-gg4ye
Conmueve,emociona y una se identifica con él.Se siente como si me lo cantara a mí!😍
@gregorys.5215
Martin has an incredible vocal range! He goes to his upper register then back down flawlessly. He’s able to show this in his masterpiece ! Total awesomeness x
@luckyluciano911
Gut gesagt.. der „Fritz Wunderlich“ of the modern times.