The song's composition is characterized by a combination of synth textures, melodic hooks, and lead singer Dave Gahan's emotive vocals. "Halo" features a haunting atmosphere that complements its lyrics, which explore themes of obsession, desire, and the complexity of human connections.
Released as a single from Violator, "Halo" received acclaim from both fans and critics. The song's memorable melody and atmospheric production contribute to its status as a fan favourite, often performed live during Depeche Mode's concerts.
Lyrically, "Halo" delves into the contradictory feelings of infatuation and the potential darkness that can accompany intense emotional bonds. The song's evocative imagery and introspective storytelling resonate with listeners, capturing the nuances of human relationships.
As a pivotal track on Violator, "Halo" showcases Depeche Mode's mastery in crafting electronic music that explores complex emotions. Its blend of catchy melodies, heartfelt vocals, and thematic depth has solidified "Halo" as an enduring classic in the band's discography, serving as a testament to their ability to create music that resonates on both an emotional and musical level.
Halo
Depeche Mode Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like shackles on your feet
Like a halo in reverse
I can feel
The discomfort in your seat
And in your head, it's worse
There's a pain
A famine in your heart
An aching to be free
Can't you see?
All love's luxuries
Are here for you and me
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
Bring your chains
Your lips of tragedy
And fall into my arms
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
In "Halo," Depeche Mode presents a comforting message to someone who's feeling burdened by guilt and is struggling to forgive themselves. The lyrics suggest that the person is carrying their guilt like shackles on their feet, and that it's causing them great mental pain. He describes the burden as a "halo in reverse," a reference to the idea that a halo usually signifies goodness and purity, but in this case, it's a symbol of darkness and shame.
Despite the pain they're experiencing, the singer urges the troubled person to realize that there is hope for them to be free, to experience love's luxuries, and that they don't have to carry their burdens alone. They encourage them to fall into their arms, regardless of the tragedy and chains that they wear, and that it will all be worth it in the end, even if they deserve some of the suffering they're experiencing.
The message of the song is one of hope, forgiveness, and compassion, and it encourages the listener to believe that it's possible to overcome their guilt and find redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
You wear guilt
You carry guilt with you
Like shackles on your feet
It weighs you down like heavy chains on your ankles
Like a halo in reverse
It's as if you're wearing a dark halo instead of a bright one
I can feel
I sense
The discomfort in your seat
You're uneasy and fidgety
And in your head, it's worse
Your thoughts are tormenting you
There's a pain
You feel a deep ache
A famine in your heart
Your heart is starving for something
An aching to be free
You long to break free from your burdens
Can't you see?
Don't you realize?
All love's luxuries
Love offers many comforts
Are here for you and me
We can experience them together
Bring your chains
Bring all of your burdens
Your lips of tragedy
Speak openly about your hardships
And fall into my arms
Let me comfort you
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When everything is falling apart in our lives
When the walls come tumbling in
When our safety and security crumble
Though we may deserve it
Even if we brought this upon ourselves
It will be worth it
The struggle and pain will be worth it in the end
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When everything is falling apart in our lives
When the walls come tumbling in
When our safety and security crumble
Though we may deserve it
Even if we brought this upon ourselves
It will be worth it
The struggle and pain will be worth it in the end
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When everything is falling apart in our lives
When the walls come tumbling in
When our safety and security crumble
Though we may deserve it
Even if we brought this upon ourselves
It will be worth it
The struggle and pain will be worth it in the end
And when our worlds, they fall apart
When everything is falling apart in our lives
When the walls come tumbling in
When our safety and security crumble
Though we may deserve it
Even if we brought this upon ourselves
It will be worth it
The struggle and pain will be worth it in the end
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Martin Gore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mi11imani
"Halo"
You wear guilt
Like shackles on your feet
Like a halo in reverse
I can feel
The discomfort in your seat
And in your head it's worse
There's a pain
A famine in your heart
An aching to be free
Can't you see
All love's luxuries
Are here for you and me
And when our worlds
They fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
Bring your chains
Your lips of tragedy
And fall into my arms
And when our worlds
They fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
@joisfuneral
You wear guilt
Like shackles on your feet
Like a halo in reverse
I can feel
The discomfort in your seat
And in your head it's worse
There's a pain
A famine in your heart
An aching to be free
Can't you see
All love's luxuries
Are here for you and me
And when our worlds
They fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
Bring your chains
Your lips of tragedy
And fall into my arms
And when our worlds
They fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
@mikemaguire1368
Violator is one of the best albums, ever. RIP Fletch.
@trentderzerstorer1838
Just finding this out now, one of my Fav-O-Rite bands in High School (and beyond).
@depechebest
Brilliant album
@Willesden_Rab1_TV
sad news man
@oxyman10
I still have the cassette tape I bought as a teenager from Columbia House.
@jeffroberts4207
Truth
@MrNwango
This is art. And probably one of the strongest songs from an already untouchable album.
@elizandrolorensi6571
Neil Tennant once said he wish PSB would have recorded Violator
@sirvillar007
Thanks Depeche Mode for this masterpiece.
@hochzeitsfotografseychelle2986
You are welcome, Mr. White! 😎