Policy of Truth
Depeche Mode Lyrics


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You had something to hide
Should've hidden it, shouldn't you?
Now you're not satisfied
With what you're being put through

It's just time to pay the price
For not listening to advice
And deciding in your youth
On the policy of truth

Things could be so different now
It used to be so civilised
You will always wonder how
It could have been if you'd only lied

It's too late to change events
It's time to face the consequence
For delivering the proof
In the policy of truth

Never again is what you swore
The time before
Never again is what you swore
The time before

Now you're standing there tongue-tied
You'd better learn your lesson well
Hide what you have to hide
And tell what you have to tell

You'll see your problems multiplied
If you continually decide
To faithfully pursue
The policy of truth

Never again is what you swore
The time before
Never again is what you swore
The time before

Never again is what you swore
The time before
Never again is what you swore
The time before

Never again is what you swore
The time before
Never again is what you swore
The time before

Never again is what you swore
The time before
Never again is what you swore
The time before

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Depeche Mode's "Policy of Truth" explores the idea of honesty and lies, and its consequences. The song implies that it is easier to lie and keep secrets rather than be truthful and honest about one's actions. The chorus reinforces this sentiment through the repeated line, "never again is what you swore the time before." The song reflects on the consequences of telling the truth, and the guilt and discomfort that come with it, as opposed to lying and keeping secrets.


The title of the song, "Policy of Truth," suggests that honesty should be a consistent policy, rather than a fleeting act. The lyrics encourage the listener to question their own values and morality, and to consider the true cost of being honest. The song's overall message seems to be that the truth may be painful but dishonesty ultimately leads to more significant problems.


Line by Line Meaning

You had something to hide
You were keeping something secret


Should've hidden it, shouldn't you?
You should have kept it to yourself


Now you're not satisfied
You're unhappy with the situation


With what you're being put through
You don't like the consequences of your actions


It's just time to pay the price
You must face the consequences


For not listening to advice
You ignored good counsel


And deciding in your youth
You made a choice when you were young


On the policy of truth
You chose to always tell the truth


Things could be so different now
Your situation could be better


It used to be so civilised
Things were better in the past


You will always wonder how
You'll always question yourself


It could have been if you'd only lied
Things would be better if you had not told the truth


It's too late to change events
The past cannot be altered


It's time to face the consequence
You must face the aftermath


For delivering the proof
You provided evidence


In the policy of truth
Due to your principle of honesty


Never again is what you swore
You pledged to never repeat


The time before
The previous incident


Now you're standing there tongue-tied
You're at a loss for words


You'd better learn your lesson well
You need to take this as a lesson


Hide what you have to hide
Keep your secrets to yourself


And tell what you have to tell
Only reveal what you need to


You'll see your problems multiplied
Your issues will worsen


If you continually decide
If you keep choosing


To faithfully pursue
To adhere to


The policy of truth
Your commitment to honesty




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Martin Gore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@BrianCarnevaleB26

So. For heR
Isn’t it high time to adopt this said policy? One lie after another and then the truth is blurred so much you can’t even see.

But I see.

All of your pretend lies. Like I don’t know it’s you??

Ya rite kid.

Been down so many reads in life you have yet to understand.



All comments from YouTube:

@olaliljedahl9214

I think this is one of the songs that best characterise Depeche Mode songs - yearnings, disappointments, unreciprocated love, melancholy. RIP Andy Fletcher.

@amygreifenberg7221

So sad to hear about Andy, he was only 60!😢😭 I love DM one of my favorite bands ever!!!

@1980sMusic

🖤 RIP Andy! Saddest news ever! 🙏🙏🙏😢😢😢
(8 July 1961 – 26 May 2022)

@JakeClark-xw4xz

Beautifully said. RIP.

@kristinbauer7100

no words for this terrible loss! My thoughts are with his loved ones

@William-Ocean

🙏

114 More Replies...

@amiep3095

I seriously don't understand how anyone could dislike Depeche Mode. They are literally one of the best bands ever.

@NormAppleton

I don't understand why no one would like New Order. So there you go.

@chrisdodson8118

@@Lamster66 Aaaaaaand you're talking complete and utter shyte... congratulations.

@chrisdodson8118

@@Lamster66 TL;DR

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