The cover art for "Policy of Truth" has the blurred image of a nude woman. The camera angles and poses differ on the 7" Vinyl, the 12" Vinyl, the CD and Cassette. Usually each one has more than one. On the L12, there is a picture of a different woman.
It is the only Depeche Mode single to chart higher on the Billboard Hot 100 (#15) than on the UK Singles Chart (#16). It also became the band's second chart-topper on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.
The B-side is "Kaleid" (pronounced "collide"), which has an extended version called When Worlds Mix. Unlike many of the prior instrumentals which were piano compositions, this one is a rough techno instrumental. "Kaleid" is not produced by Depeche Mode and Flood, but just Depeche Mode.
The Trancentral Mix is by The KLF, a very popular techno band at that time and one of only 3 occasions that they did remix work for other artists, the other being So Hard and its B-side "It must be obvious" by the Pet Shop Boys and "What Is Dub?" by Moody Boys.
Capitol Mix uses the sample "I want to tell you my side of the case" from the Checkers speech by Richard Nixon.
A version of "Kaleid" was used as intro music for Depeche Mode's world tour in 1990.
The music video for "Policy of Truth" is directed by Anton Corbijn and appears on the VHS collection Strange Too.
Despite its success as a single, "Policy of Truth" was not included on the band's Best of... hits collection of 2006.
Policy of Truth
Depeche Mode Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 youthOn 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
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
@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.
@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
🙏
@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