The song's composition is characterized by its slow tempo, ethereal synth textures, and lead singer Dave Gahan's emotive vocal delivery. "When the Body Speaks" explores themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and the unspoken communication that can occur between individuals.
The song's introspective and reflective lyrics capture a sense of intimacy and connection, drawing parallels between physical and emotional expression. The title itself suggests a unique form of communication that goes beyond words.
While not released as a single, "When the Body Speaks" is a standout track on Exciter, resonating with fans who appreciate its atmospheric quality and lyrical depth. The song's subdued yet emotionally charged atmosphere contributes to the album's overall mood and thematic exploration. As an essential part of the album, "When the Body Speaks" showcases Depeche Mode's ability to create music that delves into complex emotions and human connections. Its introspective nature and haunting musical arrangement exemplify the band's distinctive approach to blending electronic music with introspective themes.
When the Body Speaks
Depeche Mode Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The body listens
What the flesh requires
Keeps the heart imprisoned
What the spirit seeks
The mind will follow
When the body speaks
I'm just an angel
Driving blindly
Through this world
I'm just a slave here
At the mercy
Of a girl
Oh, I need your tenderness
Oh, I need your touch
Oh, I dream of one caress
Oh, I pray too much
To the soul's desires
The body listens
What the flesh requires
Keeps the heart imprisoned
What the spirit seeks
The mind will follow
When the body speaks
All else is hollow
You keep me waiting
For the promise
That is mine
Please stop debating
Please stop wasting
Your time
Oh, I need your tenderness
Oh, I need your touch
Oh, I dream of one caress
Oh, I pray too much
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
"When the Body Speaks" by Depeche Mode is a song about the conflicts between physical desire, emotional longing, and spiritual fulfillment. The lyrics suggest that the body, as a physical entity, is bound to the desires of the flesh, while the soul and spirit seek something deeper and more meaningful. The chorus repeats the idea that the soul's desires are heard and obeyed by the body, while the flesh's requirements keep the heart imprisoned. The singer admits to being driven blindly like an angel in this world, and being at the mercy of a girl. This girl awakens physical desire and a need for tenderness and touch in the singer, but there is also a sense of unfulfilled longing and waiting for a promise that is yet to be realized. Despite this, the singer continues to hope and pray for a moment of connection.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of tension between the body, the soul, and the spirit. While the body is bound to the flesh, the soul and spirit are seeking something more profound and meaningful. The chorus suggests that when the body speaks, everything else is hollow, which could mean that physical pleasure, while immediate and intense, ultimately leaves one feeling empty and unfulfilled. The song ends with a series of oooh's, almost as if the singer is at a loss for words to describe their feelings, or as if they are experiencing a moment of release or catharsis.
Line by Line Meaning
To the soul's desires
The deepest desires within a person's soul.
The body listens
The physical body obeys and reacts to the soul's desires.
What the flesh requires
The body's instinctual needs and desires.
Keeps the heart imprisoned
The body's desires can restrain and limit one's emotions, thoughts, and actions.
What the spirit seeks
The spiritual essence of a person, longing for deeper meaning and fulfillment.
The mind will follow
The intellect and conscious thought process of a person responds to what the spirit seeks.
When the body speaks
When the physical body makes its wants and needs known, it can dominate a person's attention and actions.
All else is hollow
All other desires and needs seem insignificant in comparison to physical needs.
I'm just an angel
The artist feels as though they are a spiritual being, disconnected from the physical world.
Driving blindly
Moving through life without a clear sense of direction or purpose.
Through this world
Navigating the physical world without feeling truly connected to it.
I'm just a slave here
The artist feels trapped and powerless.
At the mercy
Completely vulnerable to the whims of another person.
Of a girl
The object of the singer's love and desire.
Oh, I need your tenderness
The singer longs for love and affection from the person they desire.
Oh, I need your touch
Physical contact and intimacy are deeply desired by the artist.
Oh, I dream of one caress
The artist's fantasies are centered around physical intimacy with the object of their desire.
Oh, I pray too much
The singer desires their wishes to come true to the point of desperation.
You keep me waiting
The object of the singer's desire is not fulfilling their wants and needs.
For the promise
The artist is waiting for something they were led to believe would happen.
That is mine
Something the artist feels they are entitled to but is not receiving.
Please stop debating
The artist wants the object of their desire to stop ignoring their needs and desires.
Please stop wasting
The singer sees their time waiting as a waste of their life.
Your time
The artist believes the object of their desire is preoccupied with other things instead of tending to their relationship.
Ooh
An expression of emotional longing or frustration.
Ooh
An expression of emotional longing or frustration.
Ooh
An expression of emotional longing or frustration.
Ooh
An expression of emotional longing or frustration.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Martin Gore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind