Transmission
Joy%20Division Lyrics

Radio, live transmission
The song opens with a repetition of this line that highlights the theme of communication and how music can be a means of conveying our emotions and messages.

Listen to the silence, let it ring on
The idea here is to pay attention to the things that are not said, to the gaps and the pauses between the notes, as they reflect the emotional state of the singer.

Eyes, dark grey lenses, frightened of the Sun
The use of the metaphor of lenses suggests that the singer sees the world in a certain way and that his view is often dark, gloomy, and pessimistic. The reference to the Sun suggests that he is afraid of the light, of exposure, or of being noticed.

We would have a fine time living in the night
The singer suggests that he and his audience share a preference for the night, for the shadows, and for the anonymity that it provides. This could be interpreted as a rejection of mainstream culture or a desire to escape from it.

Left to blind destruction, waiting for our sight
The paradoxical juxtaposition of blind destruction and sight suggests that the characters in the song are in a state of confusion, disorientation, and despair, waiting for something or someone to bring them clarity or to shed some light on their situation.

We would go on as though nothing was wrong
This line suggests that the characters are in a state of denial, pretending that everything is fine, despite their deep-seated fears, doubts, and anxieties.

Hide from these days, we remained all alone
The singer suggests that his audience is alienated and removed from the world around them and that they find solace in hiding, in seclusion, and in their own company.

Staying in the same place, just staying out the time
The repetition of the word 'staying' suggests a sense of stagnation, of being stuck in a rut, of going nowhere. The phrase 'staying out the time' could be interpreted as a form of resignation, accepting that there is nothing to be done and that time will eventually run out.

Touching from a distance, further all the time
This line suggests a longing for connection, for intimacy, for physical contact, but at the same time acknowledges the impossibility of achieving it, as the characters seem to be drifting further apart, both physically and emotionally.

Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance to the radio
The repetition of this refrain highlights the contrast between the bleakness of the lyrics and the upbeat and catchy rhythm of the music. The act of dancing could be seen as a form of rebellion or a temporary escape from the problems of the world.

Well, I could call out when the going gets tough
The use of 'I' instead of 'we' suggests that the singer is addressing his audience directly and offering them a way out of their predicament, even if it's just a temporary one.

The things that we've learnt are no longer enough
This line suggests that the characters are faced with a changing world, in which the rules they have learned no longer apply or are ineffective. They must adapt or be left behind.

No language, just sound, that's all we need know
The use of 'no language' suggests a rejection of words, of rationality, of the intellect, in favor of pure emotion and instinct. The phrase 'that's all we need know' suggests that sometimes less is more, and that we don't need to understand everything to feel its impact.

To synchronise love to the beat of the show
This line suggests a desire for unity, for harmony, and for a shared experience. The idea of synchronizing love to the beat of the show implies that music can be a powerful force for bringing people together and for creating a sense of community.