Re-releases
It featured on the Joy Division compilation albums Substance and Permanent and was released as a single in 1988. It reached number one on the New Zealand singles chart in 1981.
Video
The video released with the song's re-release in 1988 contained characters wearing black-hooded cloaks and white burial shrouds.
It was directed by Anton Corbijn, who also directed the Ian Curtis biopic Control (2007).
Released 1980, 1988
Format 7"
Genre Post-punk
Label Factory Records
Producer Martin Hannett and Joy Division
Atmosphere
Joy Division Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't walk away, in silence
See the danger
Always danger
Endless talking
Life rebuilding
Don't walk away
Walk in silence
Don't turn away, in silence
Your confusion
My illusion
Worn like a mask of self-hate
Confronts and then dies
Don't walk away
People like you find it easy
Aching to see
Walking on air
Hunting by the rivers, through the streets, every corner
Abandoned too soon
Set down with due care
Don't walk away in silence
Don't walk away
The lyrics of Joy Division’s song Atmosphere convey the theme of the danger of silence and how it can lead to confusion and self-hate. The opening lines invite the listener to “walk in silence” and recognize the potential hazard in doing so. The tone of the song is melancholic and reflective, mainly due to Ian Curtis’ haunting lyrics and delivery. The first verse suggests that talking can be endless and life is about rebuilding oneself, which may be difficult when one is silent or when communication breaks down. The second verse, “Your confusion, my illusion,” is a powerful statement about how silence can lead to the creation of false perceptions and misunderstandings of each other.
When Curtis sings “Worn like a mask of self-hate,” he is painting a picture of the potential consequence of silence, which is a pervasive, self-destructive feeling of self-hatred that can throw one’s life out of balance. Although confrontations may be uncomfortable, avoiding them only leads to further problems, and Curtis urges the listener, “Don’t walk away” from these situations. The chorus repeats this refrain, emphasizing the need to face issues and communicate even when it feels uncomfortable. The final lines of the song, “Abandoned too soon, set down with due care,” can be interpreted as a message of hope, urging listeners not to give up, to take care of themselves, and not to let silence win.
Line by Line Meaning
Walk in silence
Move quietly and cautiously
Don't walk away, in silence
Do not leave without communication
See the danger
Notice the potential harm
Always danger
There is always possible harm
Endless talking
Tiresome conversation
Life rebuilding
Recreating oneself
Don't walk away
Do not abandon, stay and communicate
Don't turn away, in silence
Do not ignore or avoid without discussion
Your confusion
Your state of bewilderment
My illusion
My delusion or false belief
Worn like a mask of self-hate
Concealed by a facade of self-derision
Confronts and then dies
Confronts the issue and fades away
People like you find it easy
Individuals with similar tendencies can relate
Aching to see
Longing to understand
Walking on air
Feeling elated and carefree
Hunting by the rivers, through the streets, every corner
Exploring without restriction
Abandoned too soon
Left behind prematurely
Set down with due care
Placed respectfully and carefully
Don't walk away in silence
Stay and communicate with empathy and compassion
Don't walk away
Do not leave without resolution or closure
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ian Kevin Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Paul David Morris, Bernard Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tededmunds8476
The post-punk funeral march. An utterly staggering piece of music that never fails to chill. When Ian first utters the word 'walk' at the beginning, we know it's not going to be an easy ride. It kind of encapsulates the sadness and loss surrounding the band and their tragic history. Long live JD and RIP IC x
@auerod
My favorite Joy Division are New Dawn Fades and Atmosphere. These are absolute post-punk masterpieces, poetic elegies.
@sandorhartig3957
Joy Division and Type o Negative!!!!!........Never again!!!.......A fakin' anthem!!!!
@bernardlatuner5134
@buzzlightyyear747 YES, BRILLIANT TO ! :-D
@peterlancaster7157
Ditto! I saw (and heard) Joy Division twice in 1979, at The Futurama Festival in Leeds, and at Newcastle City Hall when they supported The Buzzcocks. After The Buzzcocks gig I met Ian as he stepped out, and I told him his band was the best support act I'd seen!👌R.I.P. Ian 💓
@Prizzy999
How can you not love Joy Division and Ian Curtis?
He's a legend, Joy Division are legend.
@peterlancaster7157
I saw (and heard) Joy Division twice in 1979, at The Futurama Festival in Leeds (and PiL were headlining👍), and at Newcastle City Hall when they were supporting The Buzzcocks. After their city Hall gig I was standing outside at the front entrance, and Ian Curtis stepped out. He asked where to go for some carry out food. I told him they were the best support band I'd seen (and heard) 👍 Looking back now, I wished I'd offered to take him to a pub for a pint or few, and got his autograph!
@HelOBarr
This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and recorded.
@kishannaconandoyle1907
It's so hypnotic, pure. This man was a f.... genius. This band is immortal. 40 years and we are here, like we have a crush on this amazing band..
Thank you Joy Division, thank you Ian.
@mazrio128
Dude, this band is a religion to us. We have to spread it to people deserving.