Regret
Joy Division / New Order Lyrics


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Maybe I've forgotten
The name and the address
Of everyone I've ever known
It's nothing I regret
Save it for another day, 'cause
The school is out
And the kids have run away
I would like a place I can call my own
Have a conversation on my telephone
Wake up everyday, that would be a start
I would not complain 'bout my wounded heart

I was upset, you see
Almost all the time
You used to be a stranger
Now you are mine

I wouldn't even trust you
I've not that much to give
We're dealing in the limits
And we don't know who with

You may think that I'm out of hand
That I'm naive, I'll understand
On this occasion, it's not true
Look at me, I'm not you

I would like a place I can call my own
Have a conversation on the telephone
Wake up everyday, that would be a start
I would not complain 'bout my wounded heart

I was a short fuse
Burning all the time
You were a complete stranger
Now you are mine

I would like a place I can call my own
Have a conversation on the telephone
Wake up everyday, that would be a start
I would not complain 'bout my wounded heart

Just wait 'til tomorrow




I guess that's what they all say
Just before they fall apart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Joy Division / New Order's song Regret convey a sense of nostalgia and longing for an idealized version of life. The first verse suggests a disconnect from one's past, a feeling of having lost touch with everyone they've ever known. However, the singer notes that this is not necessarily a source of regret, implying a desire to move on and start anew.


The second verse introduces a longing for a simple, domestic existence, free of emotional pain. The imagery of wanting to "have a conversation on [their] telephone" and "wake up every day" suggests a sense of loneliness and a desire for routine. This desire is compounded by the third verse, in which the singer reflects on a previous state of emotional instability, which they have overcome. The line "You were a complete stranger / Now you are mine" is particularly poignant, suggesting that the singer has found a sense of belonging and a feeling of being understood.


Despite this sense of nostalgia and hope for the future, the final lines of the song introduce a note of uncertainty. The line "Just wait 'til tomorrow / I guess that's what they all say" suggests a cynicism with regard to the future and a suggestion that things may not work out as planned.


Overall, Regret is a song that conveys a sense of longing for a simpler and more stable life, while acknowledging the inevitable uncertainty and unpredictability that lies ahead.


Line by Line Meaning

Maybe I've forgotten
Possibly, I cannot recollect


The name and the address
I am unable to recall full details


Of everyone I've ever known
I cannot remember anyone clearly


It's nothing I regret
I don't feel bad about it


Save it for another day, 'cause
I'll deal with this some other time


The school is out
Education has ended


And the kids have run away
Children have left


I would like a place I can call my own
I need an abode


Have a conversation on my telephone
I crave communication on phone


Wake up everyday, that would be a start
Waking up every morning is essential


I would not complain 'bout my wounded heart
I don't want to moan about my troubled feelings anymore


I was upset, you see
I was distressed before


Almost all the time
Most of the time


You used to be a stranger
I did not know you before


Now you are mine
Now I have a relationship with you


I wouldn't even trust you
I am not sure of trusting you


I've not that much to give
I don't have so much to offer


We're dealing in the limits
We are restricted in our dealings


And we don't know who with
We are uncertain about the party involved


You may think that I'm out of hand
You may perceive me as unruly


That I'm naive, I'll understand
Even if you think I'm inexperienced, it'll be alright


On this occasion, it's not true
This time you're mistaken


Look at me, I'm not you
I'm distinct from you


Just wait 'til tomorrow
Just hold on till tomorrow


I guess that's what they all say
I think that's a common statement


Just before they fall apart
Just before they break down




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Hague, Stephen Morris, Bernard Sumner

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

@andremattos6308

Lyrics

Maybe I've forgotten
The name and the address
Of everyone I've ever known,
It's nothing I regret
Save it for another day, 'cause
The school is out 
And the kids have run away

I would like a place I can call my own
Have a conversation on my telephone
Wake up everyday, that would be a start
I would not complain 'bout my wounded heart

I was upset, you see
Almost all the time
You used to be a stranger
Now you are mine

I wouldn't even trust you
I've not that much to give
We're dealing in the limits, 
And we don't know who with

You may think that I'm out of hand
That I'm naive, I'll understand
On this occasion, it's not true
Look at me, I'm not you

I would like a place I can call my own
Have a conversation on the telephone
Wake up everyday, that would be a start
I would not complain 'bout my wounded heart

I was a short fuse
Burning all the time
You were a complete stranger
Now you are mine

I would like a place I can call my own
Have a conversation on the telephone
Wake up everyday, that would be a start
I would not complain 'bout my wounded heart

Just wait 'till tomorrow
I guess that's what they all say
Just before they fall apart



@shessomethingelse1639

These five songs have saved me More than once while having a hard Time

- The Cure - Lovesong
- The Jesus And Marychain -Just Like Honey
- The Cure - This Twilight Garden
- David Bowie - Heroes
And this Beautiful song; New Order - Regret

Thank you Mom <3



All comments from YouTube:

@BOOMBABY2020

this song still sounds like perfection in 2024

@pastexpiry2013B

A fire hydrant sounds like perfection compared to the music of 2024

@dwhitman3092

YES it does!

@johnnywen2246

❤ this is it ❤

@lenmoore9109

A perfect marriage of lyrics, vocals, and instrumentation.

@HelloThere-eh9uv

I’ve always loved New Order and their songs have bookmarked my life. I’ve recently been diagnosed with stage IV cancer and am not expected to have very long. It’s so frightening. I know they’re on tour, but the nearest date to me is in October and it’s very possible I won’t be here then. Listening to this reminds me of being so happy and genuinely without a worry in the world. I feel so sad knowing where that young woman was heading. I wish we could just do the happy bits, over and over. x

@jackiehill6357

Oh man, I'm so sorry. Hugs to you. I hope you're able to make it happen. ❤

@carolefletcher

I'm so sorry. I hope you're still with us. I hope you still see them.

@cleomoon

Sending you courage. All Gods bless you.

@krisovcov

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