Temptation
Joy Division / New Order Lyrics


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Heaven, a gateway, a hope
Just like a feeling inside, it's no joke
And though it hurts me to see you this way
Betrayed by words, I'd never heard, too hard to say
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home

Each way I turn, I know I'll always try
To break this circle that's been placed around me
From time to time, I find I've lost some need
That was urgent to myself, I do believe
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home

Oh, you've got green eyes
Oh, you've got blue eyes
Oh, you've got grey eyes
Oh, you've got green eyes
Oh, you've got blue eyes
You've got grey eyes

And I've never seen anyone quite like you before
No, I've never met anyone quite like you before
Bolts from above hurt the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hurt the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hurt the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hurt the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go

Oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time




Oh, I've never met anyone quite like you before
Oh no, I've never met anyone quite like you before

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Joy Division / New Order's Temptation have deep and complex meanings that can be interpreted in many ways. It starts by describing Heaven as a hope and gateway, which could be seen as the ultimate goal or destination for the singer, something to strive for. However, this is juxtaposed with the line "just like a feeling inside, it's no joke" which suggests that the concept of Heaven is not to be taken lightly.


The song then turns to a more personal reflection, with the singer expressing hurt and betrayal by someone close to them. The lines "Betrayed by words, I'd never heard, too hard to say" could imply that the person has been lied to or deceived in some way. The chorus of "Up, down, turn around, please don't let me hit the ground" can be seen as a plea for support and encouragement, for someone to help them through this difficult time.


The song ends with the lines "Bolts from above hurt the people down below, people in this world, we have no place to go" which could be interpreted as a reference to the unpredictable and often cruel nature of life. The final chorus of "Oh, it's the last time, oh, I've never met anyone quite like you before" can be seen as a final reflection on the singer's experiences, possibly suggesting a realization that they have learned from their past and are now moving on.


Line by Line Meaning

Heaven, a gateway, a hope
The idea that there is a paradise after death, a gateway where we enter with hope for better life.


Just like a feeling inside, it's no joke
Hope is like an intuition, distinct feeling, and not a laughing matter.


And though it hurts me to see you this way
Looking at you like this causes me pain.


Betrayed by words, I'd never heard, too hard to say
Hearing your words, which have hurt me, feels like being betrayed. It's tough to express what I'm feeling towards you.


Up, down, turn around Please don't let me hit the ground
I feel like I'm in a whirlwind, and I don't want to collapse no matter how much the ground is shaking.


Tonight I think I'll walk alone I'll find my soul as I go home
I will go by myself; being solitary makes me reflect, and maybe I'll know myself better.


Each way I turn, I know I'll always try To break this circle that's been placed around me
I will keep struggling to break out of this closed-loop of feelings and circumstances that trap me.


From time to time, I find I've lost some need That was urgent to myself, I do believe
Occasionally, I discover that I'm no longer desperate for things that seemed vital to me before.


Oh, you've got green eyes Oh, you've got blue eyes Oh, you've got grey eyes
Your eyes are green, blue, and gray, and they are unique to me, and I've never encountered anyone like you.


And I've never seen anyone quite like you before No, I've never met anyone quite like you before
You are unique and different. I've never seen anyone like you before or met someone who resembles you.


Bolts from above hurt the people down below People in this world, we have no place to go
Catastrophes that happen unexpectedly can impact those who are struggling in life. We live in a world with limited places to shelter when catastrophe hits.


Oh, it's the last time Oh, it's the last time Oh, it's the last time Oh, it's the last time Oh, it's the last time Oh, I've never met anyone quite like you before Oh no, I've never met anyone quite like you before
The idea of a final meeting, and you are different and stand out. I know that no one else can compare to you.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Gillian Lesley Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Paul David Morris, Bernard Sumner

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

@Atif_Ph.D._Kate_Bush_Fan_Club

A heaven, a gateway, a hope
Just like a feeling inside, it's no joke
And though it hurts me to treat you this way
Betrayed by words I've never heard, too hard to say
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight, I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight, I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home

Ooooo

Each way I turn I know I'll always try
To break this circle that's been placed around me
From time to time I find I've lost some need
It was urgent to myself, I do believe
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight, I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight, I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home
Oh, you've got green eyes
Oh, you've got blue eyes
Oh, you've got grey eyes
Oo, you've got green eyes
Oh, you've got blue eyes
You've got grey eyes
And I've never seen anyone quite like you before
No, I've never met anyone quite like you before
Bolts from above hit the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hit the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hit the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hit the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Oh, it's the last time, oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time, oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time
Oh, I've never met anyone quite like you before
Oh, no, I've never met anyone quite like you before



@christianschunke4469

"Temptation"

Heaven, a gateway, a hope
Just like a feeling inside, it's no joke
And though it hurts me to treat you this way
Betrayed by words, I'd never heard, too hard to say

Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home

Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home

Each way I turn, I know I'll always try
To break this circle that's been placed around me
From time to time, I find I've lost some need
That was urgent to myself, I do believe

Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home

Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home

Oh, you've got green eyes
Oh, you've got blue eyes
Oh, you've got grey eyes
Oh, you've got green eyes
Oh, you've got blue eyes
Oh, you've got grey eyes
And I've never seen anyone quite like you before
No, I've never met anyone quite like you before

Bolts from above hurt the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hurt the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hurt the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
Bolts from above hurt the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go

Oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time
Oh, it's the last time

Oh, I've never met anyone quite like you before
Oh no, I've never met anyone quite like you before



All comments from YouTube:

@mindjoystudio6436

My heart aches when I hear this. This is the soundtrack to the most wonderfully innocent days of my young adulthood with my now husband. I love it so much. I remember playing the tape in my little Panasonic boom box with a broken handle and scratches all over it. It was the only electronic item I had and it was all I needed. Thank you New Order.

@yrysroda8592

That's a really sweet story :)

@betonunes6911

São coisas que fazem parte da nossa vida , pessoas que são felizes , espalham felicidade e gente como eu , vive um dia após o outro ! Tudo de bom para vocês !

@sportsviewlondonboxingnews545

Proper days 🙏💙

@malcolmcog

Panasonic boom box with a broken handle; liar !

@HarrisonMessias

God bless you both, great story !!!

9 More Replies...

@robertmoss279

I listen to New Order every day and sing along to all their songs. I’m 67 and grew up with this band, young people ask me what are you listening to pops?
When I tell them we have new converts.
Songs like this never get old and never fade. Peace

@jumofi

Simply this mate

@737sunset

In 1987, I bought 'Substance' at the mall. I sat in the parking lot and listened to the whole album. It is still one of my favorites. The lyrics. These folks are genius.

@naglione

Which Mall?

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