In 2003, Martin released Counterfeit, a solo cover album follow-up to his 1989 Counterfeit EP. Both feature his takes on other people's material, and he has stated publicly before that he considers himself not the most prolific songwriter, and prefers to keep his own material for Depeche Mode albums.
In 2012, he released an instrumental techno album in collaboration wiith former Depeche Mode member, Vince Clarke, under the moniker VCMG. The album was called Ssss.
In 2015, he released an electronic instrumental album called MG, under the moniker MG.
Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth
Martin L. Gore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be tempted by her favours
Never turn your back on mother earth
Towns are hurled from A to B
By hands that look so smooth to me
Never turn your back on mother earth
Gaze at clouds that come down crashing
Never turn your back on mother earth
Three days and two nights away from my friends
Amen to anything that brings a quick return
To my friends
To my friends
Never turn your back on mother earth
I'll admit I was unfaithful
But from now on I'll be more faithful
Never turn your back on mother
Never turn your back on mother
Never turn your back on mother earth
The song Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth by Martin L. Gore is a cautionary tale warning humans not to take the earth for granted. In the first stanza, the singer advises not to give in to the earth's temptations when it is at its best behavior. This line suggests that the earth can be generous to us, but we should be careful not to grow complacent and ungrateful. The second stanza describes how human activity and development often tear up the earth and throw it around like it is nothing. The lines “Towns are hurled from A to B/By hands that look so smooth to me” illustrate how easy it is for humans to move mountains when they want to, but they forget about the destruction they leave in their wake. The final stanza speaks to the need to be loyal and faithful to the earth, to never forget its importance and always treat it with the respect and care it deserves.
Overall, the song has a melancholy tone and reminds us that the earth is vulnerable and we have a responsibility to take care of it. It also suggests that humans do not always appreciate the extent of their impact on the planet and need to remember to be mindful of our actions.
Line by Line Meaning
When she's on her best behaviour
Even when nature is calm and serene, one must be cautious and not let their guard down
Don't be tempted by her favours
Natural resources may seem abundant and easily available, but we should not misuse them
Never turn your back on mother earth
We should always respect nature and never take it for granted
Towns are hurled from A to B
Natural disasters like earthquakes can cause enormous damage and disrupt lives
By hands that look so smooth to me
Nature's destructive forces can strike without warning and appear calm and peaceful beforehand
Grasp at straws that don't want grasping
Sometimes we try to control nature, even when it's pointless and futile
Gaze at clouds that come down crashing
We can observe the beauty of nature, but at the same time be wary of its power and unpredictability
Three days and two nights away from my friends
Being isolated from society can make us crave companionship and the familiarity of home
Amen to anything that brings a quick return
We are often tempted to make decisions based on immediate gains, even if they have negative long-term consequences
To my friends
The desire to be with loved ones is universal and powerful
I'll admit I was unfaithful
Humanity has betrayed the earth through pollution, environmental destruction and taking it for granted
But from now on I'll be more faithful
We can learn from our past mistakes and make a conscious effort to become better stewards of the earth
Never turn your back on mother
We must constantly remember that nature is always present, always powerful, and deserving of our respect and care
Never turn your back on mother
Just as we should never turn our backs on our own mothers, we should never neglect or mistreat the earth
Never turn your back on mother earth
A powerful reminder to remember the preciousness of nature and protect it for future generations
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Iris
I loved this when I was a kid. 20 years later, it still sparks me 💜
Matt Belinski
Like the wordplay
Aaron
One of Martin's best vocal turns ever. Simply Beautiful
Karima Milena
Could there be any better voice than Martin Lee Gore? UK should be so proud to have him as one of his best musicians <3
Carrie Jackson
Karima Milena Martin is the God of vocals
P M
We are very proud of both him and Depeche Mode ♥
Maciek M.
30 Years ago I listened that beatifull song. With my ex Julia ♥️
Dasrael
Mortin Harket of A-Ha has amazing pipes too!
mathieu rohmier
Il a une voix qui nous transporte très loin, j'adore !!!!!
Milan Ďurica
After the 30 years I'm listening and remembering... Good pieces of quality, thanks for this album..