Read Full Bio ↴Written by Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, Peter Hook & Gillian Gilbert.
Produced by New Order.
Released November 1988 on Fine Time and January 1989 on Technique.
Fine Time
New Order Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To be a part of me
Too young
To get a hold on me
You're much too young
You're much too young
You're much too young
Hey
You know I've met a lot of cool chicks
But I've never met a girl with all her own teeth
That's why I love you babe
That's why we could be
But you're too young
Too young
The past doesn't matter [Repeat x12]
Hey
Sophisticated lady
You know I've met a lot of cool chicks
But you've got style
You've got class
But most of all
You've got love technique.
In the song Fine Time by New Order, the singer addresses a younger person and tells them that they are too young to be a part of their life or to be involved with them romantically. The repetition of the phrase "you're much too young" emphasizes the point that the age difference between the singer and the addressee is significant. The singer also highlights the fact that they have met many people in their life, including "cool chicks," but has never met anyone like the addressee, giving them some degree of admiration. However, the singer also recognizes the practicality of their situation, stating that they cannot "mess around" with someone who is much too young.
The second half of the song shifts focus to the addressee, complimenting them as a sophisticated lady with style and class, but also pointing out that they have a "love technique" that may be appealing to the singer. The repetition of the phrase "the past doesn't matter" at the end of the song can be seen as a call to live in the present and not be weighed down by age or past experiences.
In essence, the song Fine Time can be seen as a commentary on age differences in relationships and the complications that can arise from them. The singer recognizes the attraction they have towards the addressee but acknowledges that practicality and societal expectations dictate that it cannot come to fruition.
Line by Line Meaning
You're much too young
I'm attracted to you, but you're not old enough for what I need
To be a part of me
You're not emotionally or mentally mature enough for me
Too young
You lack the necessary experience for a relationship with me
To get a hold on me
You're not able to understand me or my needs yet
You're much too young
Once again, you're not yet ready for me
You're much too young
I'm emphasizing that age is a significant barrier for us
You're much too young
One final plea for you to understand your own limitations
To mess around with me
I can't take you seriously in a romantic context
Hey
Listen up, I have something to say
You know I've met a lot of cool chicks
I've experienced a lot of different types of women
But I've never met a girl with all her own teeth
You have a unique quality that sets you apart
That's why I love you babe
Your physical appearance is the reason I'm attracted to you
That's why we could be
Despite the obstacles we face, there's still potential for us
But you're too young
Age once again becomes a major hurdle
Too young
You still lack the experience and maturity necessary for a successful relationship
The past doesn't matter [Repeat x12]
I'm trying to convince myself that your age doesn't matter
Hey
Let's change the subject
Sophisticated lady
I'm addressing you as a mature, intelligent adult
You know I've met a lot of cool chicks
Once again, I'm emphasizing my experience with women
But you've got style
You have a unique and attractive aesthetic
You've got class
You carry yourself with maturity and grace
But most of all
Above all else, what really impresses me is
You've got love technique
Your abilities and experience in love and relationships
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNARD (GB 2) SUMNER, PETER HOOK, GILLIAN LESLEY GILBERT, STEPHEN PAUL DAVID MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BarkinDog84
In my humble opinion, Technique is New Order's best album. A true masterpiece, from beginning to end.
@pierredupont1096
I remember going to a friend's house when this came out and we looked at each other and were:
"Well, what is this then?"
And then music came out JUST LIKE THIS and we were like:
"Oh, they were so ahead of the curve."
This song and Round & Round played nonstop in clubs, inevitable really. Still think I like Low-life over this album, but as a whole Technique is just fantastic, incredible stuff.
@stephaniesiddall3012
I am forever addicted and appreciative of New Order...they top my charts every night...I sit here, drink wine, wish I could meet them, pick their brains, dance again, so wonderful!
@crystalidentity
Are you going to see them on their postponed tour coming next year with the Pet Shop Boys?? I AM SO THERE.
@tonymerrett6186
For me this will always be their most underrated song
@stephaniesiddall3012
I find all their song here in Canada were underrated. Everyone of them was a mystery to figure out and to delve in again and again.
@thunderbolts2438
It sounds so good on records 👍🤗
@richgibney8559
It's the b best
@berlinsaintclair9100
I agree. This song reminds me of 90s high school and having a CD player in my Jetta and blasting New Order!
@rjs71
Bought this on single! Still love it!