Isolation
New Order/Joy Division Lyrics
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He calls her aloud from above
Carefully watched for a reason
Painstaking devotion and love
Surrendered to self-preservation
From others who care for themselves
A blindness that touches perfection
But hurts just like anything else
Isolation, isolation, isolation
Mother, I tried, please believe me
I'm doing the best that I can
I'm ashamed of the things I've been put through
I'm ashamed of the person I am
Isolation, isolation, isolation
But if you could just see the beauty
These things I could never describe
These pleasures, a wayward distraction
This is my one lucky prize
Isolation, isolation, isolation, isolation, isolation
The lyrics to New Order/Joy Division's song "Isolation" delve into themes of loneliness, self-preservation, shame, and the difficulty of communication. The song begins by describing a person living in fear, reaching out to someone from above, perhaps pleading for help or seeking connection. However, they are met with scrutiny and surveillance, as they carefully watch for any reason to justify their actions. This intense scrutiny is driven by a devotion and love that appears to be painful in nature. The person has surrendered themselves to self-preservation, focusing solely on their own needs instead of considering the needs of others who may genuinely care for them. The lyrics suggest a sense of blindness, perhaps referring to the person's inability to see beyond their own self-interest, leading to a near-perfect but imperfect existence.
The chorus, repeating the word "Isolation," emphasizes the central theme of the song. It highlights the loneliness and disconnectedness the person feels, trapped in their own self-imposed isolation. The second verse brings in the voice of the singer's mother, with the plea for understanding and acceptance. The singer acknowledges their own struggles and expresses shame for the difficult situations they have been put through, as well as for the person they have become. This verse adds another layer to the struggle of communication and connection, as the singer feels inadequate and burdened by their experiences.
The bridge of the song takes a momentary shift, with the singer expressing a longing for the listener to see the beauty they cannot describe. Despite their isolation, they find fleeting pleasures and distractions that become their one fortunate prize. This could indicate that despite their struggles, there are aspects of their existence that bring them joy and make life bearable.
In summary, "Isolation" explores the pain and challenges of living in isolation, being caught in a cycle of self-preservation, and the difficulty of expressing oneself to others. It touches on the complicated dynamics of relationships, shame, and the search for understanding and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
In fear every day, every evening
Living in constant fear and anxiety, always on edge
He calls her aloud from above
Seeking comfort and guidance from a higher power
Carefully watched for a reason
Being monitored closely, with suspicion or scrutiny
Painstaking devotion and love
Showing great effort and dedication in a loving relationship
Surrendered to self-preservation
Prioritizing personal survival and well-being above all else
From others who care for themselves
Surrounded by people who only look out for their own interests
A blindness that touches perfection
Being so focused on achieving perfection that one becomes blind to other aspects of life
But hurts just like anything else
Despite its apparent flawlessness, it still brings pain and suffering
Isolation, isolation, isolation
Emphasizing and repeating the theme of isolation
Mother, I tried, please believe me
Desperately wanting the approval and understanding of one's mother
I'm doing the best that I can
Putting in maximum effort and trying one's hardest
I'm ashamed of the things I've been put through
Feeling embarrassed or humiliated by the painful experiences one has endured
I'm ashamed of the person I am
Experiencing deep shame and self-judgment for one's own character
But if you could just see the beauty
If only others could recognize and appreciate the beauty within oneself
These things I could never describe
Unable to put into words the indescribable aspects of one's existence
These pleasures, a wayward distraction
These sources of enjoyment, although temporary and wandering, provide a brief escape
This is my one lucky prize
Considering the ability to find joy amidst isolation as a fortunate and precious gift
Isolation, isolation, isolation, isolation, isolation
Repeating the concept of isolation multiple times for emphasis
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bernard Sumner, Ian Kevin Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Paul David Morris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Frankster8039
The legacy of Joy Division is recognized by lots of younger people in today,s world . My son ( 22 ) and all his friends are big fans..
@lukemalik6664
Actually, a global phenomenon too.
@CateringNNP
Yeah my son was too, unfortunately he died recently
@inkoinfinity2
@@CateringNNPI'm sorry for your loss
@dremunoz2600
When I was deep in my depression this song was very difficult to listen to. This hit me like a truck, now I can look beyond it and appreciate it's masterful use of lyrics, bass and synth.
@tonymcd8036
I used to cry at this song too. Hope all is good for u now
@mc77ification
Very dark and intense. No one could do it better than Ian! Rest in Peace!
@the2ndcoming135
Already know🧴
@anthonymackey222
He made Morrison proud, now they're both exchanging poetry.
@turquoisetangerinebusiness7240
@@stokiemMorrison only wrote a quarter of lyrics, your misinformed.