Isolation
Ofln - Joy Division Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 song "Isolation" by Joy Division explores themes of loneliness, self-preservation, and the struggle to maintain a sense of identity in a world that can be isolating and indifferent. The lyrics depict a person who feels trapped and alone, seeking solace in their own thoughts and emotions. The opening lines suggest a sense of fear and desperation, with the singer calling out to someone from above, perhaps in search of comfort or connection. However, they are "carefully watched for a reason," suggesting a lack of trust and a need to protect themselves.
The lyrics also touch upon the complexities of relationships and how people often prioritize their own self-interests. The singer experiences a "blindness that touches perfection," referring to a state of ignorance or apathy among those around them who care only for themselves. This indifference can be just as hurtful as any direct form of pain.
The chorus, repeatedly chanting "isolation," emphasizes the feeling of being cut off from others and highlights the central theme of the song. It conveys a sense of longing for connection and a yearning to break free from the emotional isolation that consumes them. The second verse addresses the singer's relationship with their mother, expressing a deep desire to be understood and accepted. They acknowledge their shame for the things they've endured and for feeling inadequate.
Towards the end, there is a glimmer of hope as the singer describes the beauty and pleasure that they find in their own thoughts and experiences. Despite the isolation they feel, they recognize that there can still be moments of joy and fulfillment, even if those experiences are difficult to put into words.
Overall, "Isolation" explores the universal struggle to navigate the complexities of human connection and the profound impact that isolation can have on one's sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
In fear every day, every evening
Constantly living in fear and anxiety, experiencing it every day and night.
He calls her aloud from above
Desperately reaching out to someone, crying out for help from a higher power.
Carefully watched for a reason
Being closely monitored and observed, possibly under scrutiny or suspicion for a specific purpose.
Painstaking devotion and love
Showing an immense amount of dedication and affection, putting in great effort and care.
Surrendered to self-preservation
Giving up on genuine connections with others and focusing solely on protecting oneself.
From others who care for themselves
Being surrounded by individuals who are primarily concerned with their own well-being, lacking empathy.
A blindness that touches perfection
Having a lack of awareness or understanding that is so profound, it borders on reaching a state of perfection.
But hurts just like anything else
Despite the seemingly perfect facade, it still causes pain and anguish, just like any other situation.
Isolation, isolation, isolation
Repeating the word 'isolation' to emphasize the overwhelming feeling of being alone and disconnected.
Mother, I tried, please believe me
Pleading with one's mother to have faith in their efforts and intentions, desperately seeking validation.
I'm doing the best that I can
Assuring that one is putting in maximum effort and trying their hardest in their current circumstances.
I'm ashamed of the things I've been put through
Feeling deep shame and humiliation for the things they have experienced, as if they are at fault.
I'm ashamed of the person I am
Carrying a profound sense of guilt and self-disgust, feeling unworthy of self-acceptance.
But if you could just see the beauty
Expressing a longing for someone to perceive and appreciate the inner beauty and goodness they possess.
These things I could never describe
Feeling incapable of expressing in words the depth and significance of these experiences and emotions.
These pleasures, a wayward distraction
Viewing moments of pleasure and joy as fleeting and temporary diversions from the overwhelming isolation.
This is my one lucky prize
Considering the small glimmers of happiness they encounter as their sole fortunate possession amidst the isolation.
Isolation, isolation, isolation, isolation, isolation
Repeating 'isolation' multiple times to reinforce the all-encompassing nature of the feeling and its impact.
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.