Based in Los Angeles, CA The New Division is a synthpop/new wave band compo… Read Full Bio ↴Based in Los Angeles, CA The New Division is a synthpop/new wave band composed of 5 members including John Kunkel (vocals, songwriting), Michael Janz (synthesizers, keys), Alex Gonzales (drums), Daniel Corrales (bass), and James Meays (guitars). Formed in Riverside, CA in the mid-2000s, The New Division has released 5 full length albums, half a dozen EPs, and numerous singles/remixes over the past decade.

Featuring a signature sound that blends 1980s new wave and synthpop with modern production, The New Division has supported acts such as Peter Hook & The Light, Peter Murphy (Bauhaus), Shiny Toy Guns, Minus the Bear, and many more over the course of their career.

In 2023, The New Division continues to deliver a their unique sound, expanding on their influences which range from Depeche Mode, New Order, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, Echo & The Bunnymen, and many more. Learn more at newdivisionmusic.com.

Stockholm
The New Division Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When you cut the cord you cut me a all up inside
When I took the blame I told you I'd never lie
When you play your games you make me feel like the prize
When you say my name I lose track of wrong or right

We're going down, all around
We can't stay close together
We're falling down, all around

We can't stay close together

When I take the fall I take everything you hide
When I take your kiss it helps me to come alive
When you come to me I'll help you see wrong or right
When you come to me you'll know that you can confide

Down, all around
We can't stay close together
We're falling down, all around
We can't stay close together

Down, all around
We can't stay close together

We're falling down, all around
We can't stay close together

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The New Division’s song “Stockholm” convey a sense of entrapment and instability in a relationship. The first verse speaks of a betrayal, where the person being addressed has “cut the cord” and left the singer feeling “all up inside”. However, the singer takes the blame and claims that they “never lie”. The partner seems to play games, making the singer feel like a prize, but when they say the singer’s name, they lose their sense of right and wrong.

The chorus reinforces the theme of disconnection in the relationship. The pair is “going down, all around,” unable to stay together as they fall apart. The second verse references the singer “taking the fall” for everything their partner hides, but also finding life in their partner’s kiss. The singer wants to help their partner see things in the right light, and to know that they can trust and confide in them.

Overall, the song seems to be exploring the chaos and emotional turmoil that can sometimes come with a relationship. There are moments of passion and connection, as well as moments of betrayal and disconnection. The lyrics hint at the idea that both parties may be at fault in some way, and that truth and trust are important components in maintaining a healthy relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

When you cut the cord you cut me all up inside
Ending the relationship deeply hurt me emotionally.

When I took the blame I told you I’d never lie
I promised to always be honest with you, even if it meant taking the blame for something I didn't do.

When you play your games you make me feel like the prize
The attention you give me when you're toying with my feelings makes me feel special and desired, even if it's not genuine.

When you say my name I lose track of wrong or right
I become so consumed by my love for you that I start to ignore the potential consequences of my actions.

Down, all around. We can’t stay close together.
Despite our strong emotional connection, our relationship is falling apart and we're both to blame.

When I take the fall I take everything you hide
I'm willing to take the blame for your mistakes as well as my own, and you take advantage of that.

When I take your kiss it helps me to come alive
Your physical affection makes me feel alive and validated in a way that nothing else can.

When you come to me I’ll help you see wrong or right
Even when we're at odds, I want to guide you towards making the right decisions and being a better person.

When you come to me you’ll know that you can confide
I want you to trust me and feel comfortable sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings with me.

Contributed by Gabriella S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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