Both as a standalone and as part of the DSOTS album, you can take this lyric as read. As a matter of public record, Jourgensen's drug intake was legendary even in the 1980s. By the late 90s, in his own words, he was grappling with massive addiction issues and had lost almost everything: friends, spouse, money and had nearly died more than once. "Dark Side of the Spoon" is a both funny & sad title for an album made by a musical genius who was losing the plot; and this song is a message to his fans & friends saying he knows it. It's painful to listen to so I'm glad the "Keith Richards of industrial metals" wised up and cleaned up. Well done sir.
It's the heartache and the happiness
That won't let you rest
It's the pleasure and the pain that comes
When you love someone
You've spent so much time
Trying to get it right
Don't ask the reason why
It's a part of life
Chorus
Our love can be difficult at times
But it is by design
Oh love is difficult at times
But it is by design
It's the laughter beyond the tears
That you need to hear
But to know that you can make it through
When a love is true
It feels like a lonely road
You don't know which way to go
How I want you to know you are not alone
Chorus
Love is difficult but it's by design
Love is difficult but it's by design
Oooh, ooh, ooh
Love is difficult but it's by design
Love is difficult but it's by design
Oooh, ooh, ooh
That won't let you rest
It's the pleasure and the pain that comes
When you love someone
You've spent so much time
Trying to get it right
Don't ask the reason why
It's a part of life
Chorus
Our love can be difficult at times
But it is by design
Oh love is difficult at times
But it is by design
It's the laughter beyond the tears
That you need to hear
But to know that you can make it through
When a love is true
It feels like a lonely road
You don't know which way to go
How I want you to know you are not alone
Chorus
Love is difficult but it's by design
Love is difficult but it's by design
Oooh, ooh, ooh
Love is difficult but it's by design
Love is difficult but it's by design
Oooh, ooh, ooh
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Step
Ministry
Ministry
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
One of Kylie's early lyrics... which are often on the theme of 'consoling a friend in distress' (see Live and Lean and Gotta Move On)