Thieves Like Us

Man I cannot listen to this song without seeing Molly Ringwald making her dress.

i always thought it was ego too

Love transcends all.

There was love in the east, love in the west. Love was found on the hills, in the valleys, and even alcoholics found love.

"It cuts through life like a broken knife"

There is the inevitable contradicting lyric to be found in every New Order song. If it truly transcends all, it'd cut through life like a very sharp knife or a bowie knife (a knife sharp on both sides)

That's my take.

I have to absolutely agree that is the most beautiful lyrical gentle innocent New Order song. Its in my top 10. I believe it goes beautifully with Kyoto Song from the Cure. These are two raw songs clearly coming from the dazed confused heart of two great song writers who open up their hearts and tortured souls to us. In Thieves Like Us its about young urban English love, referencing gay lovers.

I agree that this song does paint a picture in my mind especially when I listen to it walking to work in an early chilly morning. The long instrumental intro somehow sends resonnance for some kind of longing. I didn't actually pay much attention to the lyrics but I really like the verse when it says

I've lived my life in the valleys I've lived my life on the hills I've lived my life on alcohol I've lived my life on pills

It is so beautiful, so sad, so pathetic, so screwed up and so alone all at the same time. This is so well-put! Sometimes love really does feel this way particularly when its bygone.

It's about knowing that you're going to outlive someone you love and having to watch them, and all you shared with them, die.

I'm pretty sure this song is aimed either at an ex (who he wishes he wasn't his ex) or maybe an unrequited love object. It has an idealistic vision of love underpinning it and yet an angry/bitter tone at the same time. The narrator is snearing at the subject's cracks, wrinkles and vanity, while also suggesting that whatever has (or hasn't happened) has driven him to alcohol and pills. Bernard does have a certain way of reacting to things not going his way (see about half of Technique).

hmmm...im just guessing here, but I think this one isnt really about anything (like a lotta new order songs)..they just came up with a great jam and wrote some afterthought lyrics around it.....

I love it, in my opinion it is the most beautiful New Order song!

I always thought it was "love is the id that supports the ego..."

I agree with marinerx that the song references gay love ("and somehow it's become unmentionable" = a love that dare not speak its name).