New Order contemplates the moral universe of the dance floor, and by extension party life. This song exemplifies that contemplation, focusing on fascination with youth, specifically the vexation of a relationship with an experienced youth (not just a groupie per se but maybe so). Sumner in 1989 is 33 and New Order makes a club rocker that deals with mysterious youth's draw. Some might assume that by your 30s the magnetic pull of youth might wear off, yet Sumner illustrates more complexity. The first lines point to an obvious societal red line "youre much too young/to be a part of me." Yet the following two show Sumner's vexation "youre much to young/ to get a hold on me" It's a convincing of oneself of aged wisdom yet there is doubt there. Then "Your much too young/To mess around with me" shows shift of view with a lingering double meaning. That societal red line is there but "mess around with me" has a darker revenge connotation as well. The metaphorical youth's shape shifting and the singer is in the midst of realizing his conflicting emotions. It's rattling internally. Lust (as exemplified by the deep low down voice in the "that's why I love you baby" and "looove technique") add to the swirling dance bounce and to the ineluctable temptations of party life. This picture of grey zone club morality paves the way for the burst of "All the Way"'s great "it takes years to find the nerve/ to be apart from what you've done". A one-two punch: before and after? A breaking free??
@Lavventura Yeah, I agree that there's definitely a shape-shifting, age-driven duality going from the first part ("...But I never met a girl with all her own teeth") to the 2nd part ("sophisticated lady....you've got class....love technique"). That said, I never understood the bleating sheep at the end. Unless, maybe it's a comment on all this lustful foolishness.
@Lavventura Yeah, I agree that there's definitely a shape-shifting, age-driven duality going from the first part ("...But I never met a girl with all her own teeth") to the 2nd part ("sophisticated lady....you've got class....love technique"). That said, I never understood the bleating sheep at the end. Unless, maybe it's a comment on all this lustful foolishness.
I think it's about an older gentleman -- a senior citizen -- and his glamorous young sweetheart -- maybe Anna Nicole and J. Howard?
"Love technique".. interesting lyric there! Quality, feel-good song.
It's about you meet a young prostitute that really impressed you. She is too young to you, but she attract you so. I love this song, one of the best NO song, come on guys make some noise here! comment!!
I got the impression that this song was about a band member spurring the amorous advances of a groupie who was much too young.
We should bear in mind that putting aside this song's brilliance is the reminder of how rad NO is that they have a bleating sheep at the end of the song and not only completely get away with it but make it work.
I thought this was an anti-drug song. After reading the lyrics it sounds like an underage dating song. I am confused.
I hate this video.