I usually wouldn't bother adding a comment, but after reading the Christianity oriented sentiments here, I could not contain my need to chime in before the need to vomit became too strong. It would take complete delusion to think that anything written by Martin Gore would be any kind of an endorsement of Christian thought. If you can't believe me, please listen to Blasphemous Rumors, Personal Jesus, Breathe, and John the Revelator, to get the party started, and then tell me how this is about the Lord Jesus Christ.
The song is about the emotional catharsis gained from being shown mercy by another person. A powerful feeling gained, when punishment or rejection is expected (and perhaps even deliberately provoked) but is then replaced with something far more tender and compassionate. And honestly, I would not think most people, especially emotionally balanced individuals, would understand what is being described. It is a complicated, strange, and nearly addictive proclivity with its roots somewhere deep in unusual psycho-sexual relationship dynamics. It's part of what I've always admired about Martin Gore; he writes songs that give voice to some truly offbeat tendencies that most people would find hard to discuss.
I usually wouldn't bother adding a comment, but after reading the Christianity oriented sentiments here, I could not contain my need to chime in before the need to vomit became too strong. It would take complete delusion to think that anything written by Martin Gore would be any kind of an endorsement of Christian thought. If you can't believe me, please listen to Blasphemous Rumors, Personal Jesus, Breathe, and John the Revelator, to get the party started, and then tell me how this is about the Lord Jesus Christ. The song is about the emotional catharsis gained from being shown mercy by another person. A powerful feeling gained, when punishment or rejection is expected (and perhaps even deliberately provoked) but is then replaced with something far more tender and compassionate. And honestly, I would not think most people, especially emotionally balanced individuals, would understand what is being described. It is a complicated, strange, and nearly addictive proclivity with its roots somewhere deep in unusual psycho-sexual relationship dynamics. It's part of what I've always admired about Martin Gore; he writes songs that give voice to some truly offbeat tendencies that most people would find hard to discuss.