Ceremony Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Fizzynight 

Cover art for Ceremony lyrics by New Order

First of all, this is literally one of my favorite songs of all time, it is such a masterpiece and do I wish how Ian Curtis was alive to truly complete this song.

Since it was never truly "finished" by Ian, my guess may be off, but I'm gonna shoot my shot..

Here we go: It's a double entendre on both his marriage and his own planned death/funeral. Hence the name "Ceremony."

"This is why events unnerve me They find it all, a different story" Both funerals and weddings are unnerving to the singer, the audience judges him/them.

"Notice whom for wheels are turning Turn again and turn towards this time" The audience of a wedding/funeral turn to look at the bride/groom/deceased. I feel that "turn towards this time" is a cry for help :(

All she asks is the strength to hold me Then again the same old story A wedding vow is to have and to hold your loved one. When your loved one is sick or deceased, you beg god for strength to hold them up or to hold them again.

World will travel, oh so quickly Travel first and lean towards this time I think this is another cry for help. Word travels fast of these events. He hopes his word will travel out first, then save him from his suicidal ideation.

"Oh, I'll break them down, no mercy shown Heaven knows, it's got to be this time Watching her, these things she said The times she cried" Guilt over his own suicidal ideations.

"Too frail to wake this time" He's referring to himself.

"Watching forever Forever Watching love grow, forever Letting me know, forever" He is watching her forever in the afterlife. She is "letting him know" the pain of losing him.

My Interpretation

@Fizzynight exactly my interpretation. So tragically beautiful