Thieves Like Us Lyrics

Lyric discussion by theBesotted 

Cover art for Thieves Like Us lyrics by New Order

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).

Negative
Subjective
Anger
Unrequited Love
Idealism
Bitterness
Vanity
Self-destruction