I'm just curious as to the meaning behind Depeche Mode's song "Personal Jesus." I really like this song, and have been pondering the meaning for a few days. Any ideas??
2006-10-31 12:44:11 · 7 answers · asked by freakykittygoddess 4 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Hello freakykittygoddess! Nice to see someone interested in Depeche Mode. I'm a devotee myself and have debated this very question many times on other forums.
What miyazaki7... got off wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Jesus is in fact true. Martin Gore did say that, but he also said that Depeche Mode fans (devotees) are free to interpret their lyrics as they see fit. Dave Gahan said in another interview in Cape Town, South Africa that most of the band's lyrics are based on some kind of relationship. Family, love, etc.
Die-hard Depeche Mode fans were split into three groups with regards to the interpretation of this song. The ones that believe it has something to do with religion. Those who think it's about finding a partner (lover) and those that believe it was based on drug abuse.
The "religious group" think that firstly the name of the song says it all. They also put a lot of emphasis on the fact that the song was released at round about the time the Catholic Church began doing confessions by telephone. The sick and dying who couldn't reach confession halls were allowed to "pick up the receiver" and confess over the phone.
The "relationship group" think that the song was based on the relationship between Elvis and Priscilla. This couple's relationship was so real that they can be called true soulmates. And that the song depicts finding someone like that. Even if that person is a sex worker as seen in the "Personal Jesus" music video http://youtube.com/watch?v=TCauTe1u71s .
The "drug-abuse group" believe that it has something to do with Dave Gahan's drug abuse. I strongly agree with this, because the song was written by Martin. Martin and Dave are best of friends professionally and otherwise. This group based their claim on the fact that the song was preceded by "Sweetest Perfection". A song that speaks of something under your skin that was injected. It sounds like the songwriter is talking about drugs, but a true soulmate can also be like a drug, don't you think? Also they claim that the album ends off with the song "Clean", meaning the drug addict stopped using. This is very far fetched, because of Dave's struggle. I don't think the band would make an album about drugs when their lead singer was fighting the addiction.
I believe the album should be interpreted, rather than the song. The album tells a story. Like a book with chapters, you can't read the third chapter and expect to know what's going on. The Violator Album tells the story of one man's journey through life. The sweetness and perfections, but also the bad. Which he wants to share with the world if they would look at his life through his eyes. "Personal Jesus" is just another chapter in his life where he finds true greatness in himself. He then regains his self esteem and becomes the king of his destiny wherever it may lead him (see Enjoy The Silence music video wher Dave walks aimlessly in the country dressed as a king) http://youtube.com/watch?v=oSfxyG8LY2I .
Message to miyazaki7...: I have three copies of ALL their albums and another 70 odd compact disks that are either bootlegged of singles. I have 3 copies of DM101 made in different countries and another 4 copies of the single "Strangelove". I even have 7 vinyls from the band. Who is the HUGE fan now?
2006-11-02 01:44:02 · answer #1 · answered by Porgie 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
The song was inspired by the book "Elvis and Me" by Pricilla Presley. Acoording to the songwriter, Martin Gore, "It's a song about being a Jesus for someone else, someone to give you hope and care. It's about how Elvis was her man and her mentor and how often that happens in love relationships; how everybody's heart is like a god in some way, and that's not a very balanced view of someone, is it"? And no, the song is not about friggin' heroin. I am a HUGE Depeche Mode fan. I own damn near every CD they have ever released. Hope this helps!
2006-10-31 12:54:52 · answer #2 · answered by miyazaki75 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Meaning behind Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus?"?
I'm just curious as to the meaning behind Depeche Mode's song "Personal Jesus." I really like this song, and have been pondering the meaning for a few days. Any ideas??
2015-08-20 15:49:02 · answer #3 · answered by Jame 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's A Reference To The Lead Singer's Heroin Addiction.
2006-10-31 12:48:03 · answer #4 · answered by mykehorn 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Personal Jesus Lyrics
2016-10-08 02:17:18 · answer #5 · answered by wichern 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/vH8Tz
'Enjoy The Silence' bq: 'Never Let Me Down Again'
2016-03-29 00:35:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read about the reference to the Presley book but I think I heard gore state years ago that the song was about televangelists and some of the lyrics were quoted. Whatever though, great song!
2016-02-06 11:29:17 · answer #7 · answered by Don 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's about heroine!!!
2006-10-31 12:48:12 · answer #8 · answered by rattagous70 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋