Depeche Mode, a band with a music-making history spanning over four decades, has released 14 studio albums, sold over 100 million records, and captivated more than 30 million fans in live performances. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and numerous awards and honours confirm their success.
But what sets Depeche Mode apart? The secret may lie in their poetic, profound, and powerful lyrics that explore love, pain, faith, politics, and sexual themes that evoke emotions ranging from joy and sadness to anger, hope, and despair.
Among Depeche Mode’s most revered songs is Never Let Me Down Again, released as the second single from their sixth studio album, Music for the Masses (1987), on August 24, 1987. This fan favourite peaked at No. 22 in the UK, No. 2 in West Germany, and entered the top 10 charts in various European countries, including Sweden and Switzerland.
The song’s lyrics, written by Martin Gore, the band’s songwriter, and guitarist, are simple yet open to interpretation, offering different meanings for different listeners or even different meanings for the same person at various times.
Some possible interpretations include themes of drug use, relationships, and escapism. Never Let Me Down Again may not have a fixed or definitive meaning, as it depends on individual interpretation and personal experiences. However, a common theme that emerges is the paradoxical nature of human relationships and desires, highlighting our dependence on others and things that may not be reliable or long-lasting.
The song’s immense and enduring legacy is evident through its recognition as one of Depeche Mode’s best and most important works. Critics and fans praise its musical quality, lyrical depth, emotional impact, and cultural significance. It has influenced various artists and genres, appearing in movies, TV shows, video games, and commercials.
Some notable examples include the song’s use in the 1995 movie Strange Days, the 1997 Friends episode “The One with Joey’s Award,” the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and the 2013 video game and 2021 TV series The Last of Us.
Ultimately, the lasting legacy of Never Let Me Down Again resides in the hearts and minds of millions who have listened, sung along, danced, and cried to its timeless melody and thought-provoking lyrics.
Depeche Mode – Never Let Me Down Again Lyrics
Verse 1: Dave Gahan
I’m taking a ride with my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
He knows where he’s taking me
Taking me where I want to be
I’m taking a ride with my best friend
Chorus: Martin L. Gore & Dave Gahan
We’re flying high
We’re watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down on the ground
Verse 2: Dave Gahan
I’m taking a ride with my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
Promises me I’m as safe as houses
As long as I remember who’s wearing the trousers
I hope he never lets me down again
Chorus: Martin L. Gore & Dave Gahan
We’re flying high
We’re watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down on the ground
We’re flying high
We’re watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down on the ground
Interlude
Bridge: Dave Gahan
Never let me down
Never let me down
Never let me down
Never let me down
Outro: Martin L. Gore & Dave Gahan
See the stars, they’re shining bright
(Never let me down)
Everything’s all right tonight
(Never let me down)
See the stars, they’re shining bright
(Never let me down)
Everything’s all right tonight
(Never let me down)
See the stars, they’re shining bright
(Never let me down)
Everything’s all right tonight
(Never let me down)
See the stars, they’re shining bright
(Never let me down)
Everything’s all right tonight
(Never let me down)