Lyric differences

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This page lists lyrical differences between album, demo, and live versions. Some lyrical oddities on the remaster releases are also described.

Many lyrical errors / mistakes / transposition of verses, etc. during live concerts are represented in the "Something Went Wrong" compilation, and don't qualify for inclusion on this page.

Demo and studio outtake differences

  • Minor differences on Vince Clarke's original demo for Television Set compared to later live versions:
    • "I'm just a mass of communication" (live versions all say "for communication")
    • The final "a" in the chorus line "I'm just a television set" is not sung at the end of the demo snippet.
Bong Magazine Issue 24, Page 18, with Vince Clarke's original lyrics for Just Can't Get Enough.
  • The demo for If You Want has a very minor word transposition; in the final line of the song, the demo says "even though you still may not want to", while the album and live versions say "even though you may still not want to". Oddly, the demo lyric is reflected on the 2006 remaster artwork and also on depechemode.com's archive section.[1] The error on the official site archives is not correctable because the site must match the latest official release's artwork, even if it is inaccurate. You can listen to the demo on the song's page.

"Perversion" demo tape differences

Thanks to an anonymous ex-label employee, several songs' lyrical changes found on the "Perversion" demo tape are now known. Differences to the album version are emphasized in bold.

World In My Eyes

Album version[2] "Perversion" demo
That's all there is
Nothing more than you can feel now
That's all there is
That's all there is
I don't mean to drag you down
But that's all there is
Album version[2] "Perversion" demo
Let me put you on a ship
On a long, long trip
Your lips close to my lips
Let me put you on a ship
On a long, long trip
And you won't be feeling seasick

Waiting For The Night

Album version[3] "Perversion" demo
I press my hands to my ears
It's easier here just to forget fear
I put my hands to my ears
I've soon forgotten all my fears

Blue Dress

Album version[4] "Perversion" demo
Please don't question why Don't you question why

Sea Of Sin

Album version[5] "Perversion" demo
It gets better and better
As it gets wetter and wetter
And it gets better and better
As we get wetter and wetter
Album version[5] "Perversion" demo
You look cheaper and cheaper
As we sink deeper and deeper
And you look cheaper and cheaper
As we go deeper and deeper
Album version[5] "Perversion" demo
Here under God's sky
His watchful eye
And all of the lies
My consolation prize
Why save it for a rainy day?
When we've got here and now
Why save it for a rainy day?
Anyhow
Album version[5] "Perversion" demo
When I'm in doubt
My hands reach out
And I'm never alone
My mind's in need
And my body feeds
So I'm never alone
Album version[5] "Perversion" demo
It gets wetter and wetter
As it gets better and better
And it gets wetter and wetter
As it gets better and better
Album version[5] "Perversion" demo
Sea of sin
Know where you've been
Yes I'm aware
Lines not present in demo
Album version[5] "Perversion" demo
Sea of sin
Know where you've been
And I don't care
Second repetition of these lines at end of song not present in demo

Sounds Of The Universe Box Set Demo CD

A collection of demos ranging from 1987 to 2009 included as the third CD in the Sounds Of The Universe box set.

Clean

Album version[6] Demo
I don't claim to know
Where my holiness goes
I just know that I like
What is starting to show
I don't claim to know
Where my holiness goes
But I know that I like
What is starting to show

Walking In My Shoes

Album version[7] Demo
Morality would frown upon
Decency look down upon
The scapegoat fate's made of me
Morality would frown upon
Decency look down upon
The scapegoat they've made of me

Only When I Lose Myself

Single version[8] Demo
Something beautiful is happening inside for me
Something sensual, it's full of fire and mystery
I feel hypnotised
I feel paralysed
I have found heaven
Something beautiful is happening inside for me
Something sensual, it's full of fire and mystery
I feel hypnotised
I feel mesmerized
I have found heaven

Surrender

Single version[9] Demo
Laying on your holy bed
By the hallowed door
Feeling like an infidel
Not worthy of your call
Laying on your holy bed
By the hallowed door
Feeling like an infidel
Not worthy of your floor

Nothing's Impossible

This change is also present in bare and live recordings of the song.

Album version[10] Demo
How did we get to be this far apart
How did we get to be this far apart
I want to be with you have something to share
I want to be here I'm not there
How did we get to be this far apart
Let's take a chance, go back to the start
I want to be with you have something to share
I want to be here I'm not there

Delta Machine demos

Secret To The End

Album version[11] Demo
When I look around this room
There must be something I can do
Can I convince you that it isn't true
We've come to the end
When I look around this room
There must be something I can do
I can't convince you that it isn't true
We've come to the end
Album version Demo
The problem
Should have been you (should have been you)
Should have been you (could have been you)
Should have been you (would have been you)
(Should have been you, would have been you)
If it hadn't been me
You must have the secret
Is there a secret?
A secret for love

The "rough" version also contains the "is not for you" lyric.

Album version Demo
Thank God I'm not the same as you
You always know exactly what to do
It's who I am, it's not like you
We've come to the end
I know I'm not the same as you
You always know exactly what to do
Who I am, is not for you
So we've come to the end
Album version Demo
Did I disappoint you
I wanted to believe it's true
The book of love was not enough
To see us through
Did I disappoint you
I wanted to believe in you
The book of love was not enough
To see us through

My Little Universe

Album version[12] Demo
Here I am king
I decide everything
I let no-one in
No-one
No-one
No-one
And here I am king
I decide everything
I let no-one in
No-one
No-one
No-one
Album version Demo
Limited consciousness
Preserves me
It protects me
And just connects enough
To keep the wolves at bay
My veil of consciousness
Supports me
It protects me
And just connects enough
To keep the wolves at bay

Slow

At the end of the song, a different verse is repeated.

Album version[13] Demo
Slow, slow
As slow as you can go
That's how I like it
I like it
Slow, slow
As slow as you can go
I want my senses to overflow
Slow, slow
And doesn't it show

Broken

Album version[14] Demo
You see the friend that I need
Cannot be found
Replaced by another
Wearing his crown
You see the friend that I knew
Cannot be found
You are my brother
So don't bring me down
Album version Demo
Then you're so far away
You're so far from here
Do you remember
A time without tears
Then you're so far away
You're so far from here
Do you remember
Without any fear
Album version Demo
When you were a child
You'd dream all day long
You'd dream of the future
And get lost in your songs
When I was a child
I'd dream all day long
I'd dream of the future
I'd get lost in your songs
Album version Demo
Now that time is gone
It's lost for you now
Words long forgotten
Forgotten somehow
Now that time is yours
It's yours for you now
You have to just take it
And take it right now

Should Be Higher

Album version[15] Demo
I dream of a day when I dare to believe you're the answer
When the shame and the guilt are removed and the truth appears
Oh the touch of your hand, I lose who I am if I want to
I try to resist but succumb to the bliss of your kiss
I dream of a day when I dare to believe you're the answer
When the shame and the guilt are removed and the truth appears
With the touch of your hand, I lose who I am if I want to
I tried to resist but succumb to the bliss of your kiss
Album version Demo
Your arms are infected
They're holding the truth
Oh stop all your crying
This one you'll lose
Your arms are infected
They're holding the truth
Oh stop all your crying
This one you'll lose

Change only in the second instance of the verse.

Album version Demo
You should be higher
I'll take you higher
Don't be afraid
You'll just have to pray
You should be higher
I'll take you higher
Don't be afraid
You'll just have to pray

Soothe My Soul

Album version[16] Demo
I'll come to your house
Break down the door
Girl I'm shaking
And I need more
I'll come to your house
Knock down the door
Girl I'm shaking
And I need more

The first instance of the chorus is skipped in the demo.

Album version Demo
There's only one way to soothe my soul
Only one way (only one way)
Album version Demo
I'm taking my place
By your side
And I'm not leaving
Until I'm satisfied
I'm taking my place
By your side
And I'm not leaving
Until I'm satisfied

All That's Mine

Album version[17] Demo
I know it's hard to reach you
I know it's hard to breathe
I know it's hard to be you sometimes
I can't imagine what that means
I know it's hard to reach you
I know it's hard to breathe
I know it's hard to be you sometimes
I can't imagine what that means
Album version Demo
This must be someone else's story
I can't follow what you've planned
How can this be about me
Am I supposed to understand
This is someone else's story
This must be someone else's life
How could this be my family
I don't deserve this wife
Album version Demo
Like a ship on the ocean
Heading out to sea
You can hardly see it now
It's a lot like you
Lost like me
Like a ship on the ocean
Heading out to sea
You can hardly see it now
It's a lot like you
It's a lot like me
Album version Demo
You're still looking for redemption
Still can't find a trace
If there is nothing after
There'll be no saving grace
We speak a different language
We'll fight another fight
Can we come together
Oh we have to get it right
Album version Demo
I'm giving you control now
I need some kind of sign
Come take away this sorrow now
I gave you all that's mine
I'm losing all control now
I need some kind of sign
To take away this sorrow now
Give me peace of mind

Extra verse not in the album version.

Album version Demo
N/A All of us in one state
All of us in time
Together with one another
Imagine what it could be like

Happens All The Time

Album version[18] Demo
No need to feel ashamed
There's nothing to be gained
When your dreams are in the past
I've no need to feel ashamed
There's nothing to be gained
I'm dreaming in the past
Album version Demo
Like stars, we crash and burn
Only to return
Life goes by so fast
Like stars, we crash and burn
A lesson to be learned
Life goes by so fast
Album version Demo
So who is left to blame
Nothing's quite the same
We can't live in the past
So who is left to blame
There's no two quite the same
I can't live in the past
Album version Demo
I'm burning as hot as the sun
And I've only just begun
Love, it fades so fast
I'm burning as hot as the sun
And I've only just begun
Love, it fades so fast
Album version Demo
I know I've had enough
Maybe far too much
It's easy to be blind
I think I've had enough
You see I'm not that tough
Not easy to be kind
Album version Demo
When it's just me and you
I know what I have to do
I can leave this world behind
When it's just me and you
I know what I have to do
I can leave this hell behind
Album version Demo
Like stars, we crash and burn
Only to return
Times they change so fast
Like stars, we crash and burn
Only to return
Love, it fades so fast

Live and bare differences

Album version[20] 1980 live version
Dancing with you all the time, and don't you think that it's a crime Dancing with you all the time, and don't you think that it's a crime
Album version[20] 1980 live version
I know where you go And I know where to go
Album version[20] 1980 live version
You say that it's from above, and I say this is modern love You say that it's from above, and I say this is modern love

Furthermore, in all live versions of the song currently available from 1980, 1981, and 1982, there is one additional difference compared to the album version:

Album version[20] 1980 - 1982 live version
Just for me and you Just like me and you
  • On all live versions of Dreaming Of Me, "filming the screening" is sung instead of the single version's "filming and screening".
  • All live cover versions of I Like It have one verse unsung compared to Gerry & The Pacemakers' original version, and there are a few other minor lyrical differences. Lyrics of Depeche Mode's rendition is available on the song's page.
  • The bare studio session for Stories Of Old omits the first verse entirely.
  • After 1986 "Black Celebration" Tour, during A Question Of Time live, Dave sings "I know my kind / What goes on in their minds" compared to "What goes on in our minds" of the album version.[21] "Their" is also grammatically incorrect following "I know my kind".
  • Two lines are dropped during Rush as performed on the 1993 "Devotional" Tour and the 1994 "Exotic" Tour; see the changes below.[23] On the album version, those lines have some overlap with the previous line, so it was probably infeasible for Dave to sing those line lives as a result.
1993-05-19 Lille through 1993-07-31 London:
Second verse Fourth verse
Open your sensitive mouth
Hold out your delicate hands
With such a sensitive mouth
I'm easy to see through
Seen the tears in my eyes
Heard my truth turn to lies
Seen the tears in my eyes
I'm not proud of what I do
1993-09-07 Quebec (unconfirmed, no recording available), but definitely from 1993-09-15 Toronto and on:
Second verse Fourth verse
Open your sensitive mouth
Hold out your delicate hands
With such a sensitive mouth
I'm easy to see through
Seen the tears in my eyes
Heard my truth turn to lies
Seen the tears in my eyes
I'm not proud of what I do

Remaster oddities

  • In the SACD and DTS multichannel 5.1 versions of Two Minute Warning, "and you and I go hand in hand" is sung instead of the original version, stereo remaster, and live lyric of "while you and I go hand in hand".[29] A different vocal take must have been accidentally used in this particular instance.
    • Also in the multichannel version, the vocoded backing vocals for the lines "No radio, no sound, no sin, no sanctuary / So welcome to your last" as well as the later lines "The sun, the solitude, the cemetery / So welcome to your last" are erroneously not present.
  • In the SACD and DTS multichannel 5.1 versions of Here Is The House, Dave sings the first "and as it happens, it happens here in this house" along with Martin, and the vocals seem to be slightly out of sync. The second "and as it happens..." is Martin only. On the original version and the stereo remaster, only Martin sings in both instances. During the full-band performance of the track from 1986-03-31 New Conference Centre, Brighton, England, UK, both Dave and Martin sing the line both times.

References

  1. depechemode.com official archive section: "If You Want" lyrics
  2. 2.0 2.1 depechemode.com official archives section: "World In My Eyes" lyrics
  3. depechemode.com official archives section: "Waiting For The Night" lyrics
  4. depechemode.com official archives section: "Blue Dress" lyrics
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 depechemode.com official archive section: "Sea Of Sin" lyrics
  6. depechemode.com official archive section: "Clean" lyrics
  7. depechemode.com official archive section: "Walking In My Shoes" lyrics
  8. depechemode.com official archive section: "Only When I Lose Myself" lyrics
  9. depechemode.com official archive section: "Surrender" lyrics
  10. depechemode.com official archive section: "Nothing's Impossible" lyrics
  11. depechemode.com official archives section: "Secret To The End" lyrics
  12. depechemode.com official archives section: "My Little Universe" lyrics
  13. depechemode.com official archives section: "Slow" lyrics
  14. depechemode.com official archives section: "Broken" lyrics
  15. depechemode.com official archives section: "Should Be Higher" lyrics
  16. depechemode.com official archives section: "Soothe My Soul" lyrics
  17. depechemode.com official archives section: "All That's Mine" lyrics
  18. depechemode.com official archives section: "Happens All The Time" lyrics
  19. depechemode.com official archive section: "New Life" lyrics
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 depechemode.com official archive section: "I Sometimes Wish I Was Dead" lyrics
  21. depechemode.com official archive section: "A Question Of Time" lyrics
  22. depechemode.com official archive section: "Mercy In You" lyrics
  23. depechemode.com official archive section: "Rush" lyrics
  24. depechemode.com official archive section: "Barrel Of A Gun" lyrics
  25. depechemode.com official archive section: "John The Revelator" lyrics
  26. The depechemode.com official archives section lyric page for "Photographic" erroneously writes "A second boss looking into" as the lyric; the 2006 remaster artwork printed lyrics says "A second past like an empty room".
  27. 27.0 27.1 depechemode.com official archive section: "Strangelove" lyrics
  28. depechemode.com official archive section: "A Pain That I'm Used To" lyrics
  29. depechemode.com official archive section: "Two Minute Warning" lyrics