The Meaning Behind The Song: 1963 by New Order
As a music enthusiast, there are certain songs that have made a lasting impact on me. One such song is “1963” by New Order. I still remember the first time I stumbled upon this song at a friend’s house, and I was captivated by its haunting melody and thought-provoking lyrics.
The lyrics of “1963” tell a dark and tragic story. Sung from the perspective of a murdered victim, the song chronicles a man named Johnny who murders his spouse to be with another woman. However, as the song progresses, we witness Johnny’s immense guilt and regret over his crime.
The song begins with the narrator reminiscing about January 1963 when Johnny came home with a gift for her. Johnny explains that he bought the gift because he loves her and it’s also her birthday. The narrator describes Johnny as kind and nice, and she used to think of him just as much as he thought of her.
However, the tone of the song shifts in the pre-chorus, where Johnny asks the narrator to close her eyes and promises her a surprise. Tears are in Johnny’s eyes, hinting at the impending tragedy. The chorus then becomes a plea from the narrator, begging Johnny not to point the gun at her. She is terrified and desperate for him to listen to her.
In the second verse, we learn that Johnny feels ashamed of taking a life and comes home with another wife. He often remembers how things used to be before that fateful occasion in 1963. The lyrics suggest that there are many ways to kill someone emotionally and metaphorically, such as in a love affair when the love has disappeared.
The pre-chorus and chorus repeat, emphasizing the narrator’s fear and desperation while pleading with Johnny to spare her life. The instrumental bridge adds an eerie atmosphere to the song, intensifying the emotional impact.
As the song reaches its conclusion in the outro, the narrator expresses her longing for freedom and asks Johnny if he misses her. The repetition of “I will always feel free” suggests a sense of liberation even in the afterlife.
The meaning behind “1963” goes beyond its tragic storyline. It delves into the themes of guilt, remorse, and the consequences of our actions. It serves as a reminder of the destructive power of love gone wrong and the importance of empathy and communication in relationships.
In the book “New Order: Music 1981-1989,” frontman Bernard Sumner gives an intriguing theory about the song’s inspiration. According to Sumner, “1963” is connected to the assassination of J.F.K. and his theory is that J.F.K. arranged for the gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, to shoot his wife, Mrs. K., so that he could be with Marilyn Monroe. The theory continues with Oswald being shot by his boss for doing a bad job.
Regardless of the song’s deeper meaning or inspirations, “1963” remains a powerful and haunting track. Its combination of New Order’s signature synth-pop sound and emotionally charged lyrics creates a memorable and thought-provoking listening experience.
Credits
Produced By New Order & Stephen Hague
Written By Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, Bernard Sumner & Stephen Hague
Release Date July 20, 1987
1963 Covers 1963 by William Control
1963 Remixes Nineteen63 by New Order & 1963 ’94 by New Order
Tags
Pop, Synth-Pop, Alternative Dance
Listening to “1963” by New Order takes me back to that moment when I first heard it. The song’s captivating melodies, haunting lyrics, and emotional depth continue to resonate with me, reminding me of the power of music to convey deep emotions and tell compelling stories.
