Where’s The Revolution | Depeche Mode
Where’s the Revolution?
‘Where’s The Revolution’ from the album ‘Spirit’ – 2017 | Depeche Mode
“Where’s the Revolution” is notable for being the first Depeche Mode lead single to not chart on the UK Singles Chart.
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in Basildon in 1980. The group consists of a trio of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher. Depeche Mode released their debut album, Speak & Spell, in 1981, bringing the band onto the British new romantic scene. Their unique blend of electro pop has evolved a long way from their beginnings with Vince Clarke.
“Where’s the Revolution” is a song from their fourteenth studio album Spirit. It was released as the album’s first single on 3 February 2017, on the 20th anniversary of “Barrel of a Gun“. Video directed by Anton Corbijn.
Where’s the Revolution? | Depeche Mode
You’ve been kept down
You’ve been pushed ’round
You’ve been lied to
You’ve been fed truths
Who’s making your decisions
You or your religion
Your government, your countries
You patriotic junkiesWhere’s the revolution
Come on people
You’re letting me down
Where’s the revolution
Come on people
You’re letting me downYou’ve been pissed on
For too long
Your rights abused
Your views refused
They manipulate and threaten
With terror as a weapon
Scare you till you’re stupefied
Wear you down until you’re on their sideWhere’s the revolution
Come on people
You’re letting me down
Where’s the revolution
Come on people
You’re letting me downThe train is coming
The train is coming
The train is coming
The train is coming
So get on board
Get on board
Get on board
Get on board
The engine’s humming
The engine’s humming
The engine’s humming
The engine’s humming
So get on board
Get on board
Get on board
Get on boardWhere’s the revolution
Come on people
You’re letting me down
Where’s the revolution
Come on people
You’re letting me down
Background and Composition
The song was written by Martin Gore and produced by James Ford. It was one of the first songs written for the album, with Gore stating that it was written at least two years before the album’s release. The song is a commentary on the state of the world at the time, with Gore mentioning the Syrian crisis, police brutality in America, and the Middle East as sources of inspiration.
The song features a steady, military rhythm and a haunting silence at its opening, with lead singer Dave Gahan presenting harsh truths and asking questions like “Who’s making your decisions? You or your religion?”. The chorus asks “Where’s the revolution?” and urges listeners to take action, with the lyrics “The train is coming so get on board” emphasising the need for immediate change.
The song is notable for being the first Depeche Mode lead single to not chart on the UK Singles Chart, a trend that would continue with Spirit‘s following singles. The song’s themes of social commentary and revolution are a departure from the band’s typical focus on love and suffering, reflecting the changing times and the band’s desire to address contemporary issues.
The_Void
Source: Depeche Mode – Where’s the Revolution (Video)
Great song. So poignant now. Shame it isn’t rereleased.
Proper top tune.