Ceremony is a track by Joy Division which was released as New Orders debut single in 1981. This song was released on a B-side titled “In A Lonely Place” which were both written and recorded as Joy Division before the death of Ian Curtis
The Last Joy Division Song - Ceremony
Who knows what a studio recording of these would’ve sounded like under Ian Curtis’ vocals. With that said his contribution still show, from the haunting nature of In A Lonely Place, a very slow moving track that utilises organ synths, a guitar that sounds like their other Track Elegia that’s been washed in reverb. It’s such a contrast to Ceremony’s fast pace.
Peter Hooks iconic bass tone shows up in full force, making use of the higher notes to cut through creating an almost melodious intro behind some shattering drums. Bernards vocals on this are what you’d expect and the fact that he had to use a graphic equaliser to transcribe to transcribe Ians inaudible lyrics on Joy Division's live recordings of the song. -
I think Ceremony is one of the best tracks that New Order released, if you’ve not checked it out then please do so.
Listen to Ceremony New Order
A Deeper Dive into Ceremony by New Order
Emerging from the ashes of Joy Division, New Order's debut single, "Ceremony," stands as a landmark moment in rock history. Released in 1981, it was more than just the band's first offering; it was a bridge between the raw post-punk of their predecessors and the synth-driven dance music that would become their signature.
A Legacy Forged in Tragedy:
The track's origins date back to Joy Division, composed and initially recorded before the untimely death of frontman Ian Curtis. While the world lost the chance to hear Curtis' definitive take on "Ceremony," his influence permeates every note.
Haunting Echoes of "In a Lonely Place":
The B-side, "In a Lonely Place," showcases the melancholic side of Joy Division's legacy. Slow-moving organ synths wash over a reverb-drenched guitar reminiscent of "Elegia," creating a stark contrast to "Ceremony's" uptempo energy. It's a poignant glimpse into the inner turmoil that would mark much of their work.
Hook's Bass Takes Center Stage:
Peter Hook's iconic bass is the driving force behind "Ceremony," his high notes carving through the mix like a melodic counterpoint to the shattering drums. It's a testament to his inventive style, a cornerstone of New Order's sound.
Deciphering the Unheard: Bernard Sumner's Vocal Feat:
Bernard Sumner, stepping into the lead vocalist role, delivers a captivating performance. But the story behind his vocals adds another layer of intrigue. Due to Curtis' faint singing on Joy Division's live recordings, Sumner had to rely on a graphic equalizer to decipher the lyrics, imbuing his performance with a unique sense of responsibility and reverence.
A Genre-Bending Triumph:
"Ceremony" is more than just a debut single; it's a declaration of intent. It seamlessly blends Joy Division's introspective darkness with New Order's burgeoning electronic experimentation, forging a sound that would influence countless artists across genres.
A Call to Action:
If you haven't experienced the electrifying power of "Ceremony," urge to do so. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Joy Division and the transformative journey of New Order, a track that forever altered the landscape of rock music.
New Order Ceremony Lyrics Meaning
"Ceremony" is a song steeped in both personal and universal themes of loss, transformation, and the struggle for rebirth. Here's an analysis of its lyrics and the deeper meanings they hold:
Verse 1: Vulnerability, Repetition, and Loss
Fear of Exposure: The song opens with a sense of vulnerability, "This is why events unnerve me." There's a fear of scrutiny, of one's story being exposed, turned, and reinterpreted.
The Same Old Story: This is followed by a refrain of "then again the same old story," hinting at recurring patterns, potentially of loss and grief.
The Need for Strength: The line "All she asks the strength to hold me," suggests someone seeking solace and comfort during a difficult time.
The Inevitable Spread of News: The focus shifts to the inevitability of news traveling, implying a wider exposure of pain or tragedy.
Verse 2 & 3: Resilience, Determination, and Rebirth
Breaking Through Pain: The tone shifts to one of determination. "Oh, I'll break them all/break them down, no mercy shown." This indicates a will to break through suffering, perhaps to overcome old cycles symbolized in the "same old story" mentioned earlier.
Witnessing Fragility: The lines "Watching her... these things she said/ The times she cried/ Too frail to wake this time," evoke a sense of loss, of witnessing someone's struggle and eventual passing.
Avenues of Possibility: The image of "Avenues all lined with trees" represents a path, a potential journey. The act of being watched, however, implies scrutiny and a feeling of being on display as change approaches.
Outro: Enduring Love and Transformation
The outro provides a shift, focusing on enduring love and growth in the face of loss. The repetition of "forever" emphasizes the resilience of love and hope, even amidst pain. The imagery of "letting me know" suggests that this love is a source of strength and understanding, offering the possibility of healing and transformation.
Meaning of Ceremony by Joy Division
"Ceremony" can be interpreted in various ways. Here are two possibilities:
Personal Reflection on Loss: Written by Ian Curtis of Joy Division, the lyrics may reflect his own emotional turmoil leading up to his tragic suicide. The song captures the pain of loss, the need for comfort, and the struggle to move forward during a dark period.
Universal Cycle of Loss and Rebirth: It resonates on a broader human level. The song explores the themes of grief and the enduring nature of love. It's about finding the strength to break through pain and embrace the possibility of change—a ceremony of both ending and new beginning.
Important Note: "Ceremony"'s true meaning will always be entwined with the tragic context of its writing. It stands as a poignant final composition from Ian Curtis, while also holding a universal power that listeners can connect to on their own terms.
New Order Ceremony Lyrics
[Verse 1]
This is why events unnerve me
They find it all, a different story
Notice whom for wheels are turning
Turn again and turn towards this time
All she asks the strength to hold me
Then again the same old story
Word will travel, oh so quickly
Travel first and lean towards this time
[Verse 2]
Oh, I'll break them all, no mercy shown
Heaven knows, it's got to be this time
Watching her, these things she said
The times she cried
Too frail to wake this time
[Verse 3]
Oh, I'll break them down, no mercy shown
Heaven knows, it's got to be this time
Avenues all lined with trees
Picture me and then you start watching
Watching forever
[Outro]
Forever, watching love grow
Forever, letting me know
Forever
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