It is rare for such deliberately vague lyrics to create such a potent mental image but Disorder is one song that pulls it off.
I've always seen this song showing the protagonist as trapped in a confined apartment (hence the reference to the back stairs and 10th floor) as the world disintegrates around him. The noise of cars crashing, the visual effect of the flashing lights of the police or burglar alarms gives it a riotous air which is perfectly juxtaposed by the urgency of the music and Curtis's trademark monotone, 'brink of sanity' voice.
I can see why comparisons between this song and his epilepsy have been drawn but for me this song represents the growing need to do something to prevent the world around you from changing. The end of the song builds as the protagonist tries desperately to turn these thoughts of making a stand into the action of doing so.
On a par with New Dawn Fades this is my favourite song on Unknown Pleasures.
It is rare for such deliberately vague lyrics to create such a potent mental image but Disorder is one song that pulls it off. I've always seen this song showing the protagonist as trapped in a confined apartment (hence the reference to the back stairs and 10th floor) as the world disintegrates around him. The noise of cars crashing, the visual effect of the flashing lights of the police or burglar alarms gives it a riotous air which is perfectly juxtaposed by the urgency of the music and Curtis's trademark monotone, 'brink of sanity' voice. I can see why comparisons between this song and his epilepsy have been drawn but for me this song represents the growing need to do something to prevent the world around you from changing. The end of the song builds as the protagonist tries desperately to turn these thoughts of making a stand into the action of doing so. On a par with New Dawn Fades this is my favourite song on Unknown Pleasures.
@mozza_fan Not vague at all. Pretty simple, really, if you know the syntax.
@mozza_fan Not vague at all. Pretty simple, really, if you know the syntax.