New Order formed in 1980 following the tragic suicide of Joy Division’s lead vocalist Ian Curtis. The remaining members, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris, regrouped with Gillian Gilbert on keyboards to forge their revolutionary sound.
Their breakthrough single “Blue Monday” became the best-selling 12-inch single of all time. This track masterfully showcased how they could blend post-punk sensibilities with electronic dance elements, creating something entirely new in the process.
Albums like “Power, Corruption & Lies” and “Low-Life” show their growth as artists, skillfully blending influences from New York’s club culture to Ibiza’s dance scene.
Despite weathering multiple hiatuses and significant lineup changes over the decades, New Order’s cultural impact remains undeniable.
Their legacy extends far beyond music alone, with Peter Saville’s distinctive album artwork becoming just as iconic as the revolutionary sounds contained within.
About the Song
“Bizarre Love Triangle” is one of New Order’s most celebrated tracks, released as a single on November 3, 1986, from their fourth studio album, Brotherhood (1986).
The song stands out for its infectious synth melodies, driving electronic beats, and emotionally charged lyrics that find the confusion and excitement of passionate love.
It became a breakthrough single for the band in the United States and Australia, reaching the top five on the US Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and the Australian ARIA Charts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | November 3, 1986 |
| Album | Brotherhood |
| Writers | Bernard Sumner, Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris |
| Producers | New Order |
Bizarre Love Triangle Lyrics
Verse 1
Every time I think of you
I feel shot right through with a bolt of blue
It’s no problem of mine, but it’s a problem I find
Living a life that I can’t leave behind
There’s no sense in telling me
The wisdom of the fool won’t set you free
But that’s the way that it goes and it’s what nobody knows
Well, every day my confusion grows
Chorus
Every time I see you falling
I get down on my knees and pray
I’m waiting for that final moment
You say the words that I can’t say
Verse 2
I feel fine and I feel good
I’m feeling like I never should
Whenever I get this way, I just don’t know what to say
Why can’t we be ourselves like we were yesterday?
I’m not sure what this could mean
I don’t think you’re what you seem
I do admit to myself that if I hurt someone else
Then I’ll never see just what we’re meant to be
Chorus
Every time I see you falling
I get down on my knees and pray
I’m waiting for that final moment
You say the words that I can’t say
Every time I see you falling
I get down on my knees and pray
I’m waiting for that final moment
You say the words that I can’t say
Meaning Behind the Song
“Bizarre Love Triangle” looks into the emotional turmoil of being caught between conflicting feelings in a relationship.
The narrator’s voice reveals a profound indecision, trapped between different emotional pulls that create an almost paralyzing uncertainty.
The lyrics reflect a deep longing while simultaneously hoping someone else will make the difficult choice.
This passive stance serves as a defense mechanism, sparing the narrator from the responsibility and pain of breaking things off directly.
Though the title never appears within the song’s lyrics, its meaning resonates throughout every verse. “Bizarre Love Triangle” perfectly captures the essence of complex romantic entanglements that defy simple resolution.
Themes of The Song
“Bizarre Love Triangle” explores several emotional dimensions that resonate with many listeners:
- Emotional Ambivalence: The song centers on the confusion of having conflicting feelings, capturing the disorientation of being emotionally torn between different paths.
- Decision Paralysis: The narrator struggles to make definitive choices in relationships, often standing frozen at emotional crossroads while yearning for resolution.
- Contradictory Desires: The lyrics convey the universal experience of wanting incompatible things simultaneously—loving someone deeply while acknowledging that the relationship may be fundamentally unsustainable.
- Passive Resolution Seeking: Rather than taking action, the narrator waits for “that final moment” when the other person will “say the words” they cannot, hoping external circumstances will resolve their dilemma.
- Emotional Vulnerability: Despite the confusion and avoidance, the song reveals profound vulnerability with lines like “Every time I see you falling/I get down on my knees and pray,” showing how deeply affected the narrator is despite their inability to act.
These themes combine to create a powerful exploration of complex relationship dynamics that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.
Notable Live Performance
Similar Songs Like “Bizarre Love Triangle”
If you’re charmed by New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle” with its pulsing synths, danceable beat, and melancholic vocals, here are similar tracks that capture that same infectious new wave energy:
1. “Blue Monday” – New Order
2. “Space Age Love Song” – A Flock of Seagulls
3. “Love My Way” – The Psychedelic Furs
4. “Don’t You Want Me” – The Human League
5. “Enjoy the Silence” – Depeche Mode
6. “Just Like Heaven” – The Cure
These classics share the perfect balance of electronic innovation and emotional songcraft that made “Bizarre Love Triangle” an enduring favorite.
Similar Artists Like New Order
If you’re drawn to New Order’s pioneering blend of post-punk, electronic, and dance music with their distinctive melancholic yet danceable sound, these artists offer similar musical experiences that combine emotional depth with innovative production.
- Joy Division: Post-punk pioneers known for their dark, atmospheric sound and Ian Curtis’s haunting vocals. Their influential but brief career ended with Curtis’s suicide, after which the remaining members formed New Order.
- The Other Two: Side project formed by New Order’s Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert. They created electronic pop with a more polished, commercial sound than their main band while maintaining similar atmospheric elements.
- Monaco: Bass-driven project founded by New Order’s Peter Hook and David Potts. They achieved modest success with their melodic alternative rock that carried echoes of Hook’s distinctive bass playing style.
- Depeche Mode: Influential synthpop band that evolved from upbeat electronic pop to darker, more complex electronic rock. Their combination of innovative production, moody atmospherics, and introspective lyrics gained them a massive global following.
- Pet Shop Boys: Masters of intelligent electronic pop, blending danceable beats with witty, often socially observant lyrics. Their approach to synthpop created numerous hits while maintaining artistic credibility.
- OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark): Experimental electronic group that balanced avant-garde sensibilities with accessible pop melodies. Their pioneering use of synthesizers and samplers helped define the British electronic music scene of the 1980s.
These artists continue New Order’s legacy of merging electronic experimentation with compelling songcraft, creating music that works equally well in clubs and through headphones for more introspective listening.
Want more lyrics with meaning? Check out our other song lyrics breakdowns and find your next favourite line
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Has the Song Been Featured in Any Notable Films or TV Shows?
Yes, it appeared in films like “The Wedding Singer” and “Adventureland,” plus TV shows including “13 Reasons Why” and “Stranger Things.
How Did “Bizarre Love Triangle” Perform on The Charts?
It reached the top five on the US Dance chart and the Australian ARIA chart, but did not enter the top 40 in the UK or US Hot 100 upon initial release. A 1994 remix charted at No. 98 on the US Hot 100.
What Instruments Are Prominent in “Bizarre Love Triangle”?
The song is driven by synthesizers, sequenced electronic drums, and Peter Hook’s melodic bass, with extensive use of the Fairlight CMI workstation.
Kelsey Roberts is an accomplished songwriter with a knack for crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners. Having written for both indie artists and major labels, Kelsey brings a deep understanding of what makes a song truly impactful. Her expertise includes everything from song structure to lyrical storytelling. She’s passionate about helping others discover their voice through songwriting, providing tips and inspiration for creating songs that touch hearts.
