Meaning of Hey Now What You Doing by New Order

The New Order song "Hey Now What You Doing" explores the theme of self-reflection and redemption. The lyrics encourage the listener to take a step back, evaluate their choices, and make a conscious effort to change their path before it's too late. The song's message serves as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to avoid destructive behavior and instead strive for personal growth and control. Throughout the song, there are various standout lyrics that shed light on different aspects of this overarching theme.The opening lines, "Hey now what you doing, Don't go down the road to ruin, Look back at where you came from, Count to ten before you go wrong," immediately set the tone for reflection and caution. These lyrics suggest that it is essential to learn from past mistakes and consider the consequences of our actions before making decisions. The theme here revolves around the importance of self-awareness and making conscious choices.Moving on, the line "You had the brightest future, Writing songs on your computer, But you couldn't walk that extra mile, And now your life is running wild" highlights the theme of missed opportunities and the consequences of not fully committing to one's aspirations. The lyrics depict someone who had potential but failed to put in the necessary effort, leading to a chaotic and unfulfilled life. This theme emphasizes the importance of perseverance and dedication to achieve our goals.Another intriguing lyric that adds depth to the song's theme is "The things you say to me, What is it that your eyes see, Is it love or is it hate, Banging on an open gate." These lines explore the theme of emotional confusion and the potential destructiveness of unresolved feelings. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is unsure of their own emotions and may be projecting conflicting emotions onto others. This theme emphasizes the need for emotional stability and clarity to foster healthy relationships.As the song progresses, the lyrics "Hey now, who's that with you, What's that thing I saw him give you, Turn round don't come no closer, You took it from my shoulder holster" depict a scenario of betrayal and deception. The theme here centers around the consequences of dishonesty and the disintegration of trust in relationships. These lyrics highlight the importance of transparency, honesty, and loyalty to maintain healthy connections.Throughout the song, the recurring theme of redemption prevails. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize the need to hold one's head up high, suggesting that it's never too late to turn things around and make positive changes. This theme encourages individuals to take control of their lives, lift the heavy burdens they carry, and actively pursue personal growth and happiness.In conclusion, "Hey Now What You Doing" by New Order delivers a powerful message of self-reflection, redemption, and personal growth. The standout lyrics discussed above highlight unexpected themes ranging from self-awareness to missed opportunities, emotional confusion to betrayal, all tying back to the overarching theme of the song. Ultimately, the song serves as a reminder that it's never too late to reevaluate our choices, learn from our past, and navigate toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.