Meaning of Procession (cargo Demo) [2019 Remaster] by New Order

The New Order song titled 'Procession (cargo Demo) [2019 Remaster]' captures a sense of inner turmoil and alienation. The overall theme of the song revolves around the protagonist's struggle to establish a connection with themselves and the world around them. Through poignant lyrics and introspective imagery, the song explores various unexpected and imaginative themes that beautifully contribute to the overarching idea of isolation and the longing for emotional fulfillment.One standout lyric that immediately draws attention is, "There is no end to this, I have seen your face, but I don't recognize all these things you must have kept behind." This lyric speaks volumes about the estranged relationship between the protagonist and their own identity. It suggests that they have held back certain aspects of themselves, perhaps due to fear or past experiences. The theme here revolves around the complexity of self-discovery and the pursuit of understanding one's true nature, despite the fear of not recognizing oneself.Another noteworthy lyric that delves deeper into the emotions of the song is, "It's a problem, you know, that has been there all your life, it tries to make you see the world around you that just turned black and white." This impactful imagery evokes a sense of disillusionment with the world. The theme explored here revolves around the protagonist's perception of their surroundings, as if they can no longer find solace or joy in the things that used to bring them happiness. It suggests a longing for vibrancy and life in a world that feels dull and colorless.In the chorus, the repetition of the word "alone" creates a powerful and haunting atmosphere. This theme of loneliness and isolation is further reinforced by the line, "There is no room to move or try to look away, remember, life is strange, life keeps getting stranger every day." Here, the song explores the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape from the overwhelming sense of alienation. The unexpected theme that arises from these lyrics is the idea that life's strangeness and unpredictability can sometimes feel suffocating. It suggests that even though life is constantly evolving, it may not always lead to growth and fulfillment.Moving into the second verse, the lyric, "A mass of harmless attitudes, an attack that won't subside, no matter what they say, you knew, your heart beats you late at night," conveys the idea of an internal struggle within the protagonist. It suggests that despite the accumulation of superficial defenses and coping mechanisms, their true emotions and desires persist. The theme that emerges explores the conflict between conformity and authenticity. It highlights the internal battle between living up to societal expectations and following one's heart, even if it means facing vulnerability and uncertainty.As the song progresses, it becomes apparent that the protagonist's heart is central to their struggle. The repetition of "Your heart beats you late at night" in the chorus underscores the significance of this emotional turmoil. This recurring theme of heartache and vulnerability represents the longing for emotional connection and understanding. It delves into the depths of human emotion and explores the consequences of suppressing one's true feelings. It encourages the listener to confront their own heartache and allows for a deeper connection to the song.In conclusion, 'Procession (cargo Demo) [2019 Remaster]' by New Order is a powerfully introspective song that delves into themes of alienation, longing, and the struggle for self-discovery. Through thought-provoking lyrics, it unravels various unexpected and imaginative themes such as the complexity of identity, the disillusionment with the world, the suffocating strangeness of life, the conflict between conformity and authenticity, and the yearning for emotional connection. Together, these compelling themes contribute to the overall atmosphere of the song and create a deeply profound listening experience.