Meaning of Thieves Like Us by New Order

The New Order song 'Thieves Like Us' delves deep into the complexities and contradictions of love. The haunting lyrics and mesmerizing melody convey a sense of yearning and melancholy, exploring the various facets of love and how it impacts our lives. This blog article aims to delve into the intriguing themes encapsulated within the song, uncovering unexpected perspectives and shedding light on the profound message it carries.The overall theme of 'Thieves Like Us' revolves around the tumultuous nature of love and its impact on our lives. Love is portrayed as a powerful force that both elates and torments, with lyrics such as "Oh, it dies so quickly, it grows so slowly" hinting at love's fragility and the contrasting perceptions of time in relation to it. Throughout the song, love is depicted as a complex entity that defies understanding, yet remains an integral part of the human experience.One standout lyric in the song is "I've lived my life on alcohol, I've lived my life on pills." This line suggests that love can often be intertwined with self-destructive behaviors. The theme it develops depicts love as a coping mechanism, or even an escape from the pain and hardships of life. It explores the idea that some individuals may turn to substances as a flawed attempt to fill the void left by love's absence or to numb the ache caused by love's betrayals.Another striking lyric is "Oh, love is found in the east and the west, but when love is at home, it's the best." This lyric unveils the notion that while love is sought after in distant lands and exotic places, its true essence and fulfillment are often found within the familiar confines of our own lives. The theme it conveys is that love is not an elusive treasure to be sought, but something that can be discovered and cherished in the simplicity of our everyday experiences.A particularly thought-provoking line is "Love is the cure for every evil, love is the air that supports the eagle." This lyric encapsulates the profound potential of love to heal and uplift. It reveals love as a powerful force that can overcome darkness and adversity. The theme it develops reinforces the idea that love has transformative qualities, offering not just emotional solace but also the strength to soar above life's challenges.One unexpected and imaginative theme that underlies the song is the idea of love as a collective human experience. The lyric "It's called love and it belongs to everyone but us" hints at the universal nature of love. It suggests that while love is frequently experienced by individuals, it can also transcend personal boundaries and connect us as a society. This theme explores the power of love to bridge gaps, nurture compassion, and unite people from diverse backgrounds.Lastly, 'Thieves Like Us' delves into the malleable nature of love, with lyrics portraying it as both a source of joy and pain. The line "It's called love and it cuts your life like a broken knife" highlights the paradoxical nature of love's impact. Love can bring immense happiness and fulfillment, but it can also wound deeply. This theme explores the inherent risk involved in loving others, recognizing that love is not always sunshine and roses but can also leave scars that shape us.In conclusion, the New Order song 'Thieves Like Us' embarks on a multisensory journey into the complexities of love. Through its mesmerizing melody and poetic lyrics, it illuminates various aspects of love's powerful influence on our lives. The unexpected and imaginative themes discussed add depth to the overarching theme, capturing the essence of love's enigmatic nature. From exploring love's relationship with self-destructive behaviors to its potential to heal and unite, 'Thieves Like Us' offers a nuanced reflection on the myriad facets of this timeless emotion.