Atrocity Exhibition
Joy Division
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Asylums with doors open wide, Where people had paid to see inside, For entertainment they watch his body twist Behind his eyes he says, 'I still exist.' This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. In arenas he kills for a prize, Wins a minute to add to his life. But the sickness is drowned by cries for more, Pray to God, make it quick, watch him fall. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way. This is the way. This is the way. This is the way. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. You'll see the horrors of a faraway place, Meet the architects of law face to face. See mass murder on a scale you've never seen, And all the ones who try hard to succeed. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. This is the way, step inside. And I picked on the whims of a thousand or more, Still pursuing the path that's been buried for years, All the dead wood from jungles and cities on fire, Can't replace or relate, can't release or repair, Take my hand and I'll show you what was and will be.
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Written by: Bernard Sumner, Ian Kevin Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Paul David Morris
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Band Evolution"Atrocity Exhibition" is the first track on Joy Division’s second and final studio album, "Closer". The album marked the band’s evolution from their punk rock origins to a more atmospheric and moody post-punk sound.
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Bass RiffsPeter Hook’s high bass riffs are a standout feature of "Atrocity Exhibition". The unconventional use of the bass guitar became a signature element of Joy Division’s sound.
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Peculiar PercussionStephen Morris played drums that were made out of various pieces of metal instead of traditional drum kits. Hence, the unique percussive elements of the song.
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Dark ThemesThe song's title is a reference to "The Atrocity Exhibition", a collection of stories by J.G Ballard. Many of Ballard's works explored dark and dystopian themes, similar to Joy Division's bleak and introspective lyrics.
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Ian Curtis's conditionIan Curtis, Joy Division's lead singer, was known for his deep and haunting vocals and his struggle with epilepsy and depression. "Atrocity Exhibition", like many of the band’s songs, is believed to reflect his troubled state of mind.
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Unique Song Construction"Atrocity Exhibition" is notable for its unusual song structure. The song does not have a traditional verse-chorus-verse form. Instead, it slowly builds up in intensity, creating a sense of tension and unease.
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Inspiration from Human SufferingThe song is said to be inspired by the concept of human suffering turned into a public spectacle. This falls in line with the themes from Ballard's work, which often dealt with the dark sides of modern society.
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Instrumental CompositionEach band member composed his part for "Atrocity Exhibition" independently. This approach resulted in the song’s distinctive and chaotic sound.
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Posthumous Release"Closer", and thereby "Atrocity Exhibition", became commercially successful only after the tragic suicide of Ian Curtis. Curtis' death led to the dissolution of the band and the posthumous launch of their career.
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Cover VersionThe band Nine Inch Nails, known for its industrial rock sound, performed a cover of "Atrocity Exhibition" during their live performances, showcasing the song’s enduring influence in alternative rock.
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"Atrocity Exhibition Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18499642/Joy+Division/Atrocity+Exhibition>.
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