Warsaw

Joy Division

About Warsaw

"Warsaw" is the opening song by Joy Division on their An Ideal for Living EP. It was slated for release on the album that became Warsaw, which was originally scrapped by the band and not released until 1994. The song is available on a number of compilations, including Substance. The song appears to be a somewhat fantastical biography of Rudolf Hess, Hitler's Deputy Führer, who flew to Great Britain in 1941 in an attempt to negotiate a peace between Germany and the UK, supposedly because of his disillusionment with National Socialism. At a performance of the song "At a Later Date" at the Electric Circus in Manchester, Guitarist Bernard Sumner shouts "You all forgot Rudolph Hess" before the song begins. It starts with the mock-countoff "3 5 0 1 2 5 Go!"; "31G-350125" was Hess's prisoner of war serial number when he was captured after flying to Eaglesham, Scotland during World War II. The first verse describes Hess's involvement with Hitler in the Beer Hall Revolution and his infatuation with the NSDAP. The second verse discusses his supposed disillusionment with it, and the last verse portrays his life in prison after being convicted at the Nuremberg Trials. The chorus is a simple repetition of "31G", the first three characters of his serial number. "31" signifies the European theatre of war and "G" German, the nationality of the prisoner. 


Year:
1978
74 
#1

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Three, five, zero, one, two, five go!

I was there in the back stage
When the first light came around
I grew up like a changeling
To win the first time around
I can see all the weakness
I pick all the faults
Well I concede all the faith tests
Just to stick in your throats

Thirty one G, thirty one G, thirty one G

I hung around in your soundtrack
To mirror all that you've done
To find the right side of reason
To kill the three lies for one
I can see all the cold facts
I can see through your eyes
All this talk made no contact
No matter how hard we tried

Thirty one G, thirty one G, thirty one G

I can still hear the footsteps
I can see only walls
I slid into your man-traps
With no hearing at all
I just see contradiction
Had to give up the fight
Just to live in the past tense
To make believe you were right

Thirty one G, thirty one G, thirty one G

Three, five, zero, one, two, five

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Joy Division

Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis (vocals and occasional guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards),Peter Hook (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums and percussion). more »

2 fans

Written by: BERNARD SUMNER, BRIAN ENO, DAVID BOWIE, IAN KEVIN CURTIS, PETER HOOK, STEPHEN PAUL DAVID MORRIS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Origins
"Warsaw" is a song by legendary British rock band Joy Division. - The band actually originated under the name "Warsaw", inspired by the David Bowie song "Warszawa" on his 1977 album Low.
Composition and Recording
"Warsaw" was recorded on the 18th of July, 1977 at Pennine Sound Studios in Oldham, England. - The song clocks in at about 2 minutes and 26 seconds, making it one of their more concise tracks.
Lyrics
The song's title and lyrics reference the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 during World War II.
Song Structure
"Warsaw" is noted for its frenetic pace and raw, punk-influenced sound, which contrasted with the darker, more atmospheric music Joy Division would later become known for.
Release
The song was initially released as part of an EP called "An Ideal for Living" in 1978, which was the band's first release. - It was later included on the 1994 compilation album "Heart and Soul".
Legacy
Although not as well-known as some of Joy Division's other songs, "Warsaw" has remained a fan favorite and is considered a pivotal track in the band's evolution. - It has performed live several times, even after the band changed their name from Warsaw to Joy Division.
Tribute
In 2021, Warsaw, the capital of Poland, honored the band with a plaque commemorating the song and its connection to the city's history. The plaque is located at Wilson Square, mentioned in the song's lyrics.
Band Influence
"Warsaw" and the other songs on "An Ideal for Living" showcased the band's early influences, including punk rock and glam rock. Over time, however, they would develop a unique, groundbreaking sound that would have a major impact on the post-punk and alternative rock genres.

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