People Are People

Depeche Mode

About People Are People

"People Are People" is Depeche Mode's 10th UK single, and was recorded at Hansa Mischraum in West Berlin, and released on 12 March 1984. It was their first hit single in the US and the first single from the Some Great Reward album.


Year:
1998
3:53
50 
#1

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People are people so why should it be
You and I should get along so awfully
So we're different colours
And we're different creeds
And different people have different needs
It's obvious you hate me
Though I've done nothing wrong
I never even met you
So what could I have done
I can't understand
What makes a man
Hate another man
Help me understand
People are people so why should it be
You and I should get along so awfully
Help me understand
Now you're punching and you're kicking
And you're shouting at me
I'm relying on your common decency
So far it hasn't surfaced
But I'm sure it exists
It just takes a while to travel
From your head to your fist
I can't understand
What makes a man
Hate another man
Help me understand

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Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode ( /dɨˈpɛʃ/) are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan (lead vocals, occasional songwriter since 2005), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, vocals, chief songwriter after 1981), Andy Fletcher (keyboards) and Vince Clarke (keyboards, chief songwriter 1980–81). Clarke left the band after the release of their 1981 debut album, Speak & Spell, and was replaced by Alan Wilder (keyboards, drums, occasional songwriter) with Gore taking over songwriting. Wilder left the band in 1995; Gahan, Gore, and Fletcher have since continued as a trio. more »

4 fans

Written by: Martin Gore

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Inclusion
"People Are People" is a song by the British synth-pop band Depeche Mode. It is featured as the tenth track on their fourth studio album, "Some Great Reward" released in 1984.
Notable Chart Performance
The song achieved significant success and popularity on the charts globally. In the United States, it was Depeche Mode's first hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1985.
Top Ranking in Germany
"People Are People" was a number 1 hit in West Germany, making it Depeche Mode's most successful single in that country.
Social Theme
The song carries a strong social message. Its lyrics ask why humans can’t accept each other’s differences and why they tend to conflict with one another. This resonated with a lot of fans making the song an anthem for equality.
Notable Sound Effects
Depeche Mode used innovative sound effects in "People Are People" including the use of metal pipes and chains to create a unique percussion sound. This added to the overall impact of the song and marked it as uniquely innovative for its era.
Critics' Reception
While it did well commercially, critics' opinions on "People Are People" were divided. Some hailed it as a pop song with a great message, while others found it too simplistic, direct, or lacking in depth.
Band's View
Despite its popularity, the band members, especially Martin Gore, aren’t fond of the song due to its straightforward and simplistic lyrics. They have often left it out of their setlists in recent years.
Use in Advertising
In 1984, the song was also used in a television commercial for the PacTel Corporation, making it even more popular in the process.
Remixes and Cover Versions
"People Are People" has been remixed several times and covered by a number of other artists, including RuPaul and A Perfect Circle, indicating its lasting influence in pop culture.
Notable Awards
The success of "People Are People" helped Depeche Mode earn their first gold record in America in 1985.

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    People Are People

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #13


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