Ceremony (Version 1)

"Ceremony" is a song written by Joy Division, and first released as New Order's debut single in 1981. The song and its B-side, "In a Lonely Place", were written and recorded as Joy Division prior to the death of Ian Curtis. Both were re-recorded and carried over to Joy Division's re-formation under the name New Order. After the death of Ian Curtis it would have been understandable for the remaining members of Joy Division to give up, or try to carry on without their singer. They locked themselves away in Manchester and set about finding a new sound, each taking turns on vocals before Bernard Sumner settled into the role. When Ceremony, which featured Curtis’ lyrics, was released in 1981, it bridged the gap between what Joy Division had been and what New Order would become. It marked a new era for both the city and the band, ushering in the birth of rave, The Haçienda, and a triumphant career for a band who had once lost everything.

[Verse 1] This is why events unnerve me They find it all, a different story Notice whom for wheels are turning Turn again and turn towards this time All she ask's the strength to hold me Then again the same old story Word will travel, oh so quickly Travel first and lean towards this time [Verse 2] Oh, I'll break them all, no mercy shown Heaven knows, it's got to be this time Watching her, these things she said The times she cried Too frail to wake this time [Verse 3] Oh, I'll break them down, no mercy shown Heaven knows, it's got to be this time Avenues all lined with trees Picture me and then you start watching Watching forever [Outro] Forever, watching love grow Forever, letting me know Forever