"Age of Consent" is the opening track on New Order’s 1983 album Power, Corruption & Lies and is widely regarded as one of the band’s most beloved and influential songs12. Despite its title, the song’s lyrics have nothing to do with legal age or underage relationships; instead, it explores the emotional complexities of a failing relationship, where both parties know it’s over but struggle to end things3.
Themes and Lyrics
- The song’s narrator pleads for release: "Won’t you please let me go / These words lie inside, they hurt me so."
This reflects the pain of unspoken truths and the difficulty of expressing the desire to move on5. - The lyrics suggest mutual awareness of the relationship’s end, yet both individuals hesitate to confront it directly: "I’m not the kind that likes to tell you / Just what I want to do / I’m not the kind that needs to tell you / Just what you want me to"35.
- The song captures the tension and inertia that can define the final stages of a relationship—waiting for the other person to make the break, even as both know it’s inevitable3.
Musical Style and Legacy
- Musically, "Age of Consent" is driven by Peter Hook’s melodic bassline, energetic drumming, and jangly guitars, creating an upbeat sound that contrasts with the bittersweet lyrics1.
- The song has become a staple of New Order’s live performances, making its debut in 1982 and returning to setlists after a long absence in 201112.
- It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in films, TV shows, and commercials, underscoring its enduring influence12.
Notable Facts
- Drummer Stephen Morris has noted that the drum patterns were inspired by an earlier version of Joy Division’s "Love Will Tear Us Apart"15.
- The song’s openness and ambiguity have allowed listeners to project their own meanings onto it, contributing to its lasting appeal5.
In summary:
"Age of Consent" is a jangle pop classic about the mutual but unspoken desire to end a relationship, set to an infectious, driving melody that has ensured its place as one of New Order’s most enduring and emotionally resonant songs315.
