Never Tear Us Apart by INXS Lyrics Meaning – An Anthem of Indestructible Union
Lyrics
What you know is true
Don’t have to tell you
I love your precious heart
I
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never tear us apart
We could live
For a thousand years
But if I hurt you
I’d make wine from your tears
I told you
That we could fly
‘Cause we all have wings
But some of us don’t know why
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never ever tear us apart
I (don’t ask me)
I was standing (you know it’s true)
Mm, you were there (worlds collided)
Two worlds collided (we’re shining through)
And they could never tear us apart
You (don’t ask me)
You were standing (you know it’s true)
I was there (worlds collided)
Two worlds collided (we’re shining through)
And they could never tear us apart
I
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
In the pantheon of rock anthems, few songs resonate with the power and the poetry of INXS’s ‘Never Tear Us Apart’. A testament to indefatigable love, this track from the Australian rock band’s 1987 album ‘Kick’ has left an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners across generations.
This haunting ballad, driven by its soul-infused saxophone and Michael Hutchence’s impassioned vocals, remains a stirring meditation on the forces that try, and fail, to dismantle a profound connection between two souls. Let’s peel back the layers of meaning in this timeless song, exploring the depths of its lyrics and the mystical bonds they evoke.
The Power of Silent Understanding
The opening lines of ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ convey a telepathic depth of understanding between lovers, far beyond the need for spoken words. The acknowledgment of an unspoken truth—an unquestioned love—speaks volumes about the profundity of human connection that words can often fail to convey.
Through these minimalist lyrics, INXS masterfully captures the essence of a bond so pure and potent that it requires no external affirmation. This silent, sacred communication is where the song sets its stage, inviting listeners into the intimate cosmos of two entwined spirits.
Collision of Worlds: A Metaphor for Fateful Encounters
The recurring imagery of ‘two worlds colliding’ in the chorus is a potent metaphor that suggests the fortuitous, seismic meeting of two people. It’s a romanticized notion of destiny that these two separate universes could intersect in space and time—and that their fusion is so strong it can withstand any assault.
The song joyously celebrates the idea of preordained love, a bond formed not through chance but through a synchronicity that feels cosmic. When Hutchence croons these lines, he evokes a fateful magnetism that is as inexplicable as it is powerful.
Immortality Through Love
There’s a timeless quality to ‘Never Tear Us Apart’, one that suggests that love, much like art, can achieve immortality. When Hutchence sings about living for a thousand years, it’s an ode to the timeless nature of emotion—how love can outlive the physical and endure through the ages.
This line also hints at the transformative power of love, with the possibility of metamorphosis—from tears to wine—illustrating how even pain can be given meaning and beauty through the lens of love.
Unlocking the Wings of Aspiration
The enigmatic lines, ‘We all have wings but some of us don’t know why’, serve as a philosophical musing on potential and the human condition. INXS implies that within each person, there exists a capacity for transcendence or flight, but that self-awareness and purpose are often elusive.
When the lyrics touch upon this theme, ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ becomes a song not only of love but also of personal awakening. It’s an encouragement wrapped within a love song—an urging to understand oneself and embrace the inherent capabilities we possess.
Unearthing the Hidden Meaning: Love’s Untouchable Core
Beyond the poetic devices and the allegories of flight and immortality, lies a hidden meaning that pulses at the core of ‘Never Tear Us Apart’. It is the notion of an invincible, internal sanctuary where love is kept protected from the ravages of external forces.
This song, with its climactic refrains and haunting melodies, serves as a hymn to the resilience of love. The lyrics, while cryptic at times, reveal truth about a human connection so strong that regardless of life’s hardships or the inevitable entropy of time, it remains untouched, unscathed, and ever-persistent.
