Propaganda’s “Duel” Lyrics Meaning
“Duel” is a song released by Propaganda which talks about love, pain and heartbreak. In the song’s course, the narrator details how pain affects a person more whenever they go through it. The lyrics talk about how the actions in relationships destroy it cut by cut and how the pain is more crippling each time. The song looks at relationships as a duel and how envy, greed and disillusion play a huge role in killing it blow by blow.
It explains that, as people, the first time we go through hurt, we don’t really let it get to us. We take the first pain for granted not realizing it’s what’s going to make the second time hurt more.
The third time however, brings us to the realization that we are not above pain and that pain brings us to our knees.
In all, this classic centers on a couple of lovebirds who are ‘dueling’ with the each other. Some of the lyrics read as if they are locked in bitter, interpersonal combat, i.e. a “duel”. But what they actually symbolize is some type of serious beef between the two of them. And with the lyrics once again being allegorical, they are not meant to imply that the pair are actually physically going at it with each other. Rather it is their own personal shortcoming and mistakes which are contributing to their discontent. And what the singer is doing is recognizing just how emotionally painful this whole ordeal is on the couple and how it is ultimately contributing to the “death” of their romance.
Facts about “Duel”
This track is from Propaganda’s first album, which is entitled “A Secret Wish”. It served as the second single from that project. And it is distinguishable amongst the band’s catalog as it is their song which scored the highest on the UK Singles Chart, reaching a peak position of 21. As such it is recognized by many as the band’s signature tune. And “Duel” also charted in a handful of other countries.
This song has a number of official remixes, referred to as Jewel (Rough Cut), Jewel (Cut Rough) and a combination of the two, known as Bejewelled.
“Duel” (and its remixes) has been utilized by the likes of Heart of Midlothian (a Scottish football club), the BBC, the Australian television network and Granada Television, all for sports-related programs.
The official release date of this song is 1 July 1985, as issued by ZTT Records. Its writers are the following Propaganda members:
- Ralf Dörper
- Susanne Freytag
- Michael Mertens
- Claudia Brücken
Moreover Claudia Brücken is one of the track’s producers, accomplishing this task alongside Stewart Copeland.
That duel relates to bbc top geat rally report so well done propganda
Heard 12ish version last night in the car….I so wanted to dance in the car park! Boy did I crank up the volume . Superb!
Legend of a song, beautiful looking ladies. Should of been number 1 in the UK. 💖