Icon Joy Division Shadowplay
Songs and Lyrics
 
Shadowplay

This page contains the following information about this Joy Division song:
  • details of every known studio recording and every official release;
  • details of any live performances which appear on an official release;
  • my transcription of the song lyrics, noting any significant variations;
  • known cover versions by other artists, and any other interesting facts.
Icon go to the Shadowplay Home Page and Index

Track history
Recorded on May 3rd/4th 1978 at Arrow Studios, Manchester
This version released on Warsaw and on Heart and Soul
Recorded on September 20th 1978 at Granada TV Studios for Granada Reports
Released on compilation video P U N K by Granada TV and Warner in 1992
Recorded in April 1979 at Strawberry Studios, Stockport
Released on Unknown Pleasures, on Permanent and on Heart and Soul
Live performance released from December 18th 1979 at Les Bains Douches, Paris
Live performance released from February 28th 1980 at The Warehouse, Preston
Live performance on May 2nd 1980 at Birmingham University released on Still
Lyrics

To the centre of the city where all roads meet - waiting for you
[or in the Warsaw version: - looking for you]
To the depths of the ocean where all hopes sank - searching for you
Moving through the silence without motion - waiting for you
In a room with a window in the corner I found truth

In the shadowplay, acting out your own death - knowing no more
As the assassins all grouped in four lines, dancing on the floor
And with cold steel, odour on their bodies, made a move to connect
I could only stare in disbelief as the crowds all left

I did everything, everything I wanted to
I let them use you for their own ends
To the centre of the city in the night - waiting for you
To the centre of the city in the night - waiting for you

Other information
Cover versions by:Released on:
AfterhoursSomething About Joy Division (Vox Pop VP3 1989)
CajaMúsicaTransmitiendo Desde América Del Sur (Licor de Mono 2007)
CarpathianWanderlust EP (Deathwish DW105 2010)
ClockhammerCarrot EP (First Warning 75778 1991)
Dead Sea SurfersDead Sea Surfers (Dead Phish 2009)
FlightRecorded in 1999 but not released commercially
The FuryAdult Delinquent (own release 2007)
IkonCeremonial (Mere Mortal MMP-1 1995)
Ceremony (Nile Records 2003 - live unlisted track)
In VerseRecorded but not released commercially
The KillersControl: Original Soundtrack (Warner 5144244782 2007)
Sawdust (American Recordings 1022602 2007)
Performance at Glastonbury 2007 shown on BBC TV
Control (Momentum Pictures MP640D 2008 - DVD)
(the track is played over the closing credits of the film)
Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Island 13632 2009 - CD/DVD)
Also available on various bootlegs of live performances
ManikinM.4 (Super Secret SSR-011 2004)
Orchestre RougeDes Restes: Live et Inédits (New Rose OR8183 1984)
PhobiaCeremonial (Mere Mortal MMP-1 1995)
Silversun PickupsAvailable on bootlegs of live and demo recordings
Uncletoe's PortasoundCovered (Best Kept Secret LIE 048 2001)
Venus Fly TrapEuropa (12"/CD - Danceteria DAN 035 1990)
Jewel - Live in Prague (AZYL - CICHR Sound)
Design and original content copyright © Chris Warren 1997 to 2010
You may take a copy for personal use only
Icon go to the Shadowplay Home Page and Index