Mathambo introduces new layers of meaning and context, his vocal delivery is urgent and intense.

She’s Lost Control #

“She’s lost control.” #

“She’s Lost Control” is a song by the British post-punk band Joy Division, released on their debut album “Unknown Pleasures” in 1979. The track, written by the band members Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris, is one of their most iconic and emotionally intense pieces. The song’s themes and lyrics were heavily influenced by lead singer Ian Curtis’s personal experiences and struggles, particularly his epilepsy, which ultimately played a significant role in his tragic death.

Context and Meaning

The lyrics of “She’s Lost Control” are often interpreted as reflecting Curtis’s own battles with epilepsy. The line “She’s lost control again” evokes a sense of helplessness and the terrifying loss of agency that can accompany epileptic seizures. Curtis’s haunting delivery and the song’s stark instrumentation underscore the sense of desperation and confusion.

Musical Composition

Musically, the song is characterized by its minimalist, yet powerful arrangement. The driving bass line by Peter Hook and the stark, mechanical drumming of Stephen Morris create a relentless, almost hypnotic rhythm. Bernard Sumner’s sparse, angular guitar riffs add to the song’s eerie atmosphere. Martin Hannett’s production further enhances the song’s haunting quality, employing reverb and other effects to create a sense of space and isolation.

Ian Curtis’s Personal Struggles

Ian Curtis’s epilepsy was a well-documented part of his life and had a profound impact on his mental health. His condition led to severe seizures and contributed to his sense of alienation and despair, themes that are prevalent throughout Joy Division’s work. The pressure of performing and the physical toll of his condition exacerbated his struggles, culminating in his suicide in May 1980, shortly before the band’s first American tour.

Legacy

“She’s Lost Control” remains a powerful and enduring piece of music. It captures the raw emotional intensity that defined Joy Division’s sound and has influenced countless artists and bands in the post-punk and alternative rock genres. The song is often cited as a poignant reflection of Ian Curtis’s life and the tragic beauty of his artistic expression.

In essence, “She’s Lost Control” is not just a song but a haunting narrative that encapsulates the turmoil and brilliance of Ian Curtis and Joy Division, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.

What method did Ian Curtis use to unalive himself? #

Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division, tragically died by suicide on May 18, 1980. He hanged himself in the kitchen of his home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England. This occurred shortly before the band was set to embark on their first American tour. Curtis’s struggles with epilepsy and depression, as well as the pressures of his personal and professional life, were significant factors contributing to his decision to take his own life.

Are you aware of a rendition by a South African artist? #

Yes, there is a notable remixed rendition of “She’s Lost Control” by the South African artist Spoek Mathambo. Released in 2010, Mathambo’s version, titled “Control,” is a striking reinterpretation of the original Joy Division track, blending elements of electronic music, hip-hop, and traditional African rhythms.

Spoek Mathambo’s “Control” #

Musical Style and Production

Spoek Mathambo’s “Control” diverges significantly from the post-punk aesthetic of Joy Division, incorporating a contemporary electronic and hip-hop-infused sound. The remix features heavy beats, distorted basslines, and an eerie, atmospheric production that pays homage to the original while infusing it with a distinctly modern and African sensibility. The use of electronic elements and innovative production techniques creates a dark, almost dystopian soundscape, reflecting

Mathambo’s unique artistic vision. #

Lyrical Interpretation and Themes

While maintaining the essence of the original lyrics, Mathambo’s rendition introduces new layers of meaning and context. His vocal delivery is urgent and intense, echoing the sense of loss and control that permeates Curtis’s original lyrics. The remix also explores themes of societal control and personal freedom, resonating with broader issues of identity and resistance within the South African context.

Visual Component

The music video for “Control,” directed by Pieter Hugo and Michael Cleary, further enhances the song’s impact. It features stark, black-and-white imagery, drawing inspiration from both traditional and urban African aesthetics. The video portrays haunting and surreal scenes, juxtaposing elements of traditional African culture with modern, industrial environments. This visual approach complements the song’s themes of control and disintegration, creating a powerful and evocative artistic statement.

Reception and Impact #

Spoek Mathambo’s “Control” received critical acclaim for its bold reinterpretation of a classic track and its innovative fusion of genres. The remix showcases Mathambo’s ability to bridge different musical worlds, bringing a fresh perspective to Joy Division’s enduring legacy. It also highlights the global influence of Joy Division’s music and its ability to inspire artists across diverse cultural and musical landscapes.

In summary, Spoek Mathambo’s “Control” stands as a testament to the enduring impact of “She’s Lost Control,” reimagining it through a contemporary African lens and contributing to the song’s ongoing legacy in the world of music.

Confusion in her eyes that says it all
She’s lost control
And she’s clinging to the nearest passer-by
She’s lost control

And she gave away the secrets of her past
And said, “I’ve lost control again”
And heard a voice that told her when and where to act
She said, “I’ve lost control again”

And she turned around and took me by the hand
And said, “I’ve lost control again”
How I’ll never know just why or understand
She said, “I’ve lost control again”

And she screamed out kicking on her side
And said, “I’ve lost control again”
And seized up on the floor, I thought she’d died
She said, “I’ve lost control”

She’s lost control again
She’s lost control
She’s lost control again
She’s lost control

Then I had to phone her friend to state my case
And say, “She’s lost control again”
And she showed up all the errors and mistakes
And said, “I’ve lost control again”

And she expressed herself in many different ways
Until she lost control again
And walked upon the edge of no escape
And laughed, “I’ve lost control”

She’s lost control again
She’s lost control
She’s lost control again
She’s lost control