Music Review: Depeche Mode "Personal Jesus"
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Depeche Mode
Personal Jesus
Album: Violator
Year: 1989
Dave Gahan offers guidance and support to those in need in the throbbing “Personal Jesus.”
A fragile synth falls and then rises with part of the chorus, setting an interpid tone .(“Reach out and touch faith.”)
The distant look hasn’t left his friend’s eyes. He’d like to listen to what’s bothering him. Even if he needs to wail and vent at someone, he would like to be that person. (“Your own personal Jesus/Someone to hear your prayers/Someone who cares/Your own personal Jesus/Someone to hear your prayers/Someone who's there.”)
His friend has become a shadow, made unrecognizable by the demons he’s trying to fight off. His friend hasn’t spoken to anyone in months, believing no one would answer his calls. He says if he calls him, he will have someone. He may not be the person he might’ve had in mind. His friends’ catatonic state can no longer continue. The sins he committed, which he sees forever damning him. Gahan will absolve him of guilt, reminding he’s human. (“Feeling unknown/And you're all alone/Flesh and bone/By the telephone/Lift up the receiver/I'll make you a believer/Take second best/Put me to the test/Things on your chest/You need to confess/I will deliver/You know I'm a forgiver.”)
In the chorus, Gahan revitalizes his friend’s belief in humanity again. He will be the one unwavering confidant in his life. (“Reach out and touch faith/Reach out and touch faith/Your own personal Jesus.”)
The first verse is sung again.
The chorus is sung again.
Gahan’s intense, dynamic vocals bare souls, stripping them of their blackness with a single glance. Jesus is someone he looks up to and aspires to have his qualities. For him, Jesus is not some unreachable deity that can only be found in the pages of a book. He’s a friend someone could come across in their daily lives.
The edgy “Personal Jesus” takes a less extreme view of religion, viewing Jesus a regular guy who has an imperfect past.