The Song - Love Like Blood

Released in January 1985 the lead single from their fifth album "Nighttime' was recorded in Berlin's Hansa studios and co-produced by Killing Joke bassist Martin 'Youth' Glover and Chris Kimsey, 'Love Like Blood' was Killing Joke's biggest hit peaking at number 16 in the UK charts. They even appeared on Top of the Pops sharing the show with The Smiths who performed 'How Soon Is Now'. Now that was a show.

A mate of mine had this on seven inch vinyl and it was a thing of beauty, a super cool picture cover with a beautiful typeface and the lyrics printed on the back. Wonderful, mysterious words that intrigued and mystified. The opening keyboard strings are amazing but its the guitar line that makes this song for me, just 3 notes ringing out twice over the ethereal keyboard before the pounding, rhythm section kicks in. I think its the fact that they employed live instrumentation that set them apart from many of their contemporaries. 'Eighties' is the only Killing Joke album I own and it's because of this song. I know little about the rest of their back catalogue and I don't need to, this song alone, for me, cements their legend.

We must play our lives like soldiers in the field
But life is short i'm running faster all the time
Strength and beauty destined to decay
So cut the rose in full bloom

'til the fearless come and the act is done
A love like blood, a love like blood

Everyday through all frustration and despair
Love and hate fight with burning hearts
'til legends live and man is god again
(and self-preservation rules the day no more)

We must dream of promised lands and fields
That never fade in season
As we move towards no end we learn to die
Red tears are shed on grey