I started listening to the the in about 1985/86 and I've never stopped loving it. Jan 2024 and this song is more relevant than ever. Maybe not in the way Matt intended but relevant nonetheless. Especially the bit about "so many people can't express what's on their mind, nobody knows them nobody ever will until their backs are broken, their dreams are stolen and they can't get want and then they're gonna get angry". That's the Brits he's talking about right there.
I think it WAS the what Matt intended. Urban decay, violence, official neglect, while the poor and aged are at the bottom of the scrap heap. What was true in 1985 is still true in 2024, nearly 40 years later. "Nothing ever changes". Indeed. We had dreams when we came out of WWII, a welfare state, a NHS, housing for all, etc. But a lot of it's turned into a nightmare.
Bought this when it first came out, as well as the album. Listened to it again after 10 years and nothing had changed, and then after 20 and then 30, and it's just as relevant now as it was then. Very few songs can do that and this one that should be passed down and treasured forever...
You nailed it Anna. Last night I pulled out my copy of the Singles. And this particular song hit me. And you’re right. Nothing has changed. Depressing. And we should all be rioting in the streets.
has to be the most underrated band, so relevant and accurate lyrics then and now all the years later, i am so glad to have grown up listening to quality like this, Matt was spot on.
Ukraine, Israel, the violence never changes, does it? War, war and more war. "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition" came from Pearl Harbor, a sick, twisted interpretation of Christianity.
I was 19 years old, a long time ago. Trudging across the Tundra in the NWT Canada taking samples for a Diamond Company. Was late August, the sun was setting and I was singing this song, in the middle of nowhere, a land of lakes, tundra, big rocks, bears, wolves and no humans. Was absolutely terrifying and amazing. I remember that late afternoon 30 years ago.
"This is the land where nothing changes", is such a true line as we approach 35 years since its release. Matt is undervalued except by those lucky enough to have found him; let us mourn for those who have not.
Remains one of my favourite albums of all time, and this song still sends shivers down my spine. Beautiful, chilling, prophetic, 33 years later and this country is still sick, sad and confused....
My introduction to The The was their stencilled graffiti logo on all the main junction exit signs from Maidenhead into London on the M4…capturing my imagination & Matt Johnson’s rhythmic songs & prophetic lyrics have lived with me ever since…plus the image of Neneh Cherry writhing whilst tied to a train track by a tunnel singing on a great video…
Absolute brilliance! Heartland was my favourite song of the 80s! So prophetic and superb lyrics and a catchy tune too! Matt Johnson was a supreme songwriter! Infected was immense!!
What struck me about this song and album was having cheery-up-tempo music juxtaposed against rather dark social commentary that evoked disturbing imagery throughout. Just brilliant! As it made me smile and wince at the same time. Love all of The The's discography. Brilliant all around! I've heard Matt Johnson was David Bowie's favorite song writer.
I listened to the album at a friend's place and loved the tunes and the Jools Holland piano. Then I paid attention to the lyrics and thought exactly as you just said.
This is how I've always described to people why I love The The so much. Deep and poignant lyrical commentary set on a backdrop of upbeat music. Would love to hear Bowie say that Matt Johnson was his favorite songwriter. That's a serious compliment.
@@Lisa-pw2he It may have been in an article or an interview in which this was stated, perhaps a Google search could yield a direction. I wish I could recite an exact source. Indeed, coming from him, it would seem so. One thing David Bowie possessed was a sense of humility. He was always supportive of the song writing process. I recall he participated in song writing seminars and contests as a judge stateside.
"As the pound in our pocket turns into a dollar ...." It wasn't nearly as obvious to most in 1986. It should be now! Prophetic stuff indeed. Quite brilliant.
@@BattleMatt I think it meant that we're kind of under America's thumb culturally. They're bigger and stronger and they tend to throw their weight around. Culturally and commercially their influence extends across the world. It sometimes feels like we ARE "the fifty-first state".
@@DanielSwan I've listened to lyrics must admit not much has changed to poor pensioners + social scroungers but if you work hard to better yourself you can change your lifestyle instead of smoking pot + drinking cheap alcohol all day + blaming other people for your misfortunes
This album, Infected, is one of those classic moments, where no matter your musical tastes, it becomes a must own. Outstanding misic, outstanding videos too!!! As this was at the heart of the MTV era,.videos were essential,.but in this case, the music stands on its own, only complimented by the vids. Fabulous songwriting and musicianship by all concerned!
I remember the Saturday morning cinema's that my mam&dad used to love.they were derelict when I was growing up.we loved playing in em when we were kids..Happy day's..
One of the great protest songs of the 1980s. A song that is revelant today as it was on its original release in 1986 of the decline of Britain's industrial heartlands and the incompetence of public and private leaders to halt this descent into a country which is now reliant on service industries.
It captured the darker side of what was going on then so well,and much of it still fits the state of this country now. Brilliantly gloomy and pessimistic.
Matt Johnson is, was and always will be a true visionary in every sense of the word. From the mid 1980s to today his lyrics stand and prove what a soothsayer he is.
I was lucky enough in about 1988? To see them do this live at rock city, and seen Matt ,couple times over the years....and in 2024, its sadly even more true 💔😭
Absolutely spot on for this day and age too - the tail end of 2019 and the lyrics are spot on, tragically. This song, music, lyrics and vocal speaks volumes for the current predicament - sad but true.
This is the song/video that got me into The The. I remember waching this video repeatedly on MusicBox. Bought the 'Infected' album on the strength of this alone !! I've never looked back.
I bought this when it first came out, because it was sign of the times back then.. Depressing but factual lyrics, giving rise to hope.. 2020, how things have not changed for the better...Orwell, I mean oh well, I will give it another listen, cheers me up no end...Great song...
The The and The Style Council, great British bands that sing about real world observations set to incomparably good music. All Matt’s albums are every note pure genius over all albums. Thanks bro.
Holy crap, my copy of this (vinyl) had a skip at the end of the song that I honestly thought was part of the song, but not on this version. Another thing about this awesome album I find out 8000 years later!
My Brother had this on vinyl, around 1986/ 7 I'm guessing. And yes, I remember the skip at the end of the song ! ? Something like " Of the U, U, U " 👍☮️
Listened to this today by chance - and thought how relevant the song still is...: "Here comes another winter of long shadows and high hopes Here comes another winter waiting for utopia...". I hope that the winter will not be as long as I am afraid it will be...
Quality inteligent music like this is today lost in the jungle of sponsored radio pop music. Our kids will not know music llike this unless they have parents that play it for them. Its a tragedy that generations are not listening to quality music like The The and others and instead listen to mp3 compressed music on airpods.
I was sixteen when I bought this as a 7 inch single. Every word on that has come true, especially over recent weeks."The way this country is divided to fall" it's starting to happen.
2019 and as relevant now as it ever was. I'll tip my hat now to Mr Johnson for his foresight, I'm just sad that it has come to bear for so long for so many.
The The are one of those bands whos music & lyrics are timeless & still feel relevant today. Matt Jonson is a musical genius & this song is definately one of my favourites !
And one day the English shouted... More than 30 years ago... The English have made life impossible for many Latinos... As is my case that I am Argentine... But in this song the Kingdom is also left see as another victim... This is so... Of course Matt is an undervalued Talent!!!
Reminds me of our monthly family shopping trip to Mansfield town centre in the late 1970s. I don't live in the UK anymore but it still reminds me of home. The line "Here comes another Winter of long shadows and high hopes" is pretty well etched into my consciousness.
i first heard this song and album when a girl gave me a ride home from university in the late 80s for Christmas break, i think we played it 2-3 times as she only had a couple of tapes in her car. truly an amazing song and album.
The lyrics of the infected album were no less than visionary.
the 'real' national anthem
Blur's Parklife has that one thanks 😊
We'll take you, but you gotta clean up your water. (Il Yankee)
@johndoe-vc1we would go with The The over Blur anytime 😊
...Of England???? Not Scotland. Then again could be Scotland too as we are held against our will constantly into this UK bollocks.
over the hills with the swords of a 1000 men.tenpole tudor.
I started listening to the the in about 1985/86 and I've never stopped loving it. Jan 2024 and this song is more relevant than ever. Maybe not in the way Matt intended but relevant nonetheless. Especially the bit about "so many people can't express what's on their mind, nobody knows them nobody ever will until their backs are broken, their dreams are stolen and they can't get want and then they're gonna get angry". That's the Brits he's talking about right there.
Same here , Infected was and still is The bollox ❤
I think it WAS the what Matt intended. Urban decay, violence, official neglect, while the poor and aged are at the bottom of the scrap heap. What was true in 1985 is still true in 2024, nearly 40 years later. "Nothing ever changes". Indeed. We had dreams when we came out of WWII, a welfare state, a NHS, housing for all, etc. But a lot of it's turned into a nightmare.
Bought this when it first came out, as well as the album. Listened to it again after 10 years and nothing had changed, and then after 20 and then 30, and it's just as relevant now as it was then. Very few songs can do that and this one that should be passed down and treasured forever...
I hear you girl!
You nailed it Anna. Last night I pulled out my copy of the Singles. And this particular song hit me. And you’re right. Nothing has changed. Depressing. And we should all be rioting in the streets.
Dec 2019. Tories win a big majority. As relevant as ever.
Absolutely code!
Comrade
has to be the most underrated band, so relevant and accurate lyrics then and now all the years later, i am so glad to have grown up listening to quality like this, Matt was spot on.
Shut the f up. Nobody cares about your A-hole opinion.
I was 16 when this was released and now at 51 it's just as brilliant
I was nearly 3 years old
I'm 50. 1972
I'm 58, came to it earlier. Saw The The earlier this week, great great concert.
This is now the Uk's new national anthem! prophetic genius!
Kbax Bax I know 😞
Fuck off tories
NHS soon to belong to USA :(
Fucking too right mate
The 51st state of the USA....too right! He wrote this long before it became blatantly obvious. Impressive.
"The ammunition's been passed, and the lord's been praised, but the wars on the television will never be explained"
Best social commentary lyric ever
Ukraine, Israel, the violence never changes, does it? War, war and more war. "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition" came from Pearl Harbor, a sick, twisted interpretation of Christianity.
I was 19 years old, a long time ago. Trudging across the Tundra in the NWT Canada taking samples for a Diamond Company. Was late August, the sun was setting and I was singing this song, in the middle of nowhere, a land of lakes, tundra, big rocks, bears, wolves and no humans. Was absolutely terrifying and amazing. I remember that late afternoon 30 years ago.
"This is the land where nothing changes", is such a true line as we approach 35 years since its release. Matt is undervalued except by those lucky enough to have found him; let us mourn for those who have not.
So true
Apart from demographically of course.😕
You must be blind or willingly ignorant:
Have you taken a look at the UK lately ???
Remains one of my favourite albums of all time, and this song still sends shivers down my spine. Beautiful, chilling, prophetic, 33 years later and this country is still sick, sad and confused....
More so than ever
Hello from 2020 - you want to see sick...?
37 yrs later and the world is still sick,sad and confused;more so than ever.
I have listened to this song for over 30 years and I am now quite confident in saying this is the best song ever recorded.
My introduction to The The was their stencilled graffiti logo on all the main junction exit signs from Maidenhead into London on the M4…capturing my imagination & Matt Johnson’s rhythmic songs & prophetic lyrics have lived with me ever since…plus the image of Neneh Cherry writhing whilst tied to a train track by a tunnel singing on a great video…
"This is the land where nothing changes". Welcome to 2022.
Just checking in. 2024 & nothing's changed.
its heart-breaking
It’s got worse 🤦🏻♂️this song was so far of its time Matt Johnson genius
Yes agreed but we get a new album and tour this year , 2024 suddenly looking good
True
And the pensioners are still getting rape and their hearts are still being cut from the welfare state !😢
It's 2022 in the UK and you are relevant again Matt.
Speaking from Canada this is very relevant. I would be honored to be the 51st state
Absolute brilliance! Heartland was my favourite song of the 80s! So prophetic and superb lyrics and a catchy tune too! Matt Johnson was a supreme songwriter! Infected was immense!!
Magnifico
What struck me about this song and album was having cheery-up-tempo music juxtaposed against rather dark social commentary that evoked disturbing imagery throughout. Just brilliant! As it made me smile and wince at the same time. Love all of The The's discography. Brilliant all around! I've heard Matt Johnson was David Bowie's favorite song writer.
I listened to the album at a friend's place and loved the tunes and the Jools Holland piano. Then I paid attention to the lyrics and thought exactly as you just said.
This is how I've always described to people why I love The The so much. Deep and poignant lyrical commentary set on a backdrop of upbeat music. Would love to hear Bowie say that Matt Johnson was his favorite songwriter. That's a serious compliment.
@@Lisa-pw2he It may have been in an article or an interview in which this was stated, perhaps a Google search could yield a direction. I wish I could recite an exact source. Indeed, coming from him, it would seem so. One thing David Bowie possessed was a sense of humility. He was always supportive of the song writing process. I recall he participated in song writing seminars and contests as a judge stateside.
Still fresh and relevant, unbelievable. Many thanks!
"As the pound in our pocket turns into a dollar
...."
It wasn't nearly as obvious to most in 1986. It should be now! Prophetic stuff indeed. Quite brilliant.
Nice sentiment, but in reality, that's absolute bollocks. Yer welcome.
Actually it was more obvious in '86 with Reagan in the Whitehouse and we were housing their nuclear weapons.
@@auldlang1751 Let's wait for the much trumpeted UK-US post-Brexit deal.
@@BattleMatt I think it meant that we're kind of under America's thumb culturally. They're bigger and stronger and they tend to throw their weight around. Culturally and commercially their influence extends across the world. It sometimes feels like we ARE "the fifty-first state".
@@CathyKitson You nailed it. Now they own a good chunk of the EPL as well (and god knows what else).
33 years old, and never more relevant than now.
And I really wish it wasn't. I wish we could just listen to this and enjoy it as a great song.
everybody should hear and love the talent that is matt johnson pure genius one of my favourite artists ever.
32 years later and not a lot has changed.
Mike Paull
Not a lot has changed r u fucking mad ware have u been the moon u fucking nut case
Gary Cowie where*
I like how that was the least of your concerns with that sentence :D Clearly hadn't bothered to listen to the lyrics though..
@@DanielSwan
I've listened to lyrics must admit not much has changed to poor pensioners + social scroungers but if you work hard to better yourself you can change your lifestyle instead of smoking pot + drinking cheap alcohol all day + blaming other people for your misfortunes
I get your point
I remember myself and my friend Paul seeing him in concert in Newport in 1988, one of the best concerts I ever saw . RIP Paul
Sorry to hear of your sad lose keep your chin up god bless
Blimey just read this and I was at the gig also ah good memories
I was there too. Remember that a weird dramatic intro played before they came on stage
This album, Infected, is one of those classic moments, where no matter your musical tastes, it becomes a must own. Outstanding misic, outstanding videos too!!! As this was at the heart of the MTV era,.videos were essential,.but in this case, the music stands on its own, only complimented by the vids. Fabulous songwriting and musicianship by all concerned!
VHS taped this off of MTV's 120 Minutes so we could watch it whenever we needed to. 🎶
Masterpiece, still outstanding.....
Coming true
36 years later and Britain has a US-born Prime Minister.
Who'da thunk it?
I remember the Saturday morning cinema's that my mam&dad used to love.they were derelict when I was growing up.we loved playing in em when we were kids..Happy day's..
not even half a million views? (was expecting 50 million.)
One of the great protest songs of the 1980s. A song that is revelant today as it was on its original release in 1986 of the decline of Britain's industrial heartlands and the incompetence of public and private leaders to halt this descent into a country which is now reliant on service industries.
It captured the darker side of what was going on then so well,and much of it still fits the state of this country now. Brilliantly gloomy and pessimistic.
Same occurred in the U.S.
Couldnt put it any better myself
Matt Johnson is, was and always will be a true visionary in every sense of the word. From the mid 1980s to today his lyrics stand and prove what a soothsayer he is.
I was lucky enough in about 1988? To see them do this live at rock city, and seen Matt ,couple times over the years....and in 2024, its sadly even more true 💔😭
Absolutely spot on for this day and age too - the tail end of 2019 and the lyrics are spot on, tragically.
This song, music, lyrics and vocal speaks volumes for the current predicament - sad but true.
Everything Matt does is class.
TOTALLY WICKED & EXCELLENT
AND SO TRUE
THANX SO MUCH FOR THIS
NICK x
Heard this in 1985 when I was 13. Am 50 now and it is still relevant
This is the song/video that got me into The The. I remember waching this video repeatedly on MusicBox.
Bought the 'Infected' album on the strength of this alone !! I've never looked back.
Amazing how this great song brings us here.
Yes it’s relevant because the issues back then were never solved...so they still exist
I bought this when it first came out, because it was sign of the times back then..
Depressing but factual lyrics, giving rise to hope..
2020, how things have not changed for the better...Orwell, I mean oh well, I will give it another listen, cheers me up no end...Great song...
Same,and I might still have the single somewhere.
The most amazing song, love The The
It's an all time fave for me. Sadly, lyrically it still seems relevant.
The The and The Style Council, great British bands that sing about real world observations set to incomparably good music. All Matt’s albums are every note pure genius over all albums. Thanks bro.
Holy crap, my copy of this (vinyl) had a skip at the end of the song that I honestly thought was part of the song, but not on this version. Another thing about this awesome album I find out 8000 years later!
My Brother had this on vinyl, around 1986/ 7 I'm guessing. And yes, I remember the skip at the end of the song ! ? Something like " Of the U, U, U " 👍☮️
@@lostman8990 The skip is there on CD as well. It's intentional.
Same skip on my glorious cassette. Wonder how many people know what those are : )
@richardhogg8507 a good many I would think!
I had the skip on vinyl. Pretty sure it’s part of the song, unless it’s a Mandela Effect.
a song thats stood the test of time & even more prophetic now than ever in the age of covid
soooooooo relevant still all this time. a true visionary
Wish I'd heard of this at the time, this is quality !
Absolutely superb track.
Mans a genius of word,to rich in lyrics for the pop charts,
Reminds me of my college common room. It would be played every break without fail!
Brilliant. . 👍
Still relevant since 1986, I keep on listening. The cranes are moving ...
Una de las mejores canciones sin dudas!!! Maravillosa!!!
Listened to this today by chance - and thought how relevant the song still is...: "Here comes another winter of long shadows and high hopes Here comes another winter waiting for utopia...". I hope that the winter will not be as long as I am afraid it will be...
Quality inteligent music like this is today lost in the jungle of sponsored radio pop music. Our kids will not know music llike this unless they have parents that play it for them. Its a tragedy that generations are not listening to quality music like The The and others and instead listen to mp3 compressed music on airpods.
I was sixteen when I bought this as a 7 inch single. Every word on that has come true, especially over recent weeks."The way this country is divided to fall" it's starting to happen.
Iv been listening to this album for 30 something years ,it's as good today as it was yesterday
Still loving it - saw Matt in concert recently and he's still got it
Incredible song ,from incredible Album
In my top 5 albums..awesome voice and lyrics. Xx
It stills good all throught those years
My pharmacist turned me on to this in the late 80s. The guy has good musical taste!
2019 and as relevant now as it ever was. I'll tip my hat now to Mr Johnson for his foresight, I'm just sad that it has come to bear for so long for so many.
Bought the vinyl on a hunch, now I have the matching cassette ;)
Pure magic. Would love to repurchase the entire Infected album video movie in HD.
Still one of my favorite songs after 35 years or so.
Perfection
Drums are superb ❤
Amazing song from one of the greatest albums of all time " Infected " .
Incredible song that takes me right back. Very evocative of the time.
How insightful and prophetic this was.
This is the land where nothing changes
I hope I can live to the ripe old age of 56 so I can see this song/lp get the 40 year treatment
Ha. I'm nearly 60. Still love it.
One of the best albums ever made in my humble opinion.
Frankfurt would have been happy if you had come this year...!
Came here by accident and don’t regret a second of it!
Awesome song, still just as relevant today.
Listening too this again, sends shivers down my spine, just amazing xx
Still so relevant, but to the whole world now, not just merry England.
The City of London is inside the city of London. Hiding in plain sight.
The The are one of those bands whos music & lyrics are timeless & still feel relevant today. Matt Jonson is a musical genius & this song is definately one of my favourites !
54 now my favourite brand good on you Matt
A very underrated and under promoted band!
This song could not be more topical.
Can't believe this has only had 17,000-odd views. What's going on people?
Well if that's true it has had a hell of a lot of views since you wrote that! I wonder why?
The The is only for connoisseur ears.
Very prophetic
Hey hey hey! The best! Look forward to seeing you in London the next month, can't wait!
Class single! How great is Tessa Niles on backing vocals too! ❤
And one day the English shouted... More than 30 years ago... The English have made life impossible for many Latinos... As is my case that I am Argentine... But in this song the Kingdom is also left see as another victim... This is so... Of course Matt is an undervalued Talent!!!
Reminds me of our monthly family shopping trip to Mansfield town centre in the late 1970s. I don't live in the UK anymore but it still reminds me of home. The line "Here comes another Winter of long shadows and high hopes" is pretty well etched into my consciousness.
35 years later and what’s changed?
Genius
Best lyrics about London especially
Amazing lyrics
As an old school punk, some 58 years old, totally rate this, nearest thing to The Clash.
We are alive and conscious... Let's go The The!!! Matt's message is more relevant than AI...
I just love these Cat's
As relevant in 2021 as it was in 1986.
Yeah society still tough kid but it's life
The shadows are going to get very long indeed for many this coming winter.
Masterpiece
i first heard this song and album when a girl gave me a ride home from university in the late 80s for Christmas break, i think we played it 2-3 times as she only had a couple of tapes in her car. truly an amazing song and album.