Depeche Mode – People Are People
The song was written by Martin Lee Gore. “People Are People” is Depeche Mode‘s first single from their forth studio album “Some Great Reward” (September 24, 1984). The single was released on March 12, 1984 with “In Your Memory” (written by Allan Wilder) on the B-side. “People Are People” was the band’s first hit single in the United States, reaching #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single reached the top ten in many European countries, incl. #1 in Germany and #4 in the UK.
The song was used as the theme to West German TV’s coverage of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and as the theme song of the 1990s BBC Children’s factual TV series, “It’ll Never Work?”. In 2004, the song was covered by RuPaul (American drag queen, actor, model and singer) featuring Tom Trujillo reaching #10 on Billboard’s US Dance Club Songs chart.
The song’s lyrics are a commentary on prejudice and discrimination, with the narrator pleading for people to put aside their differences and recognize our shared humanity. The song’s memorable chorus, which repeats the phrase “People are people, so why should it be / You and I should get along so awfully”, has become an iconic anthem for tolerance and understanding. The music video for “People Are People” is also noteworthy, featuring a montage of footage of people from different walks of life, as well as scenes of Depeche Mode performing the song. The video’s simple, yet powerful visuals helped to reinforce the song’s message of unity and understanding.
Overall, “People Are People” is a classic synth-pop anthem that remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released. Its catchy melody, memorable chorus, and powerful message of tolerance and acceptance have helped it endure as one of Depeche Mode’s most iconic and beloved songs.
