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Inspiration for the lyrics of '1963'?
There have been other threads querying the meaning of this song and its origins, I know, but...
If you're not familiar with the lyrics, check out Deborah Curtis' book, 'Touching From A Distance', page 200 under 'Unseen Lyrics'.
I know it's a tentative link, but a partial theme is in evidence.
What do you guys think? 
I'll have to read it again and get back to you on that....
Speaking of the "unpublished" or "uncollected" writings, there's just some bizarre stuff Ian wrote, very moody and dark. I always think his life had turned out to be so boring (9-5 gov. job, early marriage) that it was inevitable he'd be a writer. If he hadn't fronted Joy Division, he probably would've been a great novelist...
Originally posted by Chris Nash Inspiration for the lyrics of '1963'?There have been other threads querying the meaning of this song and its origins, I know, but...If you're not familiar with the lyrics, check out Deborah Curtis' book, 'Touching From A Distance', page 200 under 'Unseen Lyrics'.I know it's a tentative link, but a partial theme is in evidence.What do you guys think?
Nah, the only connection is the word Johnny !! The lyrics are probably autobiographical, in that Ian was 23 when he wrote it. Most of his lyrics are obliquely about himself.
I agree with everything Easy E said. "Johnny 23" never became a Joy Division song so how could Barney be influenced by it to write "1963"? I think this writing remained unseen (even for New Order) until 1995 when Debbie's book has been published.
Still speaking about unfinished writings, it's interesting to note that the line "Avenues all lined with trees" besides "Ceremony" is also in "Untitled and Unfinished" (page 200) and in another writing on page 186.
Yeah I noticed that also! It is nice to see it ended up in my favorite song. It's my favorite part of Ceremony.
