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Colony

Joy Division

1979
229
Live performances
1
Recording
114
Release appearances
0
Covered by

Lyrics

A cry for help, a hint of anaesthesia, 
The sound from broken homes, 
We used to meet always here. 
As he lays asleep, she takes him in her arms, 
Some things I have to do, but I don't mean you harm.

…
View full lyrics 
A cry for help, a hint of anaesthesia, 
The sound from broken homes, 
We used to meet always here. 
As he lays asleep, she takes him in her arms, 
Some things I have to do, but I don't mean you harm.

A worried parent's glance, a kiss, a last goodbye, 
Hands him the bag she packed, the tears she tries to hide, 
A cruel wind that bows down to our lunacy, 
And leaves him standing cold here in this colony.

I can't see why all these confrontations, 
I can't see why all these dislocations, 
No family life, this makes me feel uneasy, 
Stood alone here in this colony. 
In this colony, in this colony, in this colony, in this colony. 
Dear God in his wisdom took you by the hand, 
God in his wisdom made you understand. 
God in his wisdom took you by the hand. 
God in his wisdom made you understand. 
God in his wisdom took you by the hand. 
God in his wisdom made you understand. 
God in his wisdom took you by the hand. 
God in his wisdom made you understand. 
In this colony, in this colony, in this colony, in this colony.

Versions & Mixes

Recordings, remixes and alternate mixes of this composition.

  • Album Version 3:53
  • BBC Sessions 1979-11-26 4:05
  • Live 1979-11-02 3:53
  • Live 1980-02-28 4:16

Release Appearances

114 known appearances

Closer

Closer

1980
1977 - 1980

1977 - 1980

1991
Heart & Soul

Heart & Soul

1997
Heart And Soul

Heart And Soul

1997
Preston 28 February 1980

Preston 28 February 1980

1999

Fractured Box

2001
Closer / Unknown Pleasures

Closer / Unknown Pleasures

2010

Videos

View on Transmission →

Live History

229
Total performances
First known performance
11 Aug 1979
Eric's, Liverpool
Last known performance
28 Mar 2026
Tvornica kulture, Zagreb

Recent performances

Showing 20 of 229 total

Sources

MusicBrainz work ↗ MusicBrainz recording ↗