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Depeche Mode — Precious
Album: Playing the Angel
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3455









Released: 2005
Length: 3:58
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Precious and fragile things
Need special handling
My God, what have we done to you?

We always try to share
The tenderest of care
Now look what we have put you through

Things get damaged
Things get broken
I thought we'd manage
But words left unspoken
Left us so brittle
There was so little left to give

Angels with silver wings
Shouldn't know suffering
I wish I could take the pain for you

If God has a master plan
That only He understands
I hope it's your eyes He's seeing through

Things get damaged
Things get broken
I thought we'd manage
But words left unspoken
Left us so brittle
There was so little left to give

I pray you learn to trust
Have faith in both of us
And keep room in your hearts for two

Things get damaged
Things get broken
I thought we'd manage
But words left unspoken
Left us so brittle
There was so little left to give
Comments (241)add comment
Not normally a Depeche Mode fan but this just rolls along so nicely.  Solid 7+ for me.
Posted 6 months ago by redart    [ Reply ]
DM has been aging really well for me.. their attention to production keeps things classy and more-listenable over time.

I was also happy to hear them on Smartless podcast. They're goofy and light-hearted, in a marked contrast from their musical persona. They address this in the interview.
Posted 8 months ago by jasonv    [ Reply ]
 timmus wrote:

Good song, though the idea of a techno dance song about childhood trauma has always seemed a bit strange.



You realize of course, that Depeche Mode is a techno dance band, right? It would be disingenuous to expect them to write this as a country song. 
Posted 1 year ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 tm wrote:

Divorce… yeah I am going through it right now and this hits.



yeah, i know that feeling. seems as though whomever writes the lyrics for DM really knows about these types of feelings very deeply.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
This just faded to silence before the end..    Something went wrong?
Posted 1 year ago by timesliphu    [ Reply ]
I love this song
Posted 1 year ago by kemalkendir    [ Reply ]
Divorce… yeah I am going through it right now and this hits.
Posted 1 year ago by tm    [ Reply ]
I agree there is little left to give. Hand it over.
Posted 2 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by bennie482    [ Reply ]
 gandalfbmg wrote:

  

I don't know... this song came out right after I got divorced from my son's mother, and I always thought it a very thoughful and hearfelt letter to a child from a recently-divorced parent...


I'm glad I read your post; you made me want to read the lyrics and I'm glad I did. I see your point.
Posted 2 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
Excellent Tune!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 opaceo wrote:

FWIW, Pezz9 said it was "So serious and meaningless" ...  I think you mean you're with gandalfbmg who said: "I don't know... this song came out right after I got divorced from my son's mother, and I always thought it a very thoughtful and hearfelt letter to a child from a recently-divorced parent..."


You are correct. My mistake. Thank you. 
Edited to correct. 
Posted 2 years ago by daiv    [ Reply ]
 vandal wrote:


You realize of course that you are listening to Depeche Mode, right? 


What is America actually realizing right at this moment, and is it relevant?
Posted 2 years ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
 daiv wrote:

My bio daughter was adopted out, so we did not meet until she was 18. This song came out shortly afterwards, and I always felt it expressed some of what i felt. So, yah. I am with you, Pezz9. FWIW. 

FWIW, Pezz9 said it was "So serious and meaningless" ...  I think you mean you're with gandalfbmg who said: "I don't know... this song came out right after I got divorced from my son's mother, and I always thought it a very thoughtful and hearfelt letter to a child from a recently-divorced parent..."
Posted 2 years ago by opaceo    [ Reply ]
 gandalfbmg wrote:

  

I don't know... this song came out right after I got divorced from my son's mother, and I always thought it a very thoughful and hearfelt letter to a child from a recently-divorced parent...


I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I never really paid close attention to the lyrics until I read your comment.  Now I like the song even more.  

Thanks for the post, and thank you Bill and Rebecca for offering the option to post and read comments from other RP listeners.  One more reason why RP is my favorite music "station" on the planet.  
Posted 2 years ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
Impressive lyrics. Never actually read them before.
Posted 2 years ago by FrankRizzo    [ Reply ]
Just can't get enough - NFFC 2022 
Posted 2 years ago by glowworm    [ Reply ]
Good Tune!! I never heard it before.  Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 timmus wrote:

Good song, though the idea of a techno dance song about childhood trauma has always seemed a bit strange.



You're not wrong. 
And. Dancing makes things better, sometimes.  
Posted 2 years ago by daiv    [ Reply ]
 timmus wrote:

Good song, though the idea of a techno dance song about childhood trauma has always seemed a bit strange.



You realize of course that you are listening to Depeche Mode, right? 
Posted 2 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Good song, though the idea of a techno dance song about childhood trauma has always seemed a bit strange.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
 goozer321 wrote:

You should try listening before typing.


Or he should try thinking before typing!
Posted 2 years ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
Is that Robert Smith on the album cover?
Posted 2 years ago by daudivp    [ Reply ]


Depeche Mode and The Cure seem birds of a feather

Posted 2 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 gandalfbmg wrote:

  

I don't know... this song came out right after I got divorced from my son's mother, and I always thought it a very thoughful and hearfelt letter to a child from a recently-divorced parent...


you are exactly right. 
 https://www.songmeaningsandfac...
Posted 3 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 markus333 wrote:

The most overrated band ever!



I'm pretty sure you mean Milli Vanilli. 
Posted 3 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
 markus333 wrote:

The most overrated band ever!



Not sure this is an accurate statement or opinion. Many others come to mind before this one!
Posted 3 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 Imkirok wrote:

Was just reading the lyrics and thought the same thing.  I've heard the song but never really paid attention to the words.  This is a very emotional song.


Indeed.  7 --> 8 because you made me read the lyrics :)
Posted 3 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
 meatmike wrote:
Sometimes a song makes me cry.
 
Was just reading the lyrics and thought the same thing.  I've heard the song but never really paid attention to the words.  This is a very emotional song.

Posted 3 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
 Boxie wrote:
One of my favorite bands from the 1980's.
 

One of my favorite (live) bands today.
Posted 3 years ago by whatsupdude    [ Reply ]
Never concentrated on the lyrics until today.  What a hearbreaking song.  
Posted 4 years ago by Alastair    [ Reply ]
It still sounds amazing despite the heartbreaking context
Posted 4 years ago by garydgould    [ Reply ]
Thank you radio paradise.
Posted 5 years ago by aratkaytaz    [ Reply ]
Not a fan of Depeche Mode in the 80s, but enjoying this - solid 7.
Posted 5 years ago by adib    [ Reply ]
The most overrated band ever!
Posted 5 years ago by markus333    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite bands from the 1980's.
Posted 5 years ago by Boxie    [ Reply ]
Put this song & It's No Good on Violator & that is their best.
Posted 5 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
Formed in 1980, and still going strong 39 years later.  No wonder they've been such a big part of my musical life.
Posted 5 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
Young days :)
Posted 5 years ago by redas77    [ Reply ]
More power to Depeche
Posted 6 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
Sometimes a song makes me cry.
Posted 6 years ago by meatmike    [ Reply ]
Hello Yessssss!
Posted 8 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:

That's right - this is the finest computer generated music there is...pretty soon your iPhone will be  churning these out by the millions
 
If it's so easy, and even an iPhone can do it, let's see you give it a go!
Posted 8 years ago by OceanBlue    [ Reply ]
At the time, this was the best thing they had done in years.
Posted 8 years ago by Hoosfoos    [ Reply ]
This '05 comeback effort really impressed me! It made me revisit and celebrate this fantastic band that used to be so central in the Music scene. Bravo!
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
It doesn't have to be like this, seeing through when I know true colors is a multiverse
 And I am at sixes&sevens.History repeats itself.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 LindyLuv wrote:
I love just about anything done by Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, The Soulsavers. DP is one of the few bands I have never seen, but I imagine it would be a thrill. "Precious" is not one of their best songs but still quite likable.
 
they are amazing live {#Crown}
Personal Jesus lasts at least 10 minutes {#Biggrin} 
Posted 9 years ago by ShamanManu    [ Reply ]
I love just about anything done by Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, The Soulsavers. DP is one of the few bands I have never seen, but I imagine it would be a thrill. "Precious" is not one of their best songs but still quite likable.
Posted 9 years ago by LindyLuv    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:

That's right - this is the finest computer generated music there is...pretty soon your iPhone will be  churning these out by the millions
 
They've been saying that about the Minimoog for over 40 years now.
Posted 9 years ago by CaffeineSam    [ Reply ]
Yawn. At best this is dull.
Posted 9 years ago by Andrew_C    [ Reply ]
Easily the best thing they have done since Violator.
Posted 10 years ago by Hoosfoos    [ Reply ]
Good vocalist...and lyrics too
Posted 10 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:

That's right - this is the finest computer generated music there is...pretty soon your iPhone will be  churning these out by the millions
 
Can my iPhone really churn out Dave and Martin's voice? Wow, we're coming a long way!

By the way, RP, thank you for playing this!
Posted 10 years ago by DearDM    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
QUALITY-PRODUCT!

 
That's right - this is the finest computer generated music there is...pretty soon your iPhone will be  churning these out by the millions
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 gandalfbmg wrote:

 Pezz9 wrote:
 
 

I don't know... this song came out right after I got divorced from my son's mother, and I always thought it a very thoughful and hearfelt letter to a child from a recently-divorced parent...

 
My bio daughter was adopted out, so we did not meet until she was 18. This song came out shortly afterwards, and I always felt it expressed some of what i felt. So, yah. I am with you, gandalfbmg. FWIW. 
Posted 11 years ago by daiv    [ Reply ]
 gandalfbmg wrote:


I don't know... this song came out right after I got divorced from my son's mother, and I always thought it a very thoughful and hearfelt letter to a child from a recently-divorced parent...

 
yep seems pretty accurate to me
Posted 11 years ago by rtrt    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:




1) So, is the ferret on synth?

2) With friends like this, who needs the internet.

3) Than the ferret says, "close the door idiot! I don't want the gerbil next door to get jealous."

4) To which I exclaim, "congratulations! You're now an official brother of Sigma Delta Tau."

5) Suddenly irate, I yell, "Is this your way of telling me I'm lousy in bed?"

...And the list goes on. Keep it going folks!
 
6) The ferret says, "He's not as good as your wife, but it pays the rent." 

7) And adds, "Everyone knows you're lousy in bed...well, all the Sigs at least."

8) Is it socially acceptable and ergonomically feasible to engage in mixed-species circle jerks? The gerbil is knocking at the door... 


Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Amazing song, amazing band
Posted 11 years ago by syndra    [ Reply ]
Ahhh yes. Thought this sounded like Depressed Mode. Haven't heard them in a while. Just never warmed to them. Popular here in Utah where Prozac use is one of highest in the nation.
Posted 11 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
 
6) ...at which point you video & upload it to YouTube with your phone while waiting your turn
Posted 11 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]

 Pezz9 wrote:
So serious and meaningless 
 

I don't know... this song came out right after I got divorced from my son's mother, and I always thought it a very thoughful and hearfelt letter to a child from a recently-divorced parent...
Posted 11 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
 Pezz9 wrote:
So serious and meaningless 
 
You should try listening before typing.
Posted 11 years ago by goozer321    [ Reply ]
So serious and meaningless 
Posted 11 years ago by Pezz9    [ Reply ]
For 2005 DM, this is pretty good.

7. 
Posted 11 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
That's cool—unless it is an underage ferret....


 vit wrote:
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
 


Posted 12 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
I personally think the distorted guitar chords are a nice addition to the keyboard heavy band. Have always thought so. 
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
 
Hmm, perhaps that's why I feel the same way when I see a good friend ferreting a mole?
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
 



1) So, is the ferret on synth?

2) With friends like this, who needs the internet.

3) Than the ferret says, "close the door idiot! I don't want the gerbil next door to get jealous."

4) To which I exclaim, "congratulations! You're now an official brother of Sigma Delta Tau."

5) Suddenly irate, I yell, "Is this your way of telling me I'm lousy in bed?"

...And the list goes on. Keep it going folks!
Posted 13 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
 Siljanus wrote:

Okay, so that's a 7 rating from you for this song?
 
HA!!!

I give that an 8. This too. 
Posted 13 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 13 years ago by aquadonia    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
 
Okay, so that's a 7 rating from you for this song?

Posted 13 years ago by Siljanus    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
  
Maybe you should think about finding some new friends.

Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
ah yes — loves me some Depeche Mode.....!  {#Tongue}
Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
 htowncoog wrote:

Heard that!  {#Clap}  The amount of melodies still blossoming in these guy's brains sure is impressive.

 

I agree - still...

..."DM" is less a band than it is "MARTIN GORE", who,
by the way - learned to play a pretty good guitar over the years!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 xkolibuul wrote:
If only all bands sounded this good after 25 years together.  
 
Heard that!  {#Clap}  The amount of melodies still blossoming in these guy's brains sure is impressive.

Posted 14 years ago by htowncoog    [ Reply ]
If only all bands sounded this good after 25 years together.  
Posted 14 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
playing this after marley is like a punch in the face
Posted 14 years ago by swelements    [ Reply ]
QUALITY-PRODUCT!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Awesome song — thanks for playing some Depeche Mode: great way to start the morning!
Posted 14 years ago by rpfan101    [ Reply ]

psychic playlist strikes... I was JUST thinking about popping in this CD...


Posted 14 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]

Depeche Mode IV by ~p0m
©2006-2010 ~p0m

"Your own personal jesus"

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 burdell wrote:
This came out in 2005? No way. I could swear I remember hearing this in 1989. I guess they haven't lost the Depeche Mode sound and ability to write original music.
 
"Playing the Angel, released on 17 October 2005, is the eleventh full-length album by Depeche Mode. It was supported by the Touring the Angel tour." - per our Wiki friends.

I had to look.  I would have guessed 80's as well. 


Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Still brilliant after many years.
Posted 14 years ago by cjones3b    [ Reply ]
lamest rhyming lyrics of the day!
Posted 14 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
this cd is ordered as we speak.....
now!
Posted 15 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
Love the guitar!!!!! 8->9
Posted 15 years ago by Saliby_Br    [ Reply ]
This came out in 2005? No way. I could swear I remember hearing this in 1989. I guess they haven't lost the Depeche Mode sound and ability to write original music.
Posted 16 years ago by burdell    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
 
Lemme guess;  you ask if the ferret has a sister?

{#Hearteyes}

Posted 16 years ago by lwilkinson    [ Reply ]
 vit wrote:
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
 
LOL! I get the same feeling listening to the Goth electronica of DM as I used to get listening to Marc Almond and Soft Cell, namely a sense of guilt, sleaze, and self-torture. Which is not a bad thing, as I'm a big fan of DM. 8 from the Nottingham jury.

Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Whenever Depeche Mode comes on Radio Paradise I get a feeling akin to walking in on a good friend molesting a ferret.
Posted 16 years ago by vit    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:
I'm surprised this is new!  I'm sure I remember hearing this from the 80's.  It sure sounds like classic Depeche Mode.
  Get the album, even if you only halfway like the band's classic sound. Best they've done in a decade.


Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:
An 8 on CD, an absolutely stellar 10 live in concert.  Their Chicagoland stop supporting this release is in my top 5 concerts of all time.  Excellent music, quality, production and showmanship.  And they managed to make the Allstate Arena sound superb (which is nearly impossible).

 
Agree! Caught them live twice during their last show, and I'm by no means a truly rabid fan; they tend to go to way more than that if they can! Madrid was truly spectacular - top 5 gig, for me, without a doubt.
 

Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
An 8 on CD, an absolutely stellar 10 live in concert.  Their Chicagoland stop supporting this release is in my top 5 concerts of all time.  Excellent music, quality, production and showmanship.  And they managed to make the Allstate Arena sound superb (which is nearly impossible).

Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
I'm surprised this is new!  I'm sure I remember hearing this from the 80's.  It sure sounds like classic Depeche Mode.
Posted 16 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
 Baby_M wrote:
Precious and few are the moments we two can share . . . I liked that version a lot better.
 
Bwa ha ha :-D LOL
Posted 16 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
 Alexandra wrote:
I have thought for a long time that this song is written for Martin Gore's children (he and his wife got divorced last year)....what moving lyrics:

Angels with silver wings
Shouldn't know suffering
I wish I could take the pain for you
Any parent who's ever felt the excruciating and conflicted pain of hurting their kids through divorce probably get goosebumps and/or cry when they hear this.


 
I went to a whole new level of admiration for Depeche Mode when they wrote a song like this.

Posted 16 years ago by snowcat    [ Reply ]
smiling....
Posted 16 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
There is no such word as Depeche. There is, however, such a word as Dépêche.
Precious is the name of the song. Mode is the thing my keyboard doesn't have to type hieroglyphics.
Posted 16 years ago by Mack    [ Reply ]
Depresh mode
Posted 16 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
smooth vocals
Posted 16 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
I never was a depeche mode fan, but this starts growing on me.
Posted 16 years ago by dunno    [ Reply ]
There is no such word as Depeche. There is, however, such a word as Dépêche.
Posted 16 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
drtjdel wrote:
Your entire argument falls apart when you suggeste that the music of Tony Orlando and Captain and Tenelle was merely 'bad'.
I agree...and 1880 was a great year for music..guess you had to be there.
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
I'm giving this a "2" only because I'm in a good mood. And regarding the cover, chickens are to be plucked prior to grilling.
Posted 16 years ago by wycado    [ Reply ]
Precious and few are the moments we two can share . . . I liked that version a lot better.
Posted 16 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
8 -> 9
Posted 16 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
diazo wrote:
It's somehow reassuring when a band can still come up with something this strong after 25 years.
Yep. Nice groove, nothing too techno. They "sound" a bit more grown-up, yes?
Posted 16 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
Now you're playing my music, RP. Thanks, Bill!
Posted 16 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
diazo wrote:
It's somehow reassuring when a band can still come up with something this strong after 25 years.
Indeed. There's no substitute for good songwriting!
Posted 16 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
It's somehow reassuring when a band can still come up with something this strong after 25 years.
Posted 16 years ago by diazo    [ Reply ]
drtjdel wrote:
Your entire argument falls apart when you suggest that the music of Tony Orlando and Captain and Tenelle was merely 'bad'.
lmao
Posted 16 years ago by esotericderek    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
I guess all the people that think the 80s suck probably didn't come of age during that time or came of age before it. Does Echo and the Bunnymen suck? Or the Cure, or the Smiths? Lots of great music during that time, lots of crap as well. Don't characterize an entire generation of music simply on what one doesn't like of an era. I thought Tony Orlando and Dawn and Captain and Tenelle were pretty bad but that doesn't mean that the 70s sucked, it just meant that there existed bad music in that time period. That is Horstman's conclusion. Feel free to draw your own.
Your entire argument falls apart when you suggeste that the music of Tony Orlando and Captain and Tenelle was merely 'bad'.
Posted 16 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
LarsoniusMaximus wrote:
Nice!!!!!!! love their new sound.
Interestingly, this "new sound" is actually quite reminiscent of their music from A Broken Frame from the early 80s. It's nice to hear them going back to their earlier style in a new and modern way.
Posted 16 years ago by esotericderek    [ Reply ]
Smooth vocals with talented techno..I like it
Posted 16 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
fantastic, as always from dm. OORAH!
Posted 17 years ago by Glockman45    [ Reply ]
enjoying hearing this.
Posted 17 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
LarsoniusMaximus wrote:
Nice!!!!!!! love their new sound.
Have loved all of their different sounds since their debut 'Speak and spell'. I think they are a perfect example of how a highly creative band can develop it's style. More or less independently from the mainstream...
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Nice!!!!!!! love their new sound.
Posted 17 years ago by LarsoniusMaximus    [ Reply ]
For far more than 20 years my musical company. Perfect pop-music!
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
The video is as well produced and thought out as the song.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]