It's No Good

Depeche Mode's 'It's No Good' from their 1997 album 'Ultra' is a song that delves into the themes of unrequited love and determination. The lyrics, sung from the perspective of someone who is resolute in winning over the object of their affection, convey a sense of inevitability and destiny in love. The protagonist is confident that it is only a matter of time before the person they desire realizes that they belong together. The repeated assertion that 'it's no good' suggests a belief that any resistance is futile and that their love interest will eventually concede.

The song's chorus, with lines like 'Don't say you want me, don't say you need me, don't say you love me, it's understood,' reflects a complex emotional state. It's as if the speaker is preemptively rejecting any insincere declarations of love, while also implying that such admissions are unnecessary because the connection is already clear and undeniable. This could be interpreted as a form of self-protection against the vulnerability that comes with unreciprocated feelings. The insistence that the other person 'can't be' happy without them underscores a deep conviction, bordering on obsession, about the nature of their bond.

Musically, 'It's No Good' is characterized by Depeche Mode's signature electronic sound, with a dark and brooding atmosphere that complements the lyrics' intensity. The song's steady beat and melodic hooks create a sense of urgency and longing that is both haunting and seductive. The combination of the music and the lyrics captures the essence of a person who is unwavering in their pursuit of love, despite the uncertainty of its requital.