Age Of Consent

New Order's 'Age Of Consent' is a song that captures the essence of a relationship at a crossroads, where communication and understanding have broken down. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and a desire for autonomy, as the speaker repeatedly emphasizes their reluctance to be prescriptive in their wants and needs. The phrase 'Won't you please let me go' suggests a plea for release from a situation that has become emotionally painful, as the words 'lie inside' and 'hurt me so' indicate an internal struggle.

The song's narrative unfolds with the speaker acknowledging the receipt of a message, which they have fully understood. This message seems to have been a turning point, leading to regret. The regret could be on the part of the speaker for having understood the true nature of the relationship or on the part of the other person for having sent the message. The reference to 'the birds and the bees' is a colloquialism for explaining the facts of life, often related to sex and relationships, suggesting that there is no need for such explanations between the two parties, as they are past that point.

The recurring lines 'I'm not the kind that likes to tell you' and 'I'm not the kind that needs to tell you' reinforce the theme of independence and the desire to avoid dictating or being dictated to. The song concludes with the simple, yet powerful repetition of 'I've lost you,' signifying the end of the relationship and the acceptance of its demise. The song's upbeat tempo and energetic rhythm contrast with the somber message, a characteristic feature of New Order's post-punk and synth-pop style, which often juxtaposes danceable music with melancholic or introspective lyrics.