Everything's Gone Green is the third single by New Order. Released some time in December 1981. Originally a B-side to Procession, it now has its own two B-sides, "Cries and Whispers" and "Mesh". On 29 April 2022, it was given its own lyric video.
Background
Everything's Gone Green (EGG for short), as well as Procession, "Cries and Whispers", and "Mesh" were recorded in 1981. On September 1981, an edited version of EGG paired with Procession released. New Order released the full track and its future B-sides on December 1981. EGG also appears on 1981-1982 and Substance.
Everything's Gone Green is the first song in New Order, and history with the "alternative dance" genre, in which New Order fathered. EGG also has a rhythm similar to Video 5 8 6.
The song marks the last production by Martin Hannett, who was worked up by a mixture of Joy Division, and his bad production of Movement that- "fact he walked out halfway through the mix because Hooky and me asked him to turn the drums up"- in Bernard Sumner's words.
B-sides
"Cries and Whispers" and "Mesh" are placed the right way on the label, though not on the sleeve. This has arisen confusion over which song is which. Though through multiple rereleases and digital versions, the current names for the songs are more likely than not the real ones.
Reviews
Allmusic gave this review, or part of it: "The Peter Hook/Stephen Morris rhythm section sounds like a four-limbed single body and mind, with the keyboard loops from Gillian Gilbert and Morris's own use of electronic drums making it even more of a monster. Bernard Sumner's guitar slowly fades in then adds a quick, clipped part of its own, while Sumner's singing, if still reminiscent of Ian Curtis's lost-in-the-wasteland delivery at lower volume, suits the song quite well."
Lyrics
Help me, somebody help me
I wonder where I am
I see my future before me
I'll hurt you when I can
It seems like I've been here before
It seems like I've been here before
It seems like I've been here before
It seems like I've been here before
Confusion sprung up from devotion
A halo that covers my eyes
It sprung from this first estrangement
No one have I ever despised
Is this the way that you wanted to pay
Won't you show me, please show me the way
Is this the way that you wanted to pay
Won't you show me, please show me the way
Show me, show me, show me, show me, show me