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In Between Days
View on Wikipedia| "In Between Days" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by the Cure | ||||
| from the album The Head on the Door | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | 19 July 1985[1] | |||
| Recorded | 1985 | |||
| Studio | Angel Recording Studios, London | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:57 | |||
| Label | Fiction | |||
| Songwriter | Robert Smith | |||
| Producers |
| |||
| The Cure singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "In Between Days" on YouTube | ||||
"In Between Days" (sometimes listed as "Inbetween Days" or "In-Between Days") is a song by the English rock band the Cure, released on 19 July 1985 as the first single from the band's sixth album The Head on the Door.
The song was an international success. In the UK, it was the band's ninth chart single and their fourth consecutive Top 20 hit;[4] while in the US it was their first single to reach the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 99.[5] It was a Top 20 hit in Australia and New Zealand[6] and also charted in several European countries,[7][8] increasing the popularity of the band.
Music video
[edit]The video was filmed on 18 June 1985 at Fulham Studios, London and created by Tim Pope. The video depicts the band playing, enhanced by 360-degree shots and drawn-in, colourful socks. Robert Smith had a camera, held by cables, which he could push away and hold at will; as did Porl Thompson, fixed on his guitar.[9]
Tim Pope said of the video "I think Robert is a true English eccentric, you see. He's an absolute nutcase; he's absolutely mad. Therefore, the films are very easy because I just do a close-up of his face and let him go a bit mad." Smith has stated that it was one of his favourite Cure videos, feeling "it captures the song", saying "We wanted to make a video that portrayed us as we are, without looking glamorous or anything, because I got very fed up with seeing people strutting and preening in videos. I think it’s the most tedious thing in the world, seeing the same people with different faces."[10]
Reception
[edit]"In Between Days" is widely regarded as one of the Cure's best songs. It was ranked number 64 in Sounds list of top 100 songs of all time.[11] In 2019, Billboard ranked the song number 3 on their list of the 40 greatest Cure songs,[12] and in 2023, Mojo ranked the song number 2 on their list of the 30 greatest Cure songs.[13]
John Leland at Spin said, "It has the bittersweet feel of a New Order record, with a hyperstrummed acoustic guitar for depth. The boys even offer a genuine glimmer of hope, and the tune fairly breezes by on its own momentum."[14]
Track listing
[edit]UK 7" single
- "In Between Days"
- "The Exploding Boy"
UK 12" single
- "In Between Days"
- "The Exploding Boy"
- "A Few Hours After This"
U.S. 7" single
- "In Between Days"
- "Stop Dead"
U.S./Canadian 12" single
- "In Between Days"
- "In Between Days" (Extended version)
- "Stop Dead"
UK CD
- "In Between Days" (2:55)
- "The Exploding Boy" (2:52)
- "A Few Hours After This" (2:25)
- "Six Different Ways (Live)" (3:24)
- "Push (Live)" (4:33)
- "In Between Days" (2:55) (video)
Personnel
[edit]- Robert Smith – vocals, guitar, six-string bass
- Porl Thompson – keyboards
- Simon Gallup – bass
- Boris Williams – drums
- Lol Tolhurst – keyboards
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1985) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[15] | 16 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[16] | 31 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[17] | 26 |
| UK Singles Chart | 15 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100[18] | 99 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play[19] | 39 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[20] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[21] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Cover versions
[edit]Studio versions
[edit]| Year | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | John Eddie | Rubáiyát: Elektra's 40th Anniversary |
| 2000 | Luka Bloom | Keeper of the Flame |
| 2003 | Ben Folds | Speed Graphic[22] |
| 2003 | Sunfactor | One Thousand Screaming Children |
| 2005 | Korn | Unplugged[23] |
| 2005 | La Portuaria | Rio |
| 2006 | Sunshiners | Sunshiners |
| 2008 | Mumm-Ra | Out of the Question EP |
| 2008 | Blackblack | Perfect as Cats[24] |
| 2008 | Fightstar | Alternate Endings[25] |
| 2009 | Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly | Covers |
| 2011 | Kim Wilde | Snapshots |
| 2015 | Tigers Jaw | Devinyl Splits No. 3: Tigers Jaw x Kevin Devine |
| 2017 | Karen Souza | Velvet Vault[26] |
Other versions
[edit]- A live version of the song was released on The Rifles' single "She's Got Standards".
- The song was covered by Face to Face and is featured in the film Not Another Teen Movie.
- The song was covered by Superchunk for the first season of The A.V. Club's A.V. Undercover web series.[27]
- The song was covered by Paramore during an acoustic set on Sirius XM Radio in 2013.
- The song was covered by Manic Street Preachers, who performed it at various festivals and at their show at Shepherd's Bush Empire to mark Absolute Radio's tenth anniversary.
- The song was covered by LUAMEL, a South Korean boy band, for the Apple TV+ produced television series, Pachinko, at the end of Episode 4.[28]
References
[edit]- ^ "Seeking a Cure" (PDF). Record Mirror. 13 July 1985. p. 7. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
- ^ Bruce Pollock (26 August 2005). Rock Song Index: The 7500 Most Important Songs for the Rock and Roll Era. Routledge. p. 182. ISBN 9780415970730.
- ^ "Just Like Heaven: The Cure's 10 best songs". NME. 27 March 2019.
- ^ "Cure | Full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts. Retrieved 2016-05-15.
- ^ "The Cure | Biography, Music & News". Billboard.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ Steffen Hung. "The Cure - In Between Days". Charts.nz. Retrieved 2016-11-09.
- ^ Steffen Hung. "The Cure - In Between Days". Lescharts.com. Retrieved 2016-11-09.
- ^ Jaclyn Ward. "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". Irishcharts.ie. Archived from the original on 2009-06-02. Retrieved 2014-03-17.
- ^ "Cure video - in Between Days". www.impressionofsounds.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ Andruskevicius, Molly (2021-04-21). "Pictures Of You: The Stories Behind The Cure Videos". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
- ^ "Rocklist.net...Sounds - Sounds all time top 100's". www.rocklistmusic.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2014-09-08. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
- ^ Unterberger, Andrew (March 29, 2019). "The Cure's 40 Best Songs: Critic's Picks". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- ^ "The Cure's 30 Greatest Songs Ranked". Mojo. November 14, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- ^ John Leland (November 1985). "Singles". Spin. No. 6. p. 36.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, NSW: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 35, 1985" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
- ^ "The Cure – In Between Days" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
- ^ "The Cure: Biography, Music & News (Billboard Hot 100)". Billboard. 1992-08-08. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "The Cure: Biography, Music & News (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. 1981-05-30. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – The Cure – Inbetween Days". Radioscope. Retrieved 15 February 2025. Type Inbetween Days in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ "British single certifications – Cure – In Between Days". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ "Speed Graphic". AllMusic. 2003-07-22. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ Archive-Chris-Harris. "Korn Quiet Down With The Cure, Amy Lee For 'MTV Unplugged'". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ Cohen, Ian (2009-03-12). "Various Artists: Just Like Heaven: A Tribute to the Cure / Perfect as Cats: A Tribute to the Cure". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ "Review of Fightstar". BBC. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ "Velvet Vault". AllMusic. 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ "Superchunk covers The Cure's "In Between Days"". The A.V. Club. Chicago. July 27, 2010. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ^ Hugh, Soo (2022-03-31). "Soo Hugh on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
External links
[edit]- "In Between Days" at Discogs (list of releases)
In Between Days
View on GrokipediaBackground
Writing and inspiration
Robert Smith wrote "In Between Days" in 1985, during a transitional phase for The Cure that saw the band evolving from the intense, atmospheric darkness of their 1982 album Pornography toward brighter, more accessible pop elements featured on The Head on the Door.[5] The song's lyrics concern emotional conflict in a relationship, which Smith described as "a very obvious boy/girl, go-away-and-come-back song" with themes involving "trios - days, people, places, ages," reflecting his personal feelings of aging and uncertainty around his mid-20s.[1][6] This period also involved key lineup shifts, notably the return of bassist Simon Gallup after a three-year absence following tensions during the Pornography era, which helped foster a renewed sense of camaraderie and a more vibrant creative environment within the band.[7][8] Smith aimed to craft an upbeat, pop-infused track that provided a fresh contrast to The Cure's established gothic persona, composing it rapidly amid the intensive album sessions to capture that lighter, immediate energy.[5][9]Recording and production
"In Between Days" was recorded in early 1985 as part of the sessions for The Cure's sixth studio album, The Head on the Door, at Angel Recording Studios in Islington, London, England.[10] The track emerged from home demos prepared by Robert Smith in his London flat, which served as the starting point for the band's collaborative work.[11] The song was co-produced by Robert Smith and David M. Allen, who had previously collaborated with the band on The Top (1984).[12] Their production approach emphasized a vibrant and concise sound, aligning with the album's shift toward more accessible pop elements following the band's earlier experimental and gloomier phases.[5] This direction was facilitated by the reunion of the lineup, including bassist Simon Gallup's return, which brought renewed energy to the quintet.[5] The sessions proceeded at a brisk pace to capture the band's energetic momentum, resulting in a 38-minute album that stands as The Cure's last relatively succinct effort before longer releases.[13] Key production techniques included layering guitars and keyboards to drive a lively rhythm section, with Smith's demo version of "In Between Days" notably incorporating an acoustic guitar for its upbeat foundation.[11][13] Additional refinement occurred at F2 and Fitz Studios, with final mixes completed at The Townhouse in April 1985.[11]Composition
Musical elements
"In Between Days" is classified as alternative rock, incorporating new wave and post-punk influences through its energetic rhythm and melodic structure.[14] The song features an upbeat tempo of 143 beats per minute in the key of A major, contributing to its propulsive and lively feel.[15] Its verse-chorus form spans a concise duration of 2:58, allowing for a brisk build-up of momentum without extended intros or outros.[15] The track's sound is driven by jangly acoustic and electric guitars that create a shimmering, rhythmic foundation, complemented by strong bass lines and steady drum patterns.[16] Prominent keyboard layers introduce melodic hooks via snappy synthesizer riffs, adding depth and a layer of synth-pop accessibility. The use of Fender Bass VI provides additional harmonic richness, enhancing the overall texture.[17] Robert Smith's high-pitched vocals deliver a bittersweet tone that contrasts with the upbeat instrumentation, heightening the song's emotional propulsion. Compared to The Cure's earlier works, "In Between Days" marks a stylistic shift toward more accessible pop elements, with its straightforward guitar rush and concise arrangement prioritizing catchiness over atmospheric experimentation.[16] This evolution is evident in the song's immediate, hook-driven composition, which helped broaden the band's appeal.[18]Lyrics and meaning
The lyrics of "In Between Days" follow a straightforward pop structure with repetitive verses and choruses that build emotional urgency, emphasizing the narrator's internal conflict through simple, direct phrasing. The opening lines, "Yesterday I got so old / I felt like I could die," establish a sense of sudden aging and despair, repeated across verses to underscore feelings of stagnation without the lost lover. Choruses alternate between resignation—"Go on and go on without me"—and desperate pleas—"Come back! Come back! Come back!"—creating a rhythmic push-pull that mirrors the song's titular in-between state.[19] Robert Smith described the song as "a very obvious boy/girl, go-away-and-come-back song" inspired by feelings of aging and uncertainty in his mid-20s, concerning "trios—days, people, places, ages" that highlight transitional limbo.[1] Common interpretations view it as exploring romantic confusion, possibly within a love triangle, where the narrator regrets a choice and yearns for reconciliation, as suggested by lines like "And I know I was wrong when I said it was true / That it couldn't be me and be her in between without you."[20] These themes emphasize bittersweet nostalgia, disconnection, and vulnerability, portraying love as fragile amid personal turmoil. Smith's emotive vocal delivery amplifies this desperation in the pleas for reunion. While the upbeat arrangement provides an ironic contrast to the melancholic lyrics, the words themselves evoke a poignant exploration of relational flux.[20]Release
Single release
"In Between Days" was released on 19 July 1985 as the lead single from The Cure's sixth studio album, The Head on the Door, by Fiction Records in the United Kingdom and Elektra Records in the United States.[14] The album itself was issued on 30 August 1985.[4] The single marked a shift toward a more pop-oriented sound for the band, following the commercial success of earlier hits like "The Love Cats," which had reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart in 1983.[21][22] It was primarily available in 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl formats, with B-sides consisting of non-album tracks, and CD versions appeared in later reissues.[14] This release served as an accessible introduction to the album, helping to reestablish the band's presence after a period of lineup changes and relative inactivity following their 1982 album Pornography.[23]7-inch single
The 7-inch single was released in multiple regions with variations in the B-side track.UK version
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A | In Between Days | 2:57 |
| B | The Exploding Boy | 2:52 |
US version
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A | In Between Days | 2:55 |
| B | Stop Dead | 4:03 |
12-inch single
The 12-inch single formats included extended or additional tracks, with regional differences in configuration.UK version
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A | In Between Days | 2:57 |
| B1 | The Exploding Boy | 2:53 |
| B2 | A Few Hours After This... | 2:27 |
US/Canadian version
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A | In Between Days | 2:55 |
| B1 | In Between Days (Extended version) | 4:02 |
| B2 | Stop Dead | 4:03 |
CD single (1990s reissues)
Later reissues in the 1990s included expanded tracklists on CD format, incorporating the original single tracks alongside live recordings and a video version, while prioritizing the 1985 originals.UK CD version
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In Between Days | 2:55 |
| 2 | The Exploding Boy | 2:52 |
| 3 | A Few Hours After This... | 2:25 |
| 4 | Six Different Ways (Live) | 3:24 |
| 5 | Push (Live) | 4:33 |
| 6 | In Between Days (Video) | 2:55 |
Promotion
Music video
The music video for "In Between Days" was directed by Tim Pope and filmed on 18 June 1985 at Fulham Studios in London.[1] It depicts the band performing in a confined room, employing 360-degree rotating camera shots via a trapeze-suspended camera that Robert Smith swung dynamically during production, creating a sense of playful intensity.[26][1] The visual style incorporates fluorescent make-up on the band members under ultraviolet lights, along with colorful, oversized socks as a whimsical recurring motif—socks appear on the performers and burst from a piano in the opening sequence.[27][1] The concept evokes the song's energetic confusion via tight framing that emphasizes the band's movement and Robert Smith's central lip-syncing, serving as a joyful pastiche of 1960s pop films while highlighting their authentic, unglamorous dynamic.[27][1] Premiering on MTV in July 1985 alongside the single's release, the video boosted its promotional visibility on the network.[28] Robert Smith later described it as one of his favorite Cure videos, stating it was the "most dangerous" they had made but that it "complements the song the best," capturing its essence without clichés.[26][27]Live performances
"In Between Days" debuted live on June 20, 1985, at Studio 54 in Barcelona, Spain, during the promotional tour for The Cure's album The Head on the Door, shortly before the album's release.[29] The song quickly became a staple in the band's setlists, performed 946 times as of late 2024.[29] It featured prominently in the band's 1986 North American tour, including shows at venues like the Spectrum in Philadelphia on July 10 and the Forum in Inglewood on July 27, where it was often positioned mid-set alongside tracks from The Head on the Door.[30][31] During the 1989 Prayer Tour supporting Disintegration, the song appeared regularly, such as at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre in Greenwood Village on September 4 and in Brussels on May 10, typically extended with improvisational guitar elements by Robert Smith and Porl Thompson.[32][33] Later festival appearances included Glastonbury in 1990 on June 23, where it closed the main set before "A Forest," amid a performance marked by crowd safety interruptions.[34] In the 2000s, arrangements evolved to emphasize a fuller band sound during major tours, such as the 2000 Dream Tour with performances in Atlanta on July 22 and the 2004 Curiosa Festival dates, incorporating layered instrumentation while retaining its upbeat drive.[35] Acoustic renditions appeared in more intimate settings, including a 2001 Paris show at Le Réservoir broadcast on ARTE, stripping the track to highlight its melodic core.[36] The song continued as a live staple into the 2020s, featured in the 2023–2024 Shows of a Lost World Tour across North America and Europe, and in 2024 UK residency shows such as at BBC Radio Theatre on October 30, where it maintained its position as an energetic mid-set highlight.[37][38] The song's inclusion in live sets contributed to The Cure's shift toward a more accessible pop-rock energy, moving beyond their earlier gothic roots, and it frequently served as an early-set closer to energize audiences during the transitional era following The Head on the Door.[1]Reception
Critical reception
Upon release in 1985, "In Between Days" was praised by contemporary critics for its accessible pop appeal and energetic drive, marking a shift from the band's earlier goth leanings toward broader commercial success. "In Between Days" received acclaim upon its 1985 release for blending pop accessibility with emotional nuance, helping to broaden The Cure's audience. Retrospective reviews have consistently praised the song's artistic merits, with Pitchfork calling it an "ingratiating rush of guitar" that exemplifies the band's most straightforward pop moment.[16] In a 2019 retrospective, NME lauded the "euphoric, freewheeling jangle" of the song, crediting it with prefiguring indie pop trends and showcasing Robert Smith's ability to infuse joy into introspective themes.[39] Common themes in critical analysis include the song's effective contrast between its upbeat music and lyrics exploring regret and aging, which many see as a pivotal commercial turning point for the band. Pitchfork noted this juxtaposition in its 2006 reappraisal, describing how the track's jolly, twinkling vibe underscores Smith's melancholic delivery.[16] Classic Pop magazine called it "sublime," "breezy, uplifting and life-affirming," though acknowledging its lyrical melancholy.[40] In a 2024 retrospective, The Guardian ranked "In Between Days" at number 2 in its list of The Cure's 20 greatest songs, describing it as "musically a jubilant rush, lyrically despondent."[41]Accolades and rankings
"In Between Days" has received numerous accolades and high rankings in retrospective polls, reflecting its enduring popularity within The Cure's catalog and 1980s rock music. In later years, professional music publications continued to honor the track. Billboard placed "In Between Days" at number 3 on its list of the 40 greatest The Cure songs in 2019. Similarly, in 2025, Mojo magazine ranked it number 2 among The Cure's singles in their compilation of the band's 30 greatest songs. These placements highlight the song's status as a cornerstone of the band's pop-oriented output. Additionally, it was featured on The Cure's 2001 compilation album Greatest Hits, released by Fiction Records and Universal, where it appeared as the sixth track among 18 selections spanning the band's career up to that point.[42] Among fans, "In Between Days" maintains strong legacy appeal. As of 2025, it consistently ranks in the top 10 of user-voted lists of The Cure's best songs on Rate Your Music, often cited for its catchy jangle-pop energy and emotional resonance.[43]Commercial performance
Charts
"In Between Days" achieved moderate success on international music charts following its release in July 1985. In the United Kingdom, the single peaked at number 15 on the Official Singles Chart in August 1985 and remained on the chart for 11 weeks, marking The Cure's fourth consecutive top-20 hit there.[2][44] The song also entered several other national charts, reflecting its growing international appeal during the mid-1980s. It reached number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 1986, becoming The Cure's first entry on that chart, and peaked at number 39 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.[3] In Australia, it attained number 16 on the Kent Music Report. The single performed solidly in Europe and Oceania, peaking at number 26 on the Netherlands Single Top 100 (where it charted for 8 weeks), number 15 in New Zealand, and number 17 in Ireland.[45][46][47]| Chart (1985–1986) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 16 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 17 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 26 |
| New Zealand (RIANZ) | 15 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 15 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 99 |
| US Billboard Dance Club Songs | 39 |
