Policy Of Truth

Depeche Mode's 'Policy Of Truth' is a song that delves into the complex theme of honesty and the repercussions that come with being truthful. The lyrics suggest a scenario where someone is facing the consequences of revealing a truth they had previously concealed. The opening lines, 'You had something to hide / Should have hidden it, shouldn't you,' set the tone for a narrative of regret and the realization that some truths might be better left unsaid.

The chorus, 'It's just time to pay the price / For not listening to advice / And deciding in your youth / On the policy of truth,' reflects on the idealistic choices made in one's youth, where the value of honesty is held in high regard. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that such a policy can lead to unforeseen complications and difficulties. The phrase 'policy of truth' itself can be seen as a metaphor for a strict adherence to honesty, which the song suggests can be both a moral stance and a source of vulnerability.

The repeated line 'Never again is what you swore the time before' implies a cycle of regret, where the speaker has repeatedly faced negative outcomes from being truthful and vows to avoid making the same mistake. The song's message is not to advocate for dishonesty but to highlight the nuanced reality that truth-telling can have both positive and negative consequences, and that wisdom lies in discerning when to speak the truth and when to remain silent.