CARELESS MEMORIES

by Duran Duran: Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor

Careless Memories was released in April 1981 and was the second single released by Duran Duran from their debut album. The B side was Khanada and the 12-inch featured a cover of FAME by David Bowie.

LYRICS

So soon,
Just after you’ve gone
My senses sharpen
But it always takes
So damned long
Before I feel how much 
My eyes have darkened

Fear hangs a plane of gunsmoke
Drifting in our room
So easy to disturb
With a thought
With a whisper…
With a careless memory

On the table
Signs of love lie scattered…
And the walls break
We go crashing within
It’s not as though–
As though you really mattered
But being close,
How could I let you go
Without some feeling
Some precious sympathy following

Fear hangs a plane of gunsmoke
Drifting in our room
So easy to disturb
With a thought
With a whisper…
With a careless memory

I walk out into the sun
I try to find a new day
But the whole place
It just screams in my eyes
Where are you now?
Cuz I don’t want to meet you
I think I’d die–
I think I’d laugh at you–
I know I’d cry–
What am I supposed to do,
Follow you?

Outside the thoughts 
Come flooding back now…
I just try to forget you…
So easy to disturb
With a thought…
With a whisper…
With a careless memory…

The video for Careless Memories was directed by Perry Haines and Terry Jones, and featured Perry’s girlfriend as the vixen at the center of Simon and John’s love triangle. Haines was a hipster from London who was influential in the post punk scene and o-founded the fashion magazine i-D along with Jones.

A perpetual fan favorite, Careless Memories has become one of the (many!) highlights of a Duran Duran show. The song ROCKS – especially live where the driving rhythm and guitar gets the audience on their feet. Those new to Duran Duran are often surprised (and delighted) by the song’s lack of danceability. Many consider Careless Memories to be one of Duran Duran’s most underrated songs.

What Does Duran Duran Have To Say About Careless Memories

Nothing! We can’t find a single mention of the band talking about this song! Please email us if you know of any interviews or other information about Duran Duran’s Careless Memories. Rio@duranduranies.com

Further reading:

BEST DURAN DURAN SONGS: 20 POP ANTHEMS DONE THEIR OWN WAY

Duran Duran Thrill As North American ‘Future Past’ Tour Kicks Off With Nile Rodgers & Chic

John Taylor talks all things Duran Duran as a book featuring some of their most iconic photos is released