"In Between Days" (also known as "Inbetween Days" or "In-Between Days") is a standout single by the English rock band The Cure, released on July 19, 1985. It served as the lead single for their sixth studio album, The Head on the Door. The track is celebrated for its infectious, upbeat sound paired with introspective and bittersweet lyrics, marking a pivotal moment in The Cure’s transition toward a more accessible, melodic pop style.
Musical Style and Composition
- Genre: Alternative rock, new wave, jangle pop
- Length: 2:57
- Songwriter: Robert Smith
- Instrumentation: Features bright, jangly acoustic and electric guitars, driving basslines, energetic drumming, and layered keyboards.
- Production: Produced by Robert Smith and Dave Allen, recorded at Angel Recording Studios in London.
Themes and Lyrics
- Subject Matter: The lyrics center on themes of lost love, regret, and nostalgia. The narrator reflects on a relationship that has ended, expressing longing and the pain of separation.
- Key Lines: The chorus, “Go on, go on, just walk away / Go on, go on, your choice is made,” captures the sense of irreversible loss, while the repeated plea “Come back, come back, come back to me” highlights vulnerability and yearning.
- Emotional Tone: Despite its lively melody, the song’s lyrics convey a bittersweet, melancholic undertone, exemplifying The Cure’s signature blend of pop hooks and emotional depth.
Release and Reception
- Chart Performance:
- UK Singles Chart: Peaked at #15
- US Billboard Hot 100: Peaked at #99 (the band’s first entry on the US chart)
- Top 20 in Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries
- Critical Acclaim: Widely hailed as “jangly, pure pop perfection,” the song is a fan favorite and is frequently listed among The Cure’s greatest tracks. It was ranked #498 on NME’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2012.
- Legacy: The track significantly boosted The Cure’s international profile and has remained a staple of their live performances. It has been covered by numerous artists across genres.
Music Video
- Director: Tim Pope
- Concept: The video features the band performing in a minimalist studio, interspersed with playful, colorful visual effects. It is noted for its energetic, candid portrayal of the group, with Robert Smith’s eccentric presence front and center.
- Impact: Smith has cited it as one of his favorite Cure videos, appreciating its authentic, unglamorous depiction of the band.
Personnel
| Member | Role(s) |
|---|---|
| Robert Smith | Vocals, guitar, keyboards, six-string bass |
| Porl Thompson | Guitar, keyboards |
| Simon Gallup | Bass |
| Boris Williams | Drums |
| Laurence Tolhurst | Keyboards |
Notable Appearances
- Featured in films and TV shows such as Grosse Pointe Blank, Sing Street, and Ted Lasso.
- Included on several Cure compilations and greatest hits albums.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 19, 1985 |
| Album | The Head on the Door |
| Genre | Alternative rock, new wave, jangle pop |
| Chart Peak (UK) | #15 |
| Chart Peak (US) | #99 |
| Songwriter | Robert Smith |
| Video Director | Tim Pope |
| Signature Elements | Upbeat melody, bittersweet lyrics, jangly guitars |
"In Between Days" endures as a quintessential Cure song—catchy, emotionally resonant, and a bridge between the band’s darker early work and their later pop successes.
