Industrial Disease

Album: Love Over Gold (1982)
Charted: 75
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song focuses on the decline of the British manufacturing industry in the 1980s. The song focuses on strikes, depression and disfunctionality.
  • The title of what later became an AC/DC song is mentioned in the lyrics: "Thunderstruck."
  • The reference to "brewers droop" as a medical condition is an in-joke, referring both to the effect of alcohol on libido and to the band of the same name that Mark Knopfler played in prior to Dire Straits. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alec - St.Louis, MO, for all above

Comments: 5

  • Michael from DcSeems like it should have been revived for COVID, disease, class warfare and free speech tourists
  • Don Coyote from Behind, YaClose similarities in sound to "Money For Nuthin".
  • Jim from Pleasant Hill, CaOne of the best rock intro buildups in any song, though it's hard to pick a favorite. I never really knew what this track was about; assumed it was an allegory.
  • Clovis from Boca Raton, FlGreat Song. Underrated.
  • Jay from St. Louis, MoClever lyrics!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.