About the song
Released in 1988 as part of the band’s hit album Kick, “Never Tear Us Apart” stands as one of INXS’s most iconic and enduring ballads. Written by Andrew Farriss (music) and Michael Hutchence (lyrics), the song showcases a more vulnerable and romantic side of the Australian rock band, contrasting with the slick, dance-rock energy of their other hits like “Need You Tonight” and “New Sensation.”
At just under three minutes long, “Never Tear Us Apart” delivers a powerful emotional impact, blending soulful instrumentation, haunting lyrics, and one of Hutchence’s most intimate vocal performances.
The story and style:
Lyrically, the song is a declaration of deep, unbreakable love — one that has weathered time, chance, and uncertainty. There’s a kind of timeless fatalism in Hutchence’s words:
“We could live for a thousand years / But if I hurt you, I’d make wine from your tears…”
It’s poetic, dramatic, and passionate, echoing themes of fate, longing, and connection. The title refrain — “Never tear us apart” — becomes a powerful, repeated mantra that rises above the minimal verses and leads into the sweeping instrumentation.
The inspiration, as the band has shared in interviews, was a real romantic experience in Hutchence’s life — and the emotional honesty of the song makes it resonate with anyone who’s experienced a love that feels destined or defiant in the face of life’s chaos.
The sound and production:
Musically, “Never Tear Us Apart” is distinctive for its slow tempo, moody synths, and especially the baroque, cinematic string arrangement, which gives it a grandeur that elevates it above a typical rock ballad. The instrumental backbone includes:
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A sparse, pulsing synth bass
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Dramatic string swells
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A powerful, bluesy saxophone solo by Kirk Pengilly
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And Hutchence’s smoldering vocal, full of restrained power and intimacy
The song was produced by Chris Thomas, known for his work with the Sex Pistols, Elton John, and Roxy Music. His touch helped give the track a clean, spacious mix — allowing the vocals and saxophone to shine without overpowering the emotional core.
The contrast between the minimalist verses and the grand, emotional choruses gives the song a dynamic flow — a slow build into catharsis that still feels fresh decades later.
Legacy and cultural impact:
While it peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and had strong showings globally, “Never Tear Us Apart” became even more revered over time. It’s now one of INXS’s most covered and licensed songs, frequently used in film, television, weddings, and memorials due to its powerful message of enduring love.
After Hutchence’s tragic death in 1997, the song took on a deeper, more haunting resonance, often used in tribute to his life and artistry. In 2014, the INXS: Never Tear Us Apart miniseries aired in Australia — named after this very song — introducing the band’s legacy to a new generation.
The track is consistently cited among the greatest Australian songs of all time, and it remains a go-to anthem for expressing lasting emotional bonds.
Final thoughts:
“Never Tear Us Apart” is romantic without being cliché, intimate yet cinematic — a love song that balances vulnerability with grandeur. It’s one of those rare tracks that can make you feel both heartbreak and hope in the same breath.
With its haunting instrumentation, passionate lyrics, and Hutchence’s unforgettable voice, the song has become more than just a hit — it’s a timeless testament to love that endures everything, even loss.
Video
Lyrics
“Never Tear Us Apart”
Don’t ask me
What you know is true
Don’t have to tell you
I love your precious heartI
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never tear us apartWe could live
For a thousand years
But if I hurt you
I’d make wine from your tearsI told you
That we could fly
‘Cause we all have wings
But some of us don’t know whyI
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never ever tear us apartI
(Don’t ask me)
I was standing
(You know it’s true)
You were there
(Worlds collided)
Two worlds collided
(We’re shining through)
And they could never tear us apartYou
(Don’t ask me)
You were standing
(You know it’s true)
I was there
(Worlds collided)
Two worlds collided
(We’re shining through)
And they could never tear us apartI
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided