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Walking in My Shoes

{{Short description|1993 single by Depeche Mode}}

{{Use British English|date=May 2011}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}

{{Infobox song

| name = Walking in My Shoes

| cover = DepecheModeWalkingInMyShoes.jpg

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = Depeche Mode

| album = Songs of Faith and Devotion

| B-side = My Joy

| released = {{start date|1993|4|26|df=y}}

| recorded =

| studio =

  • Madrid
  • Château du Pape (Hamburg)
  • Olympic (London){{cite journal |last=Shaw |first=William |url=http://playingtheangel.com/website/articles.php?item=337 |title=In The Mode |journal=Details |pages=90–95, 168 |date=April 1993 |access-date=17 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402172949/http://playingtheangel.com/website/articles.php?item=337 |archive-date=2 April 2015}}

| venue =

| length =

  • 5:35 (album version)
  • 4:59 (single version)

| label = Mute

| writer = Martin Gore

| producer =

| prev_title = I Feel You

| prev_year = 1993

| next_title = Condemnation

| next_year = 1993

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|GrC_yuzO-Ss|"Walking in My Shoes"}}}}

}}

"Walking in My Shoes" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was released on 26 April 1993 by Mute and Sire as the second single from their eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993). The song reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and matched the success of the previous single "I Feel You" on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, where it reached one. The B-side is "My Joy", the only exclusive B-side from the Songs of Faith and Devotion album, and is a rock track in the vein of "I Feel You".

The 7-inch version of "Walking in My Shoes" is not the same as the one on Songs of Faith and Devotion. The sound has been made more noisy and dirty, especially the drums in the verse, and the intro has been shortened. When performed live, elements of the "Grungy Gonads" mix are used in an extended intro and throughout the song. The song was cited by then-member Alan Wilder to be his favourite song from the album together with "In Your Room"."We Were Going to Live Together, Record Together And It Was Going to Be Wonderful" - Depeche Mode documentary about the album Songs of Faith and Devotion. Mute, 2006. Its music video was directed by Anton Corbijn.

Release and commercial reception

"Walking in My Shoes" was released on 26 April 1993 in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.depmode.com/Depeche_Mode_Walking_In_My_Shoes.php|title=Depeche Mode 'Walking in My Shoes' 1993|website=depmode.com|access-date=25 October 2022}} The single failed to reach the UK top 10 or the US top 40; nevertheless, the song became a top ten hit in some countries of Continental Europe, and became a recurring song during the live performances of the band since 1993. The song peaked number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100. On the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, it peaked number one for a week.

U2 lead singer Bono listed the song on his "60 Songs That Saved My Life" playlist.{{Cite web|title=60 Songs That Saved My Life|url=http://www.u2.com/news/title/60-songs-that-saved-my-life|access-date=27 September 2020|website=U2.com|language=en}}

Critical reception

David Fricke from Melody Maker wrote, {{" '}}Walking in My Shoes' is better neo-Bowie than we've heard in some time, a long-distance 'Heroes' knockoff via the group's own 'Enjoy the Silence' complete with hints of Robert Fripp's skysaw guitar."{{cite magazine|first=David|last=Fricke|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/52822794123/|title=Albums|magazine=Melody Maker|date=13 March 1993|page=30|access-date=5 May 2023|author-link=David Fricke}} Sam Wood from Philadelphia Inquirer felt that the song, "with its moody minor-key melody and burbling bass-line reminiscent of early Simple Minds, adapts an ancient Native American proverb to create an anthemic plea for compassion."Wood, Sam (30 March 1993). "Depeche Mode Meditates on Religion with 'Songs of Faith and Devotion'". Philadelphia Inquirer. Andrew Harrison from Select named it the best track of the album, noting its "intensified, pulsating downward spiral".{{cite magazine|first=Andrew|last=Harrison|url=https://selectmagazinescans.monkeon.co.uk/showpage.php?file=wp-content/uploads/2013/03/albums22.jpg|title=Reviews: New Albums|magazine=Select|date=April 1993|page=75|access-date=1 January 2025|author-link=Andrew Harrison (journalist)}} Leesa Daniels from Smash Hits gave it three out of five, adding, "The great thing about the 'Mode is their songs always have a chorus that's easy to sing along to. That's the case here, although for a change it does take a few listens to get the hang of it. The song is very atmospheric in a black-and-white-grainy-film for the video kind of way. Lovely."{{cite magazine|first= Leesa |last= Daniels |url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/smashhits90s/35569116372/in/album-72157685900313945/ |title= New Singles |magazine= Smash Hits |date= 28 April 1993 |page= 49 |access-date= 27 April 2021}}

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Walking in My Shoes" was directed by Dutch photographer, film director and music video director Anton Corbijn. At the beginning of the second verse, there is a shot of Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher, and Alan Wilder with naked women on their laps. This was removed in the MTV version in the US and replaced with footage of the three band members standing still, alone, from earlier in the video. The uncut version has appeared on The Videos 86>98, Devotional, The Best of, Volume 1 and Video Singles Collection DVDs. The video visuals are recognizably inspired to Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel the Elder paintings.

Live performances

Depeche Mode performed "Walking in My Shoes" live during their 2017–18 Global Spirit Tour. The song was accompanied by a narrative video about a transgender musician getting dressed in the morning and going to perform at a bar.{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2017/09/13/depeche-mode-gets-spiritual-at-madison-square-garden/|title=Depeche Mode gets 'spiritual' at Madison Square Garden|last=Coughlin|first=Kevin P.|date=13 September 2017|website=New York Daily News|access-date=18 April 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lunalunamagazine.com/blog/depeche-mode-gets-political|title=Depeche Mode Gets Political|last=Valente|first=Joanna C.|date=14 September 2017|website=Luna Luna Magazine|access-date=18 April 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/depeche-mode-concert-review-phoenix-2017-9732461|title=Depeche Mode Never Let Us Down at Ak-Chin Pavilion|last=Naftule|first=Ashley|date=28 September 2017|website=Phoenix New Times|access-date=18 April 2024}}

Track listings

All songs were written by Martin Gore.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

  • UK CD single{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=Mute Records|id=CD BONG 22}}
  1. "Walking in My Shoes" (seven inch mix) – 4:59
  2. "Walking in My Shoes" (Grungy Gonads mix) – 6:24
  3. "My Joy" (seven inch mix) – 3:57
  4. "My Joy" (Slow Slide mix) – 5:11
  • UK limited-edition CD and 12-inch single{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=UK limited CD single liner notes|publisher=Mute Records|id=LCD BONG 22}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=UK limited 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=Mute Records|id=L12 BONG 22}}
  1. "Walking in My Shoes" (extended twelve inch mix) – 6:54
  2. "Walking in My Shoes" (Random Carpet mix) – 6:35
  3. "Walking in My Shoes" (Anandamidic mix) – 6:11
  4. "Walking in My Shoes" (Ambient Whale mix) – 4:54
  • UK 12-inch single{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=UK 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=Mute Records|id=12 BONG 22}}

:A1. "Walking in My Shoes" (Grungy Gonads mix) – 6:24

:A2. "Walking in My Shoes" (seven inch mix) – 4:59

:B1. "My Joy" (seven inch mix) – 3:57

:B2. "My Joy" (Slow Slide mix) – 5:11

:* Note: The Japanese CD single switches tracks A1 and A2.{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=Japanese CD single liner notes|publisher=Mute Records|id=9 40852-2}}

  • UK and US cassette single; US 7-inch single{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=UK cassette single sleeve|publisher=Mute Records|id=C BONG 22}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=US cassette single sleeve|publisher=Sire Records, Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=4-18506}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=US 7-inch single vinyl disc|publisher=Sire Records, Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=7-18506}}
  1. "Walking in My Shoes" – 4:59
  2. "My Joy" – 3:57

{{col-2}}

  • US 12-inch and maxi-cassette single{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=US 12-inch single vinyl disc|publisher=Sire Records, Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=0-40852}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=US maxi-cassette single cassette notes|publisher=Sire Records, Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=4-40852}}

:A1. "Walking in My Shoes" (extended twelve inch mix) – 6:53

:A2. "Walking in My Shoes" (Random Carpet mix edit) – 6:10

:A3. "Walking in My Shoes" (Grungy Gonads mix) – 6:24

:B1. "Walking in My Shoes" (Anandamidic mix) – 6:11

:B2. "Walking in My Shoes" (Ambient Whale mix) – 4:54

:B3. "My Joy" (Slow Slide mix) – 5:12

  • US maxi-CD single{{cite AV media notes|title=Walking in My Shoes|others=Depeche Mode|year=1993|type=US maxi-CD single disc notes|publisher=Sire Records, Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=9 40852-2}}
  1. "Walking in My Shoes" (seven inch mix) – 4:59
  2. "Walking in My Shoes" (Grungy Gonads mix) – 6:24
  3. "Walking in My Shoes" (Random Carpet mix) – 6:10
  4. "My Joy" (Slow Slide mix) – 5:12
  5. "Walking in My Shoes" (extended twelve inch mix) – 6:53
  6. "Walking in My Shoes" (Anandamidic mix) – 6:11
  7. "My Joy" – 3:58
  8. "Walking in My Shoes" (Ambient Whale mix) – 4:54

{{col-end}}

Charts

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

=Weekly charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

!Chart (1993)

!Peak
position

scope="row"|Australia (ARIA){{cite book|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|title=Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010|year=2011|publisher=Moonlight Publishing|location=Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia}}

| 74

{{single chart|Austria|29|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Walking in My Shoe|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Canadatopsingles|51|chartid=1007|rowheader=true|access-date=23 June 2021}}
scope="row"|Denmark (IFPI){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-06-05.pdf|title=Top 10 Sales in Europe|magazine=Music & Media|volume=10|issue=23|date=5 June 1993|page=20|access-date=22 March 2018}}

| 5

scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-06-05.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Music & Media|volume=10|issue=23|date=5 June 1993|page=19|access-date=23 June 2021}}

| 9

scope="row"|Europe (European Hit Radio){{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-05-29.pdf|title=EHR Top 40|magazine=Music & Media|volume=10|issue=22|date=29 May 1993|page=38|access-date=9 April 2024}}

| 7

scope="row"|Finland (Suomen virallinen lista){{cite book|first=Timo|last=Pennanen|year=2006|title=Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972|language=fi|edition=1st|publisher=Tammi|isbn=978-951-1-21053-5|location=Helsinki}}

| 7

{{single chart|France|23|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Walking in My Shoes|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Germany|14|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Walking in My Shoes|songid=2617|rowheader=true}}
scope="row"|Greece (IFPI){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-06-12.pdf|title=Top 10 Sales in Europe|magazine=Music & Media|volume=10|issue=24|date=12 June 1993|page=20|access-date=23 June 2021}}

| 7

{{single chart|Ireland2|15|song=Walking in My Shoes|rowheader=true|access-date=23 June 2021}}
scope="row"|Italy Airplay (Music & Media){{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-06-12.pdf|title=Regional EHR Top 20: South|magazine=Music & Media|volume=10|issue=24|page=23|date=12 June 1993}}

| 4

scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade){{cite web |url=https://www.top40.nl/tipparade/1993/week-24|title=Tipparade-lijst van week 24, 1993|publisher=Dutch Top 40|language=nl|access-date=2 April 2023}}

| 7

{{single chart|Dutch100|36|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Walking in My Shoes|rowheader=true|access-date=23 June 2021}}
scope="row"|Portugal (AFP){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-05-22.pdf|title=Top 10 Sales in Europe|magazine=Music & Media|volume=10|issue=21|date=22 May 1993|page=26|access-date=23 June 2021}}

| 3

scope="row"|Spain (AFYVE){{cite book|last=Salaverri|first=Fernando|title=Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002|edition=1st|date=September 2005|publisher=Fundación Autor-SGAE|location=Spain|isbn=84-8048-639-2}}

| 6

{{single chart|Sweden|8|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Walking in My Shoes|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Switzerland|26|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Walking in My Shoes|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|UK|14|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Walking in My Shoes|date=19930515|rowheader=true|access-date=8 September 2013}}
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|69|artist=Depeche Mode|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2022}}
{{single chart|Billboardalternativesongs|1|artist=Depeche Mode|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2022}}
{{single chart|Billboarddancesales|15|artist=Depeche Mode|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2022}}
scope="row"|US Cash Box Top 100{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1993/CB-1993-07-10.pdf|title=Top 100 Pop Singles|magazine=Cash Box|volume=LVI|issue=44|date=10 July 1993|page=12|access-date=20 April 2024}}

| 66

{{col-2}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

!Chart (1993)

!Position

scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-12-18.pdf|title=1993 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Music & Media|volume=10|issue=51/52|date=18 December 1993|page=15|access-date=23 June 2021}}

| 93

scope="row"|Sweden (Topplistan){{cite web|url=http://www.grammotex.se/topp93singlar.htm|title=Årstopplistan 1993, Singlar|publisher=Grammotex|language=sv|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010216105631/http://www.grammotex.se/topp93singlar.htm|archive-date=16 February 2001|access-date=7 April 2025}}

| 89

scope="row"|US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard){{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music: Top Modern Rock Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=105|issue=52|page=YE-39|date=25 December 1993}}

| 9

{{col-end}}

Release history

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

!scope="col"|Region

!scope="col"|Date

!scope="col"|Format(s)

!scope="col"|Label(s)

!scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

scope="row"|United Kingdom

|26 April 1993

|{{hlist|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}}

|rowspan="2"|Mute

|

scope="row"|Japan

|1 May 1993

|CD

|{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/111737/products/34890/1/|title=デペッシュ・モード {{!}} ウォーキング・イン・マイ・シューズ|trans-title=Depeche Mode {{!}} Walking in My Shoes|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=5 February 2025}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

  • [http://archives.depechemode.com/discography/singles/29_walkinginmyshoes.html Single information from the official Depeche Mode web site]
  • [http://www.allmusic.com/album/walking-in-my-shoes-mw0000619096 AllMusic review] {{Rating|4.5|5}}

{{Depeche Mode}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1993 singles

Category:1993 songs

Category:Depeche Mode songs

Category:Music videos directed by Anton Corbijn

Category:Mute Records singles

Category:Reprise Records singles

Category:Sire Records singles

Category:Song recordings produced by Flood (producer)

Category:Songs written by Martin Gore