It was deep autumn of 1988, my first semester away at college, when I popped some ecstasy and danced my ass off to Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love.” The pill-popping wasn’t a habit, just an experience. I don’t say this to be cool or convey shame. Our pasts do not define us. I often think how the sum of our parts makes up the whole of our being and how life is one continual remake. All of this goes through my mind when I hear this song. Life is tainted. No one is perfect. Everyday is a brand new start, and I just try to be better than I was yesterday.
In the ‘80s, I had no clue the song was a remake. News to me in recent years, Gloria Jones first recorded “Tainted Love” in 1964.
The English synthesizer and vocal duo Soft Cell slowed the “Tainted Love” tempo in 1981 and made it famous. It was the bestselling single in the UK that year, and the song spent a record-breaking 43 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100. But, oh my, this video. So ’80s.
There are quite a few versions out there, like the notable Marilyn Manson’s take in 2001 and Imelda May’s twist in 2010. My personal favorite is the 2008 remake by My Brightest Diamond, a project of singer-songwriter-instrumentalist and University of North Texas alumna Shara Nova.
And sometimes I still dance my ass off. (Re)make it a fantastic (Mon)day, everybody!
Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope 
Keep on dancing Crystal. Stay well. Allan
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I will, Allan! You, too. Thank you!
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So funny but I’ve referenced Soft Cell at least twice in the past few weeks, including this song!
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I went digging and found one…still searching for the other. We’re on the same side of 50.
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I like how you approach the past. It doesn’t define us. I needed to hear that.
Blessings.
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Our past choices help us relate to others, and I prefer authenticity over the façade of perfection. We have to forgive and be kind to ourselves. Thanks for being here, David. Have a wonderful day!
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I echo the sentiments already expressed here and hope you have an excellent Monday.
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Hi Anthony! Much appreciated!
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Thank you so much Crystal for your blog post. For me the first paragraph was perfect. Every day is fresh start, the past is done, remember it and treasure it or learn from it.
I also applaud your honesty, and willingness to share, because our past does not define us as you declared. What I did as 16 year old does not reflect my choices now that I am 61.
I like how you think, and glad to hear you enjoy dancing your ass off now and then. lol An awesome expression.
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David, this response made me laugh out loud. This morning, I’ve posted a blog, gone for a walk, and sweated my a** off. And the post seems to have had a nice effect. I’m feeling good about the start of this day. Now I think I’ll go shower, and I might just dance there.
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Dancing your a$$ or sweating it off- you’re a gem!
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Thank you 😊
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You’re welcome! Thank you!
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I’m only familiar with the version by Soft Cell which was very popular in its day. I agree, no one is perfect. I believe that we do the best we can with what we’ve been given and learned over the years.
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So true, Rosaliene! And now, when I think of this song, I think of lessons learned.
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I still dance, but not when anybody’s looking.:-) I like the Gloria Jones version best even though the recording isn’t as good as the others.
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I’m surprised by how much I like the Gloria Jones, just because I hadn’t heard it until not that long ago…
Most of my best dancing is in my own living room these days.
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Love this: “Our pasts do not define us. I often think how the sum of our parts makes up the whole of our being and how life is one continual remake.”
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And I’m so thankful for that. Thank you, Andrea!
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me too, you’re welcome! 🙂
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I like these posts of yours. They’re glimpses into your world.
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Hello Dear! Thank you so much. I thought of you as I wrote this one.
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Thanks 💕
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A great song. Experience is just that, no more or less, what I noticed is how I am now having had any and all experiences. Everything has meaning depending on my view. Biggest smile for this post. Thanks.
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Hello Bryan! You also crossed my mind as I wrote this post. Thanks for being real!
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Is it weird that I immediately think of the movie Coneheads when I hear this song?
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Ha ha! Not weird at all! I totally forgot about that.
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Awesome! I was doing the same thing back then, thanks for the trip down memory lane, great song!
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Such is life. Happy to prod your memory! One of my favorite songs for years!
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Gosh, Crystal, “Tainted Love,” our Gen X version, is a remake? I’m ashamed to say I had no idea, though your revelations make my ignorance a little less mortifying.
Consequently, this all is quite new to me, and I don’t think I’ve had time sufficient to form a comparative opinion of the two songs Lest week, sure, I had known about the original and the “:Lebowski” versions for years This week, though…
Give me a few days.
Oh, as to our pasts, so much of what I did then makes me cringe now, but hey, how else do we learn? Forgive me for pulling out this quote a second time (I think),” but one of Franklin’s is a favorite – “Experience exacts a steep tuition, but some will learn in no other school.” .
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I definitely have some cringeworthy memories locked away in the closet. Franklin’s words comfort me some, and I like this one from Lamentations: “God’s mercy and grace are new every morning.” All of that reminds me to be kind to myself.
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I appreciate how your posts are always honest and interesting. My memories of Tainted Love originate in the early 80’s when I was in my mid-20’s! Ecstasy came a little after my short-lived mind-bending drug period, so I never had the pleasure. But Tainted Love was very popular and like you, it always reminds me of those partying days from long ago. I agree that those misadventures don’t define us. Glad we survived and moved on!
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Past is past… keep looking forward is important….
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I checked out your blog a few days ago and since then you’ve liked a few comments I’ve made on other people’s posts. I think you’re tracking me lol!
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Ha! Thanks for the visit. What can I say? I’m a total stalker.
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At least you’re honest lol!!!
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