THE CURE - PRIMARY

Released: March 28, 1981

Charted:  UK: #43 

"Primary" released as the only single from the album "Faith" in 1981, is distinctive for its unconventional instrumentation. The song features both Simon Gallup and Robert Smith playing bass guitars, with Smith's bass employing effects pedals to create lead-like sounds. Notably, there are no traditional guitars (other than bass guitars) or keyboards featured in the track.

"Primary," the first track recorded for the album, summarise the band's thematic exploration of loss of innocence and emotional turmoil during this period. The song reflects Robert Smith and Lol Tolhurst's personal experiences with grief, coinciding with the album's extended recording process. Both Smith and Tolhurst, who were raised in a Catholic environment, grappled with the loss of faith and the search for emotional solace during this time. "Primary" lyrically and musically delves into these themes, exploring a sense of yearning and searching for emotional fulfillment amidst existential uncertainty.

The extended 12" mix of "Primary" is a notable release in their discography. Unlike many other extended mixes of their songs which were often included on subsequent albums or compilations, the extended version of "Primary" remains unique to its original 12" single release. This makes it a sought-after and rare item among collectors and fans. One significant difference between the 7" and 12" mixes is the lengthening of the instrumental introductions to the song's verses in the extended mix. 

The video shows the band performing the song on a black background, with very close shots of both the faces and the instruments, interspersed with images of girls playing happily.