Today’s video of the day is The Cure – “Charlotte Sometimes” released in 1981.
The Cure released Charlotte Sometimes as a standalone single on October 9, 1981. The song followed their third studio album, Faith. Inspired by Penelope Farmer’s novel of the same name, the song’s lyrics closely mirror the book’s themes. Robert Smith described it as a "straight lift" from the novel. Many lines in the song match passages from the book almost word for word. The track’s haunting melody and atmospheric production reflect Faith’s moody sound. However, the B-side, Splintered in Her Head, introduced a darker, more chaotic style. This foreshadowed the intense, abrasive tone of their 1982 album Pornography. A live version of Faith also appeared on the 12-inch release, recorded in Sydney in August 1981.
The single’s cover features a distorted image of Mary Poole, Smith’s then-girlfriend and later wife. A clearer version of the same photo appeared on the 1990 single Pictures of You. The video for Charlotte Sometimes was filmed at Holloway Sanatorium. It portrays Charlotte trapped between two time periods, mirroring the novel’s plot. The band appears in the background as Smith lip-syncs the lyrics. Fiction Records head Chris Parry suggested the eerie location, enhancing the song’s haunting atmosphere.
Though Charlotte Sometimes never appeared on a studio album, it remains a fan favorite. Its dreamlike style bridges Faith’s melancholy and Pornography’s intensity. The song highlights The Cure’s ability to blend literature with music, creating timeless, immersive experiences.
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