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Gary Numan is a New Wave icon whose music has influenced countless artists. He’s known for his futuristic sound, which blends electronic and rock elements. One of his most beloved songs is “We Are Glass,” which was released in 1980 and quickly became a hit. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song and delve into its lyrics.
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The Lyrics of “We Are Glass”
Before we interpret the lyrics, let’s take a look at them first.
“We are not so pretty anymore
We are not so young
Our confidence is shaken
We’re empty inside
We’re shattered inside
Then came the dawn, shattered glass
Reflecting who we are”
The song’s opening lines set the mood for the rest of the song. “We are not so pretty anymore” implies that the subjects of the song once possessed a certain beauty, but it has faded with time. The next line, “We are not so young,” reinforces this idea and suggests that the subjects are aging.
The third line, “Our confidence is shaken,” suggests that the subjects are going through a crisis of confidence. Whatever their beauty and youth gave them before, they have lost because of their age. They are not what they once were, and it’s affecting their self-esteem.
The next two lines, “We’re empty inside/We’re shattered inside,” take things further. The subjects are not just experiencing external problems, but internal ones. They feel hollow inside, empty and lost. Their self-worth has been shattered by the realization that they’re no longer what they once were.
The final two lines, “Then came the dawn, shattered glass/Reflecting who we are,” offer some hope. The subjects are beginning to realize that their troubles don’t define them completely. The shattered glass represents their brokenness, but it also reflects who they are. By facing their problems, they can grow and become something more.
The Meaning of “We Are Glass”
The lyrics of “We Are Glass” are open to interpretation, but there are a few ways to understand the song’s meaning. One way to view the song is as a commentary on aging and the loss of youth. In this interpretation, the subjects of the song have lost their looks and their confidence, and they’re struggling to come to terms with that fact.
Another interpretation is that the song is about the experience of feeling broken and shattered inside. The subjects of the song have lost something essential to their self-worth, and they feel empty and lost. The shattered glass represents this emotional state. The dawn that comes later in the song can be interpreted as a metaphor for rising from the ashes and starting anew.
Regardless of how you interpret the song, it’s clear that “We Are Glass” is a powerful exploration of the human condition. By tackling themes like loss, aging, and identity, Gary Numan created a song that resonates with audiences decades after its initial release.
The Legacy of “We Are Glass”
“We Are Glass” is one of Gary Numan’s most enduring hits. Its combination of electronic and rock elements and its introspective lyrics helped make it a classic of the New Wave era. The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including Fear Factory and Tricky.
But “We Are Glass” isn’t just a great song musically. Its themes and message have resonated with listeners for many years. The song speaks to people who have experienced loss, who have felt broken and shattered inside. The fact that it’s still relevant today is a testament to Numan’s songwriting skills.
FAQs
Q: Was “We Are Glass” a commercial success?
A: Yes, “We Are Glass” was a commercial success, reaching number five on the UK charts.
Q: What inspired Gary Numan to write “We Are Glass”?
A: Numan has said that the song was inspired by his own experiences of feeling like an outsider.
Q: Does “We Are Glass” have any political meaning?
A: While the song is not explicitly political, some have interpreted it as a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of society.
Q: What albums was “We Are Glass” included on?
A: “We Are Glass” was included on Gary Numan’s 1980 album “Telekon.”
Q: What other songs are similar to “We Are Glass”?
A: Other songs in Numan’s discography that deal with similar themes include “Are Friends Electric?” and “Cars.”
Q: What did critics think of “We Are Glass” when it was released?
A: Critics generally praised the song for its unique sound and introspective lyrics.
Q: Was Gary Numan involved in producing the song?
A: Yes, Numan produced “We Are Glass” himself.
Q: Has “We Are Glass” been used in any movies or TV shows?
A: Yes, the song has been used in several TV shows and movies, including “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories” and “Eddie the Eagle.”
Q: Did “We Are Glass” receive any awards or nominations?
A: No, “We Are Glass” did not receive any significant awards or nominations.
Q: What message did Numan want to convey with “We Are Glass”?
A: Numan has said that the song is about self-acceptance and overcoming feelings of insignificance.
Q: What is the tempo of “We Are Glass”?
A: The song’s tempo is around 122 beats per minute.
Q: How does “We Are Glass” fit into Gary Numan’s overall discography?
A: “We Are Glass” is seen as one of Numan’s most significant and enduring songs, and it remains a fan favorite today.
Q: What makes “We Are Glass” unique compared to other Gary Numan songs?
A: “We Are Glass” is notable for its introspective lyrics, which explore themes like aging and loss. The song’s sound is also unique, incorporating both electronic and rock elements.
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