Nowhere Girl
B-Movie
The Enigmatic Isolation of 'Nowhere Girl'
B-Movie's 'Nowhere Girl' delves into the life of a woman who has chosen to isolate herself from the world. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is living in a dream-like state, preferring to stay behind the scenes and avoid the outside world. This 'Nowhere Girl' is depicted as someone who is unreachable, both physically and emotionally, as she hangs up the phone and avoids any attempts at communication. The repetition of 'Nowhere girl' emphasizes her elusive nature and the frustration of the narrator who is trying to connect with her.
The song explores themes of self-imposed exile and emotional detachment. The 'Nowhere Girl' is described as being in 'self-imposed exile' and exhibiting 'martyr-like denial,' suggesting that her isolation is a choice, perhaps driven by past experiences or a desire to protect herself from further pain. The lyrics also mention that she is 'all functional and neat,' indicating that on the surface, she appears to have everything under control, but underneath, there is a deep sense of loneliness and disconnection.
Culturally, 'Nowhere Girl' can be seen as a reflection of the alienation and disconnection that many people feel in modern society. The song was released in the early 1980s, a time when the world was experiencing significant social and technological changes. The 'Nowhere Girl' could be seen as a metaphor for those who feel left behind or overwhelmed by these changes, choosing to retreat into their own world rather than face the complexities of the outside world. B-Movie's post-punk and new wave style, characterized by its melancholic and introspective lyrics, perfectly captures the essence of this emotional and psychological isolation.