All Across The Nation

Gary Numan's song 'All Across The Nation' delves into the socio-economic disparities and the relentless pursuit of wealth that characterizes modern society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a city where a constant struggle for financial success is taking place. Numan highlights the stark contrast between the rich and the poor, emphasizing how money and power dictate one's quality of life and social standing. The line 'Someone's making money, someone's doing wrong' suggests that the pursuit of wealth often involves unethical behavior, further deepening the divide between different social classes.

The chorus, 'All across the nation, fever takes control, money is temptation, money saves your soul,' underscores the pervasive influence of money. It suggests that the desire for wealth is a universal phenomenon, driving people to make choices that prioritize financial gain over moral or ethical considerations. The repetition of this theme throughout the song serves to emphasize its importance and the extent to which it shapes people's lives and decisions.

Numan also touches on the idea of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. The imagery of 'little people shouting from the rain' and 'standing at the bus stop dreaming 'bout Spain' evokes a sense of longing and frustration among those who are less fortunate. The rich man's journey from poverty to wealth, and his subsequent sense of entitlement, further highlights the societal belief that financial success is the ultimate goal. This narrative serves as a critique of a system that values wealth above all else, often at the expense of human connection and genuine happiness.