Remind Me To Smile

Gary Numan's 'Remind Me To Smile' delves into themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the superficiality of fame. The song opens with a scene of taking a taxi to a show, suggesting a life constantly on the move, yet devoid of genuine connection. The line 'We could remind ourselves that we must laugh' hints at the forced nature of happiness in the public eye, where appearances must be maintained despite inner turmoil. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the artist's struggle with the pressures of fame and the emptiness it often brings.

The lyrics 'Reconsider: 'fame' / I need new reasons' reflect Numan's growing discontent with the superficial aspects of his career. He describes his experience as 'detention,' a place of confinement and punishment rather than joy. The metaphor of a 'cold, glass, cage' vividly captures his sense of entrapment and isolation, despite being surrounded by people and adoration. This imagery is powerful, evoking a sense of being on display yet completely cut off from genuine human interaction.

As the song progresses, Numan's sense of paranoia and disconnection becomes more pronounced. Lines like 'I've got the horrors / Check, over my shoulder' and 'I punch the air and fight but / No-one's there' convey a deep-seated anxiety and a feeling of battling unseen forces. The chorus, with its repetitive 'Remind me to smile,' underscores the performative aspect of his existence, where even basic emotions must be prompted. The closing lines, 'Keep your revivals / Keep your conventions / Keep all your fantasies that's all we are,' serve as a final rejection of the hollow trappings of fame, emphasizing a desire to break free from the artificial constructs that define his public persona.