Are 'Friends' Electric?

Gary Numan's song "Are 'Friends' Electric?" delves into themes of loneliness, alienation, and the complexities of human relationships in a technologically advanced society. The song opens with a vivid description of a cold, desolate environment, setting a tone of isolation. The imagery of peeling paint and a mysterious man outside adds to the sense of decay and detachment. This bleak setting serves as a backdrop for the narrator's introspective journey, questioning their place in such a world.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on past relationships and the superficial interactions that have left them feeling empty. The mention of "little deals" and "S.U's" (possibly referring to social units or superficial understandings) highlights the shallow nature of these connections. The narrator's realization that these interactions were meaningless to the other person deepens their sense of isolation. The recurring motif of a "white lie" and "sly touch" suggests moments of deceit and insincerity that have further eroded trust.

The pivotal moment in the song comes with the question, "Are 'friends' electric?" This line encapsulates the central theme of the song: the dehumanization of relationships in a world increasingly dominated by technology. The narrator's "friend" is revealed to be a broken machine, symbolizing the failure of artificial connections to provide genuine companionship and love. The song concludes with the narrator's painful realization of their loneliness and the futility of their attempts to find meaningful connections. This poignant ending underscores the emotional toll of living in a world where true human interaction is scarce.