Me I Disconnect From You
Gary Numan / Tubeway Army Lyrics
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You could tell from conversations
I was waiting by the screen
I couldn't recognize my photograph
Me, I disconnect from you
I was walking up the stairs
Something moved in silence
Only inches away from me
And I disconnect from you
Please don't turn me off
I don't know what I'm doing outside
Me and the telephone that never rings
If you were me what would you do
Me, I disconnect from you
The lyrics to Gary Numan's "Me I Disconnect From You" speak to the sense of alienation that can come with technology and modern life. The opening lines describe an alarm ringing incessantly, reflecting the constant noise and stimulation of our digital world. The singer of the song is waiting by a screen, but feels disconnected even from their own image - a nod to the way social media and online personas can create a sense of dislocation from one's true self.
Later in the song, the lyrics take a more sinister turn as the singer describes feeling something "moving in silence" and sensing the decay of someone's mind "only inches away" from them. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the breakdown of human connection and empathy in a world where we are constantly bombarded by distractions and isolated by technology. The repeated refrain of "Me, I disconnect from you" throughout the song speaks to the idea of disconnecting from others as a means of self-preservation.
Overall, "Me I Disconnect From You" is a commentary on the ways in which modern living can create a sense of detachment and loneliness, despite our constant ability to connect with others through technology. It highlights the importance of human connection and empathy in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating.
Line by Line Meaning
The alarm rang for days
The repetitive noise signified the ongoing unrest in the environment.
You could tell from conversations
People talked about the continuous disturbance caused by the siren.
I was waiting by the screen
The individual was observing the flashing screen, awaiting some sort of breakthrough.
I couldn't recognize my photograph
The person wasn't able to identify themselves due to the deterioration of mental health.
Me, I disconnect from you
The person opted to distance themselves from others to regain their composure.
I was walking up the stairs
The individual was going through their daily routine.
Something moved in silence
An unknown disturbance was sensed but not seen.
I could feel his mind decaying
The person was aware of the deterioration of someone's mental health.
Only inches away from me
The mental breakdown was occurring in close proximity to the individual.
And I disconnect from you
As a result of witnessing the mental decay of others, the individual decides to distance themselves.
Please don't turn me off
A plea to remain in the state of consciousness as opposed to succumbing to the effects of mental stress.
I don't know what I'm doing outside
Lack of clarity regarding one's actions and whereabouts.
Me and the telephone that never rings
A metaphorical representation of the individual's loneliness and isolation.
If you were me what would you do
A hypothetical question seeking guidance and advice from others.
Me, I disconnect from you
The individual continues to choose isolation as a solution to their problems.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARY ANTHONY JAMES WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind