We Have a Technical
Gary Numan & Tubeway Army & Tubeway Army Lyrics


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We have a random on the west side

Personality malfunction

He says, "I can't give you anything at all

Just a room with a bad view of you"
He sent a letter to a downstat

Saying sorry that I missed you

But I can't think of anything to do

He's addicted to the time track

We have a technical

We have a technical

He's in a hotel where they all go

Saying, "Boy, I've lost my memory"

It's so surprising just how quickly things can end

Like a hero on a platform of friends

This table is so crowded

With people that I don't know

And I never really turn my thoughts on you

So the image breaks down again

We have a technical

We have a technical

I suppose it's very shady

At least until the lights go out

Advertising posters on the wall

And the young boys singing softly

Do they ever come back

Or is it always at the wrong time?

I could crawl around the floor just like I'm real

And move a hand in front of my eyes

We have a technical

We have a technical

We have a technical





We have a technical

Overall Meaning

"We Have A Technical" by Gary Numan/Tubeway Army is a track that explores the complexities and struggles of human interaction in a world dominated by technology. The lyrics describe a scene in a hotel, where our protagonist encounters a "random" person who seems to be experiencing a "personality malfunction." This person is unable to connect with others or offer anything meaningful, unaware of the impact his isolation has on his surroundings. Despite his attempts to apologize and connect with others, he is ultimately consumed by his addiction to technology and the "time track." Numan emphasizes the theme of technological control by repeating the refrain "we have a technical", suggesting that our relationship with technology has gone too far and has become a barrier to true human connection.


The song’s cryptic lyrics reflect Numan’s interest in science fiction and post-apocalyptic themes. He has said that the song was inspired by a nightmare he had about a faulty android which he was unable to fix. The track features pulsing synthesizers and a driving beat that underscores the sense of urgency and unease that pervades the lyrics. The song is also notable for its use of layered vocals, with Numan’s voice providing both lead and backing vocals throughout the track.


Line by Line Meaning

We have a random on the west side
Our team is facing an unforeseen problem


Personality malfunction
Someone is experiencing a breakdown in their behavior


He says, "I can't give you anything at all Just a room with a bad view of you"
This person cannot offer anything positive or helpful, only negativity


He sent a letter to a downstat Saying sorry that I missed you But I can't think of anything to do He's addicted to the time track
This person feels guilty for missing a meeting, but is powerless to break free from their daily routine


We have a technical We have a technical
Our team is experiencing a technical problem


He's in a hotel where they all go Saying, "Boy, I've lost my memory" It's so surprising just how quickly things can end Like a hero on a platform of friends
This person is in a place of familiarity, but has lost their identity and is surprised how quickly things can change


This table is so crowded With people that I don't know And I never really turn my thoughts on you So the image breaks down again
The environment is noisy and chaotic, causing the person to lose focus and clarity of thought


I suppose it's very shady At least until the lights go out Advertising posters on the wall And the young boys singing softly
The surroundings seem suspicious and untrustworthy until everything goes dark, revealing hidden messages nearby


Do they ever come back Or is it always at the wrong time? I could crawl around the floor just like I'm real And move a hand in front of my eyes
Uncertainty lingers as to whether things will improve or not, and the person imagines their own reality


We have a technical We have a technical We have a technical We have a technical
Our team is still struggling to resolve the technical problem




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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