Complex
Gary Numan and The Tubeway Army Lyrics
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You know it's always the same
And they're sure to forget
Saying everyone lies
So I'm down to this
I'm down to walking on air
And you're here by my side
Please keep them away
Don't let them touch me
Please don't let them lie
Don't let them see me
The above lyrics of Gary Numan's song "Complex" convey the sense of detachment that the artist feels from his surroundings. It seems as if he's been hurt before and is now reluctant to trust people around him. He believes that people won't come back after leaving him, and they'll forget about him. The artist expresses his disappointment in people, saying that everyone lies, and he doesn't want to face them anymore.
In the chorus, Gary Numan portrays his vulnerability by saying that he's down to walking on air, signifying his feeling of hopelessness and uncertainty about his future. Still, he finds solace in somebody being by his side. He sees someone who seems to care about him, smiling and waving, which makes all the difference.
In the last verse, the artist is pleading with his companion not to let anyone else hurt him or lie to him. He wants to avoid any uncomfortable situations and not be exposed to any danger. The song "Complex" could be interpreted as a representation of Numan's fear of being hurt again, requiring someone close to him to help him heal and feel safe.
Line by Line Meaning
They won't come back
No matter how much you may want someone to return, it is unlikely that they ever will.
You know it's always the same
This feeling of disappointment and abandonment has become commonplace, familiar to you.
And they're sure to forget
The people who have left you will eventually forget about you, leaving you alone.
Saying everyone lies
You have come to believe that everyone lies and that you can no longer trust anyone.
So I'm down to this
Your world has become limited and narrowed to a point of despair.
I'm down to walking on air
You feel as if you are moving aimlessly with no grounding or stability.
And you're here by my side
Despite everything else, you have someone who supports and cares for you.
With all your waving and smiles
Your loved one is trying to make you feel better, but their attempts seem superficial and unhelpful.
Please keep them away
You are afraid of being hurt and want to retreat from the world.
Don't let them touch me
You fear that being touched or emotionally vulnerable will lead to pain and disappointment.
Please don't let them lie
You are tired of people's false promises and want honesty and clarity.
Don't let them see me
You are ashamed and do not want to be seen in your vulnerable state.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARY ANTHONY JAMES WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
marc christopher tuvey
They won't come back
You know it's always the same
And they're sure to forget
Saying everyone lies
β¦Β So I'm down to this
I'm down to walking on air
And you're here by my side
With all your waving and smiles
β¦Β Please keep them away
Don't let them touch me
Please don't let them lie
Don't let them see me
EPIC AND UNIQUE
My Left Eye
They won't come back
You know it's always the same
And they're sure to forget
Saying "everyone lies"
So I'm down to this
I'm down to walking on air
And you're here by my side
With all your waving and smiles
Please keep them away
Don't let them touch me
Please don't let them lie
Don't let them see me
Sherry Berry
Opening Lyrics:
THEY won't come back
YOU KNOW it's always the same
and they're sure to "forget" [sic]
Saying everyone lies
So I'm down to this
I'm down to walking on air, and
You're here by my side
With alll your waving and smiles...
Magnificent Muttley
@Official Gary Numan When this song was released in 1979, I was an 8-year-old boy who, thanks to everyone from Marvin Gaye, to the Supremes, and George McCrae, through to the Bee Gees, I was a boogie child of that Funk, Motown, & Disco Age. (I still am) In 1979 Funk & Disco were quickly being eclipsed by New Wave & Synthpop, though
Point is my knowledge of New Wave & of all-electronic Synthpop is "a smattering of everything & a knowledge of nothing." So I don't know who should get credit for originating all-electronic Synthpop, where even the percussion is also all-electronic, too. The earliest I knew of were Jean-Michel Jarre (Oxygene Part IV) & Vangelis. (Albedo 0.39, Blade Runner soundtrack) Their music is all-electronic alright, but it's purely instrumental. Since there's no lyrics or vocals of any kind, it doesn't qualify as Synthpop, nor as New Wave in that sense, in my opinion
You may never read this, but whatever the case, Sir, you are grossly underrated for pioneering all-electronic Synthpop, of the variety having lyrics. There's everyone from Boggles, to the Cars, Blondie, the Fixx, & so on. And the only other person performing such a masterful job of harmonizing traditional orchestral instruments (violin, viola, cello) with electronic instruments if Jeff Lynn & E.L.O.
Upon discovery of your official Youtube channel tonight, this may be my only chance of ever getting a message of appreciation through to you, Gary. I can't thank you enough for your unrecognized & underappreciated influence upon all-electronic music. I'm a very conventional musician, in the Motown, Funk, & Disco field. At present I employ very little of electronic instruments in my music. Nonetheless, the impact & influence that Cars & that Complex have on me cannot be overstated. Your music has widened my rhythmic vocabulary; enriching it & my creative originality
What a masterpiece of harmonizing traditional orchestral instruments with synthesizers & with electronic percussion Complex is! ! It is just as futuristic in 2020 as it was 41 years ago in 1979. Strangely enough there's nothing nearly as futuristic as your music playing on the radio, even now... Thank You so much, Gary. Best of Success to you! !
Peter Scheid
I have always loved this song. It has a deep, fragile melancholy that you rarely find. Although it's actually sad, the song makes me feel good.
Joy Taylor
I agree,I was only 5 years old when Complex was in the charts
Detlef Eilers
Same here π₯°π€
Peter Scheid
@Joy Taylor At that time, every LP by Gary Numan was regularly slated in the German magazine "Musik Express". Funny enough, years later the LP "The Pleasure Principle" made it to number 1 in an article in the same newspaper about the most influential electric pop LPs.
Kenneth Hall
I agree. He was good and ahead of his time in music.
Tomte Anders
IMHO This ain't sad. It is just a relaxed and relaxing quote from worlds most recognised autistic artist. LβΎοΈπE all in this and his whole output, with very few exceptions. πβ οΈβ€β οΈπ
Dom Parris
what a pioneer this musical magician is. this genius produces music for the decades. no scandals no manufactured crap from some bum. this man is a credit to his trade and has given to the masses quality sounding music for years . we the numanoids salute you Gary. thank God for Gary numan
philgib7
Very well said, I agree 100%
el Damahj
Replicas, The Pleasure Principle and Telekon were the soundtracks to my teen years. So beautiful, these tracks never fail to move me.
John Underwood
I just bought Replicas and Pleasure Principle on vinyl. I just need Telekon. They are my soundtrack as well. And still is