Ultraviolet
Karl Bartos Lyrics

The lyrics of Karl Bartos's 'Ultraviolet' appears to be an introspective and contemplative account of the singer who seems to be bewildered by the changes happening around him. The song seems to be a reaction by the singer towards the fast-moving pace of society, wherein even normal things are gradually shifting towards being more stylized and superficial. The singer reflects on the constant barrage of advertisements and the pressure to conform to society's expectations. He mentions how the world turned "ultraviolet" on a particular day, which could imply how everything began to transform and show in a new light. The singer appears to feel overwhelmed by this new reality and the need to adapt to it. He mentions the different labels that he has to acquire and the strangers that he has to meet, possibly alluding to the need to fit in and socialize with the people around him.

The mention of returning videotapes seems to be a reference to the 2000 cult-classic film "American Psycho," wherein the movie's protagonist, Patrick Bateman, usually uses this line as an excuse to elude social interactions. This line, coupled with the reference to return videotapes, could be interpreted as the singer's way of emphasizing the futility of routine life and the mundane tasks that one has to do to get by. The repetition of the line amplifies this notion that the singer is stuck in a cycle that he cannot break free from. The chorus that follows this verse, with its repetitive use of the phrase "ultraviolet," could be a reflection of the world that has become much flashier and stylized.