The Meaning Behind The Song: Are ‘Friends’ Electric? by Gary Numan
The Inspiration Behind the Song
“Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” was released in 1979 by English musician Gary Numan and his band Tubeway Army. The song was a commercial success in the UK, reaching number one on the charts and staying there for four consecutive weeks.
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Numan has stated that the song was inspired by the science fiction novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick, which is also the source material for the film “Blade Runner.” In the novel, androids are indistinguishable from humans, and Numan was fascinated by the idea of the blur between human and artificial intelligence.
The Lyrics and Music
The lyrics of “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” describe a conversation between a man and a robot, in which the robot expresses a desire for companionship and human-like emotions. The chorus repeats the question, “Are ‘friends’ electric?” and asks whether or not robots can truly feel emotions and form relationships.
The music of the song is dominated by synthesizers and electronic drums, which were popular in the late 1970s. The eerie, atmospheric soundscape of the song complements the theme of isolation and disconnection that is present in the lyrics.
The Impact of “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”
“Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” is considered a landmark song in the history of electronic music. It was one of the first songs to use synthesizers as the main instrument, paving the way for the rise of synthpop in the 1980s.
The song also had an impact on popular culture, and has been referenced in numerous films, TV shows, and other musical works. A cover version by the band Information Society became a hit in the US in 1986, and the song has been covered by many other artists since then.
FAQs
What is the meaning behind the title “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”
The title of the song is a play on the phrase “Are friends electric?” which was a common question on British telephone commercials in the 1970s. Numan added the quotation marks around “friends” to emphasize the ambiguity of the question and to suggest that the concept of friendship might be more complex than it seems.
Who wrote “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”
“Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” was written by Gary Numan, who was the lead vocalist and keyboard player of the band Tubeway Army.
What other songs is Gary Numan known for?
Gary Numan is best known for his 1979 hit “Cars,” which was also a commercial success and helped to popularize electronic music.
What is synthpop?
Synthpop is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by the use of synthesizers and electronic instruments. It is often associated with bands such as Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, and New Order.
What other musicians were influential in the rise of synthpop?
Other musicians who were influential in the rise of synthpop include Kraftwerk, David Bowie, and Gary Numan’s contemporaries in the UK music scene, such as Ultravox and The Human League.
What is the significance of science fiction in the lyrics of “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”
Science fiction has been a recurring theme in Gary Numan’s music, and is particularly prominent in “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” The song reflects the cultural fascination with technology and artificial intelligence that was prevalent in the late 1970s.
How has “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” influenced other musicians?
“Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” has been cited as an influence by many musicians in the electronic and alternative music scenes. Bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, and The Killers have all mentioned Numan as an inspiration for their work.
Did “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” win any awards?
“Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” was nominated for the British Single of the Year award at the 1980 Brit Awards, but did not win. Gary Numan was also nominated for Best Male Solo Artist, but lost to Cliff Richard.
Where was the music video for “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” filmed?
The music video for “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” was filmed in a disused factory in London, and features Numan performing in front of a large display screen showing images of robots and futuristic cities.
Is Gary Numan still performing?
Yes, Gary Numan is still active in the music industry and continues to tour and release new music. In 2019, he released his 18th studio album, “Intruder.”
What has Gary Numan said about the legacy of “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”
Gary Numan has described “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” as the song that changed his life, and has spoken about the impact it had on his career and the wider music industry. In a 2018 interview with NME, he said, “It’s lovely when you see people say that it was an important moment in their life, because it was an unbelievably important moment in my life.”
