The song "Where Are We Going?" by Howard Jones addresses the theme of conformity, the suppression of individuality, and the search for personal freedom and fulfillment. The lyrics depict a sense of restraint and limitation imposed at an early age, symbolized by the hoisted restraints and tightened straps. These restraints prevent individuals from exploring their true potential and leave them in the dark, both figuratively and metaphorically. The song highlights the conformity enforced by the education system, as indicated by the "scripts by the school sage" and being treated like a clown. It questions the purpose of this conformity, urging listeners to reflect on their own paths and actions. The repeated question, "Where are we going?" implies a longing for direction and purpose in life. Jones emphasizes the need to break free from societal expectations and the pressures to conform. He rejects becoming clones or working within someone else's scheme, advocating for personal discovery and individuality. The lyrics express a desire for people to find themselves rather than becoming a cog in a machine that prioritizes power and wealth. The song also holds a hopeful sentiment that a day will come when everyone will be respected and hatred will no longer be a distorted form of love. It encourages listeners to question their actions and contemplate the potential they have, which is being wasted or trickling away. Overall, "Where Are We Going?" is a call for introspection, challenging societal norms, and seeking personal freedom and fulfillment. It invites listeners to embrace their unique selves and break free from the restraints that confine them.
