"An Audience With The Man" by Steve Harley is a song that delves into the theme of people blindly following charismatic leaders or figures of authority. The lyrics describe a leader who presents himself as a savior to the lost sheep, promising everything will be okay with his familiar smile. However, despite the leader's popularity and the audience's admiration, he ultimately has nothing substantial to offer. The song suggests that there are countless followers eagerly waiting for the leader's words, but he cannot live up to their expectations. The chorus emphasizes this point, expressing the frustration of those who have been let down by the leader's empty promises. The mention of Shakespeare, Dickens, Churchill, Nixon, Napoleon, and Kennedy highlights historical figures and illustrates how powerful leaders throughout history have utilized charm and charisma to captivate followers. The lyrics also touch upon the decline of empires and the fall of great leaders, suggesting that the truth behind such events remains a mystery known only to a few. The line "how the West was won is a legend, but how the Empire fell is known only to the few" implies that the truth behind the rise and fall of leaders and empires is often concealed or distorted. The song further criticizes the superficiality of society, describing how the leader's followers become complacent and even asleep, unable to recognize the lack of substance in his words. The verses mention examples of individuals within a family who are preoccupied with their own interests, leading to a disconnect and a sense of hypocrisy. Despite the chaos and dysfunction, the chorus reiterates that everyone is still waiting for an audience with the leader, symbolizing the desperate hope for someone to provide guidance and solutions. Overall, "An Audience With The Man" highlights the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders and the disillusionment that can occur when their promises prove empty. It suggests that true leadership goes beyond surface-level charm and requires genuine substance and integrity.
