The song "Fear in the Western World" by Ultravox was released in 1977 as part of their second studio album, "Ha! Ha! Ha!" The lyrics touch upon several themes and paint a picture of the fears and anxieties present in the Western world during that time. The song begins by challenging the media's portrayal of individuals and society. The line, "Your picture of yourself is a media myth," suggests that the way people perceive themselves and others is often distorted by the media. The reference to being "on the edge of a cliff" symbolizes the precarious state of society. The next line, "Someone told me Jesus was the Devil's lover," combines religious imagery with sexual innuendo to suggest a corrupt and disillusioned view of faith and spirituality. The mention of masturbating on a magazine cover adds a sense of voyeurism and objectification. The chorus repeats the phrase "I can feel the fear in the Western world" to emphasize the prevailing sense of anxiety and tension. The subsequent lines reference various global issues, such as death and violence in the streets, the turmoil in Ireland and Africa, suburban unrest, and a pervasive sense of fear across the Western world. The following verse continues to critique the media's influence and the state of society. The parents' behaviors – Mama still on Valium and Daddy watching the news – indicate a sense of detachment from reality. The mention of TV orphans laughing at the confusion highlights the disconnect and desensitization of the audience. The chorus is repeated again, reinforcing the prevailing fear in the Western world. The lyrics then delve into metaphorical imagery, referencing a party behind elevator doors while the elevator is plummeting from the 69th floor. This symbolizes the contradictions and recklessness inherent in society. The mention of cars lost in the scrapyards of paradise signifies the discarded and forgotten dreams of the Western world. The line "The newspaper photographs have all come alive" suggests that reality and illusion have blurred, further adding to the sense of confusion and fear. Overall, "Fear in the Western World" reflects the disquiet and disillusionment of society, criticizing the media's influence, societal anxieties, and the disconnect between appearance and reality. The song captures the spirit of the late '70s, a time of societal unrest and cultural disillusionment.
