"New Europeans" is a song by the British new wave band Ultravox, released in 1980. The lyrics depict a sense of isolation and loneliness in a changing world, particularly in the context of European society. The song begins by describing a quiet street washed by rain, where a lonely man sits in his home. He is surrounded by unique designs in chrome, symbolizing a modern and futuristic aesthetic. The mellow years, representing a more peaceful and content past, have long gone by, and now he sits alone. The lonely man has a brand new radio, but he never turns it on. This could symbolize a disconnection from the outside world and a lack of interest in contemporary society. The chorus then addresses the "New Europeans" and the "Young Europeans," suggesting that this feeling of isolation is shared among a younger generation. The lyrics mention a photograph of lovers lost, which lies pressed in magazines. This implies a sense of longing for a lost love or a connection that is only found through media and not in reality. The wife in the photograph has eyes that belong to a thousand other girls, emphasizing the idea of the wife who is never seen. The man's educated son has left in search of borrowed dreams, possibly indicating his pursuit of success in a changing world. However, he is portrayed as being consumed by his television, frozen to the screen. This suggests that he has become detached from genuine experiences and is instead engrossed in a virtual reality. The song then shifts to a crowded beach washed by the Sun, where a person puts on headphones and immerses themselves in the synthesizer's song. This individual embodies a modern-day European legacy, with a culture revolving around technology and a sense of detachment from personal connections. Overall, "New Europeans" highlights the feeling of disconnection and isolation in a rapidly changing world, particularly in the context of European society. It explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the impact of technology on personal relationships.
