"TV Orphans" by Ultravox is a song that criticizes the influence of television and media on society. The lyrics describe the experience of being disconnected and alienated from reality, feeling like a "TV orphan" who is raised and shaped by distorted images and ideas presented on television. The song starts with the line "TV orphans get, picture of distortion," which suggests that individuals who rely heavily on television are exposed to a distorted version of reality. This distortion is further emphasized with phrases like "Knock, knock, knock, knock, a generation wants the world, changing through a medium for" which implies that people are seeking change and understanding through a medium that doesn't accurately portray reality. The lyrics also mention a personal experience of being on Sunset Strip and feeling detached from the genuine emotions of life. The line "Hits, hits, hits, hits, while one bad girl oughta explain this opportunity" suggests that the constant bombardment of superficial and sensationalistic content on TV leaves little room for genuine emotions and meaningful experiences. The chorus repeats the phrase "TV orphan" to emphasize the feeling of being disconnected from reality and manipulated by the media. The lyrics suggest that when the truth becomes too uncomfortable or challenging, people tend to avoid it and instead consume shallow and easily digestible content. The phrase "Life cools down when the truth gets hot, bet you're made too hard to get cruise by shot" highlights the idea that when confronted with the harsh reality, people tend to distance themselves, seeking entertainment rather than facing the truth. The lyrics also mention the consequences of this detachment, emphasizing that people will be forgotten after they die, mere objects to be buried in a box. Overall, "TV Orphans" is a critique of the overpowering influence of television and media, and how it shapes individuals' perception of reality. It explores themes of alienation, superficiality, and the tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths, urging listeners to question and challenge the distorted images presented through the screen.
