The song "Wide Boys" by Ultravox depicts a scene in which the narrator, dressed in a disguise, walks down New York Avenue. The lyrics convey a sense of detachment and numbness as the narrator describes being anaesthetized and wearing jumble-sale clothes. Evangeline, a character, is mentioned as renting out their throat. The song then references London's streets being familiar to the narrator and Nagasaki being hidden under their coats. This could imply that the narrator has a deep knowledge of different cities and carries their secrets along with them. The term "wide boys" refers to individuals who are street-smart or have a cunning and confident demeanor. They are described as "delightfully unpleasant" and are associated with the foxy adolescent scene, suggesting a rebellious and energetic youth culture. The lyrics express the narrator's weariness of being belittled and having their hopes crushed. They long for a fresh start and are tired of being disillusioned. This sentiment is reinforced by the line "Broken-hearted my life just started." The song then incorporates musical elements with references to the wrong side of nightmares and jukebox models colliding. There is a sense of chaos and defying conventions. The lyrics mention the scent on the fire escaping and embracing an old suicide pride, suggesting a defiant and rebellious attitude. The lines about spinal connections and walking a tightrope could symbolize the narrator's resilience and determination despite facing obstacles. The reference to Einstein Boulevard could allude to the pursuit of intellectual achievements. Overall, "Wide Boys" portrays a character who masks their identity, navigates through different cities, and embodies a defiant spirit in the face of adversity. The song captures a sense of disillusionment, resilience, and rebellion.
