The Voice

Ultravox's song 'The Voice' delves into the mysterious and compelling nature of communication and the human experience. The lyrics suggest a deep connection between the speaker and the words they hear, as if these words are both familiar and foreign at the same time. This duality is captured in lines like 'Native these words seem to me / All speech directed to me,' indicating a sense of déjà vu or a profound recognition of something once lost and now found. The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody amplify this sense of eerie familiarity and emotional resonance.

The recurring theme of 'the voice' in the song serves as a powerful metaphor for influence and control. The voice is described as having a 'shape and power' and being 'forceful and twisting,' suggesting that it can manipulate and affect the listener deeply. This could be interpreted as the impact of external forces, such as societal expectations or authoritative figures, on an individual's psyche. The 'strong low tones' of the voice add a layer of gravity and seriousness, emphasizing its commanding presence.

Moreover, the song touches on the transient nature of these voices and their messages. Phrases like 'Sweetly the voices decay' and 'I'd lost it once before / Now it cries to me' highlight the ephemeral quality of these influences. They come and go, leaving a lasting impression but also fading over time. This cyclical pattern of losing and rediscovering the voice mirrors the human experience of grappling with internal and external influences, ultimately shaping one's identity and perception of the world.