Complex

Gary Numan

About Complex

"Complex" is a song by British musician Gary Numan. It was the second single to be taken from his 1979 album The Pleasure Principle. The single reached number six in the UK Singles Chart. The recording's backing track uses conventional acoustic drums, acoustic piano, and electric bass guitar, however the distinctive lead parts are performed on violin, viola, and heavily flanged and reverberated analogue monosynth, an unusual combination in popular music. Lyrically, the song alludes to a psychological complex, expressing a paranoia that might have been directed at critics, fans, stalkers or false friends, depending on one's point of view: Please keep them away Don't let them touch me Please don't let them lie Don't let them see meA BBC Radio 1 review panel speculated that this song was "the first electronic ballad", although this is untrue, as it post-dates recordings such as "Hiroshima Mon Amour" by Ultravox and "Neon Lights" by Kraftwerk by a couple of years.  


Year:
1979
43 
#3

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They won't come back
You know it's always the same
And they're sure to forget
Saying everyone lies

So I'm down to this
I'm down to walking on air
And you're here by my side
With all your waving and smiles

Please keep them away
Don't let them touch me
Please don't let them lie
Don't let them see me

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Gary Numan

Gary Numan (born Gary Anthony James Webb on 8 March 1958) is an English singer, composer, and musician, most widely known for his chart-topping 1979 hits "Are 'Friends' Electric?" (as Tubeway Army) and "Cars". His signature sound consists of heavy synthesiser hooks fed through guitar effects pedals. more »

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Written by: GARY ANTHONY JAMES WEBB

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Information
"Complex" is a song from Gary Numan's second studio album "The Pleasure Principle," which was released in 1979.
Song History
Though not as universally recognized as the album’s biggest hit, “Cars,” “Complex” was indeed a successful song and was cited for its fusion of synth-pop and post-punk.
Chart Success
"Complex" peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart, making it his second top-10 hit in the UK.
Instruments Used
The song is noted for its almost entirely synthesized sound. Numan famously replaced traditional rock band instruments like guitars with synthesisers to craft his distinctive electronic sound.
Violin Inclusion
The only non-synthetic instrument in "Complex" is the violin, which is played by the last-minute addition of viola player Billy Currie, a member of Ultravox.
Lyrical Content
The song's lyrics convey feelings of intense isolation, fear, and contemplation of the human condition. This introspective approach is a hallmark of Gary Numan's work.
Music Videos
The music video for "Complex" features Numan in a solitary landscape of ice and snow, further establishing his signature blend of icy synth sounds, otherworldly aesthetics, and deeply introspective lyrical themes.
Track Length
The official length of the song "Complex" is 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
Inspiration
The song is said to be inspired by Philip K. Dick's science fiction novels, particularly in its exploration of the emotional complexities of being human, or, in the case of Dick's work, humanoid robots.
Awards and Recognition
Although the song "Complex" itself hasn't won awards, Gary Numan’s "The Pleasure Principle" album has been noted as a landmark in electronic music, influencing numerous electronic and alternative artists over the decades.

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