The Meaning Behind The Song: Vienna by Ultravox
When the British band Ultravox released their single “Vienna” in 1981, it quickly became an anthem of the New Romantic movement. The song’s lyrics, which are both cryptic and poetic, have been interpreted in many ways over the years. Some see it as a commentary on the Cold War, others as an existential meditation on the human condition. Regardless of how one interprets the song, “Vienna” remains a classic of the era, an enduring symbol of the 1980s.
The Story Behind The Song
“Vienna” was written by Ultravox frontman Midge Ure, along with keyboardist Billy Currie. The song was actually the B-side of their previous single, “Passing Strangers”, but it was the video for “Vienna” that propelled the song to stardom. The video was directed by Russell Mulcahy, who went on to become a successful Hollywood filmmaker, and it featured the band in various dramatic scenes set against the backdrop of Vienna at night.
The song’s lyrics were inspired by Ure’s experiences of the city during the Cold War. In a 2017 interview with The Independent, Ure said, “I was in Vienna in 1979 and it was a really strange place. The Iron Curtain was still up and the border was closed. There were two sides to the city and they were completely different, one side was all pink and fluffy and musicals, the other was grey and dull.”
The Lyrics of Vienna
“Vienna” features some of the most poetic and evocative lyrics of the 1980s. The opening lines of the song set the tone: “Walked in the cold air / Freezing breath on a window pane / Lying and waiting / A man in the dark in a picture frame”. The rest of the song continues in this vein, a series of images and emotions that are both mysterious and powerful.
Interpretations of the Song
As with many great works of art, the meaning of “Vienna” is open to interpretation. Here are some of the most common interpretations:
– A commentary on the Cold War: The song’s references to borders and the “other side” of the city have led many to see it as a reflection on the political tensions of the time.
– A meditation on the human condition: The image of a man in a picture frame, staring out at the world, has been interpreted as a metaphor for the human condition.
– A love song: Some have suggested that the song is about a doomed love affair, with the lyrics “Time is motion / Timeless courage / Is silent lays” conveying a sense of loss and regret.
The Music of Vienna
“Vienna” is a lush, atmospheric, and melodic song, featuring sweeping synths, intricate guitar lines, and Ure’s distinctive vocals. The song has been described as a masterpiece of New Romantic music, combining the moodiness of post-punk with the grandeur of classical music.
The song’s famous chorus is a crescendo of emotion, with Ure belting out the lines “This means nothing to me / Oh, Vienna” over a soaring instrumental section.
The Legacy of Vienna
“Vienna” was a massive hit when it was first released, reaching number two in the UK charts and becoming Ultravox’s signature song. The song has continued to resonate with music fans over the years, and has been covered by a number of artists, including Coldplay, The Killers, and The Foo Fighters.
The song’s influence can also be seen in the work of many contemporary artists, from pop stars like Lorde to indie bands like The xx and Chromatics. The song remains a touchstone of 1980s music, a symbol of a decade defined by artistic experimentation, political turmoil, and emotional intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the song “Vienna” mean?
Interpretations of the song vary, but some see it as a commentary on the Cold War, a meditation on the human condition, or a love song.
Who wrote “Vienna”?
The song was written by Ultravox frontman Midge Ure, along with keyboardist Billy Currie.
What inspired the lyrics of “Vienna”?
The song’s lyrics were inspired by Ure’s experiences of the city during the Cold War. Ure has said that he was struck by the contrast between the two sides of the city, one bright and musical, the other dull and grey.
What kind of music is “Vienna”?
“Vienna” is a melodic, atmospheric song that is often described as a masterpiece of New Romantic music. The song combines the moodiness of post-punk with the grandeur of classical music.
Who directed the video for “Vienna”?
The video for “Vienna” was directed by Russell Mulcahy, who went on to become a successful Hollywood filmmaker.
Did “Vienna” become a hit?
Yes, “Vienna” was a massive hit when it was first released, reaching number two in the UK charts and becoming Ultravox’s signature song.
Has “Vienna” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Vienna” has been covered by a number of artists, including Coldplay, The Killers, and The Foo Fighters.
What is the legacy of “Vienna”?
“Vienna” remains a touchstone of 1980s music, a symbol of a decade defined by artistic experimentation, political turmoil, and emotional intensity. The song’s influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
What was the B-side of “Vienna”?
“Vienna” was actually the B-side of Ultravox’s previous single, “Passing Strangers”.
How does “Vienna” compare to other Ultravox songs?
“Vienna” is often regarded as Ultravox’s signature song, and is generally considered to be one of the band’s best works.
What other bands were part of the New Romantic movement?
The New Romantic movement was a broad cultural phenomenon that encompassed a number of different bands and artists, including Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Adam and the Ants.
What are some other classic songs of the 1980s?
The 1980s was a decade that produced a wealth of classic songs from a range of genres. Some other iconic songs of the era include “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, and “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
