You are, you are
Gary Numan · Dance [1981]
Hopefully mistaken
Like old ties
You'll soon be broken down
Like all the rest who tried
You are you are
Something quite surprising
Story's odd
Concerning love
The scene will change for you, you know
You are you are
Just a good reflection
Nothing more
You'd like to take me for the world
To see you leave
You are you are
A living exhibition
Defying age
Like a seasoned veteran
Of men for cash
I know how to hide and wait for you
I know how to wait I won't forget
Exactly what you are
See her shine like stars
Before they burn
See her shine with stars
Before they fade away
Such a shame
The best of fame
You are, you are
Gary Numan's "You are, you are" stands as a defining track from his 1981 album Dance, capturing the artist at the height of his synth-pop dominance. The recording showcases Numan's signature detached vocal delivery and mechanical rhythms, hallmarks that helped shape the new wave genre. Following the massive success of his earlier work with Tubeway Army, this period marked a shift toward more complex, dance-oriented electronic arrangements. The song reflects the cold, industrial atmosphere that characterized Numan's mid-career output, blending atmospheric synthesizers with driving percussion. As a key component of the Dance album, it reinforces his reputation as a pioneer of electronic music, offering a moody yet rhythmic listening experience that remains influential within the genre.