Meaning of "Nothing Touches" by New Model Army

The lyrics of "Nothing Touches" by New Model Army delve into themes of alienation, apathy, and the desensitization that can come from being exposed to trauma and violence. The imagery of driving past cooling towers and industrial landscapes reflects a sense of being removed from the natural world and surrounded by a cold, mechanized environment, mirroring the emotional detachment of the narrator. The reference to being raised as a "son of Empire" hints at a legacy of imperialism and conquest that has shaped the narrator's worldview, turning them into a hardened individual who feels disconnected from the suffering of others. The repeated refrain of "nothing touches ... nothing ever touches" underscores the emotional barrier that the narrator has erected to shield themselves from the pain and horrors of the world. Despite witnessing violence and hearing screams, the narrator admits to feeling nothing, highlighting the emotional numbing that can result from repeated exposure to trauma. The plea to be taken home and the admission of being very young suggest a desire for safety, innocence, and a return to a state of vulnerability where emotions are keenly felt. Overall, "Nothing Touches" captures the numbness and resignation that can accompany a deep sense of disconnection and disillusionment with the world.