VNV Nation - When is the Future?

"When is the Future?" is taken from the VNV Nation album "Noire"
Release by Anachron Sounds (world except North America) and Metropolis Records (North America). Order links, album info - www.vnvnation.com
The video was shot on location in Tokyo, Japan
Directed by Michael Winkler
Produced by Iconographic (M.Winkler / F.Gojana)
instagram - / vnvnationofficial
soundcloud - / vnvnation
bandcamp - vnvnation.bandcamp.com
facebook - / vnvnation
twitter - / vnv_nation
homepage - www.vnvnation.com

[@charlesadkins3225]

I've spent a lifetime in a bad mental place. Only within the past two years have I finally been able and desirous of healing. For over a decade people would ask me, "don't you have any 'happy' songs to listen to?" The answer was always, "no, I'm not sure what I would I would listen to that resonates with me, that I would listen to repeatedly that I'd call 'happy' music. Well, now, VNV Nation has given me my 1st 'happy' music. Thank for that..

[@vnvnationofficial]

It’s a wonderful thing to hear that the music resonates with you in this way. It’s been my catharsis and voice when i needed it most. I hope the words i’ve written can be that for you too.

[@charlesadkins3225]

@@vnvnationofficial The 1st song I ever heard by you was Illusion about 5 or 6 years ago. It fits perfectly with a friend of mine who has a rare genetic disorder: epidermalysis bullosa. He faces diminished health, of which he has little to begin with, every day. He has bouts where he nearly dies from the disorder and every moment is precious. I thought he was going to die & since he's like me I sent him your song. He's still battling, much worse shape now, but, we still have Illusion.

[@Biology_Chemistry_Poetry_Love]

Jesus why we believe in everything to people that don`t know about life so much? Some of them don`t really care. Children in the fog.

[@troyallenminer8130]

Good for you use whatever it takes to make you happy and whole. Life's way too short.

[@Samayin-jt5ce]

VNV is healing and pulling me through my counseling and therapy. Them along with Apoptyma Berserk and their Bruderschaft collaboration.

[@michawalerys1173]

A stranger in the crowd Treading fire after dark Lost in a city Pulsing to a sound Of the spirit and soul A city that is breathing Living through the cables Alive across the wires Faces without names Playing devils and angels Lit up by the strobes Moving hypnotised I caught your reflection In the neon on glass An electric silhouette Against a static sky It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies An image we create In our image we design It's a beautiful life So when is the future Time moves so fast In a single direction Fighting with a present Racing from the past We're searching for something That can never satisfy The reality of answers When lives are on the line I've waited a lifetime For the age of wonder A place that I remember In a splinter of time A stranger in a strange land Caught in the flow Still searching for answers Among the neon lights It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies An image we create In our image we design It's a beautiful life So when is the future It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies An image we create In our image we design It's a beautiful life So when is the future

[@xyzdna5288]

Michał Waleryś this song is incredible, such vision, insight, calculations, I feel like I have rediscovered them all over again. It’s Awesome to have such wonderfully gifted and talented musicians like #VNVNation,, ....AMAZING GOING BACK AND TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT DID I WRIGHT AND WHO IS Michal Walery? I HAVE NO CLUE.

[@sagadarck]

🤘😎👌

[@Odin_na_Vseh]

What is life, what is time. what are we???

[@colinsweet280]

I'm a 55 year old man who has just discovered this duo and need to get up to speed quickly.. wow I'm blown away.

[@Volundur9567]

KZbin discography for VNV Nation. Legion is a very good start.

[@Akiria_]

my mom followed VNV Nation around the country for all the tours while she was pregnant with me, now im here in 2024 and loving them thanks mom for your music taste.

[@4g63gen1]

Hearing this song was like hearing Enjoy the Silence for the first time.

[@DgNechtan]

Me2

[@mr.horriblehyde2407]

True

[@jamesjulien6782]

À

[@panosskopelitis4694]

00

[@richardikin]

I totally get that

[@chadh5825]

VNV Nation is like a fine wine, gets even better with age.

[@CollectifXVII]

Agree !

[@Ford.Prefect]

Indeed

[@marcohde19]

Congrats to VNV Nation for the 5.1 million views, this is not a mainstream band and the numbers reflect that underground music is still alive in 2020

[@lacruz555]

Been listening to VNV for years. Highly, highly underrated. This guy is genius.

[@amazarashi4530]

On Friday I discovered this song. Today? I can't stop listening to it and recommending it to everyone

[@Sugar3Glider]

🎵🎶🎶🎵 Stranger in a crowd Treading fire after dark Lost in a city Pulsing to the sound Of the spirit and soul 🎵🎶🎶🎵 A city that is breathing Living through the cables Alive across the wires Faces without names Playing devils and angels Lit up by the strobes Moving hypnotized I caught your reflection In the neon on glass An electric silhouette Against the static sky 🎵🎶🎶🎵 It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world I must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future 🎵🎶🎶🎵 We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future 🎵🎶🎶🎵 Time moves so fast In a single direction Fighting with the present Racing from the past 🎵🎶🎶🎵 We're searching for something That can never satisfy The reality of answers When lives are on the line I've waited a lifetime For the age of wonder A place that I remember In a splinter of time A stranger in a strange land Caught in the flow Still searching for answers Among the neon lights 🎵🎶🎶🎵 It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world we must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future 🎵🎶🎶🎵 We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future 🎵🎶🎶🎵 It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future 🎵🎶🎶🎵 We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future 🎵🎶🎶🎵

[@nik0tine]

Not sure why this became so popular all of a sudden, but VNV nation deserves it.

[@cazneph]

They do..They are brilliant ...I

[@mysteriousways9]

⚡ Legendary Musicians ⚡

[@industrialxsurgeon]

I can't listen to this song without getting teary-eyed. Thank you VNV Nation for creating such a beautiful song. 🌝

[@1977Yakko]

Great song. Very catchy rhythm. Interesting lyrics. Ridiculously underrated artist. I regret only having discovered this artist with his song "Illusion" being used in the game Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. A game that was so emotionally charged I was reduced to tears upon hearing the song. On a side note, anyone else notice how clean the streets are in Japan?

[@goffog1]

Welcome to VNV nation. a remarkable band. This song was my go to pandemic song when I so missed walking amongst people.

[@1977Yakko]

@@goffog1 "Lockdown". A prison term. I could go on and on about how jacked up the response was to all that but I'll let that rest and just express some relief that you found something during those crazy times that brought you some peace and helped restore some sanity. Music is a wonderful therapy.

[@zai112_]

Same here! That's how I got to know vnv nation as well. And Japanese streets look clean and pretty

[@davidoldgit8858]

Try Beloved, that is charged as well

[@Zeheroth69]

That one rare time VNV nation does a video and it blows up to 5,1mill views. does my heart good to finally see in some form of another the message theyve been preaching for years for the good of the people gets to a broader audience

[@Brainhorn]

I hadn't checked on VNV Nation in quite a while. Decided to look them up and found this. Good to see nothing has changed. Still doing great stuff.

[@ZombieKayla]

Heck yeah!

[@darkarmilla]

Letra Stranger in a crowd Treading fire after dark Lost in a city Pulsing to the sound Of the spirit and soul A city that is breathing Living through the cables Alive across the wires Faces without names Playing devils and angels Lit up by the strobes Moving hypnotized I caught your reflection In the neon on glass An electric silhouette Against the static sky It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world I must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future Time moves so fast In a single direction Fighting with the present Racing from the past We're searching for something That can never satisfy The reality of answers When lives are on the line I've waited a lifetime For the age of wonder A place that I remember In a splinter of time A stranger in a strange land Caught in the flow Still searching for answers Among the neon lights It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world we must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future

[@ChristJesusLordofjohnwithers]

Thanx

[@BrianDicksonRabidslug]

Thank you so much! As a bald middle aged white man who loves nothing more than to walk around large urban metropolises alone, I know I am not alone! Thank you Ronan and everyone with VNV. I've met you many times over the years and have enjoyed every moment

[@crimsonhalo13]

I'm writing this in March 2020, after COVID-19 hit the RESET button on the entire world. The Internet is our age of wonder, and at least we'll have good music in the times to come, no matter what. As a two-decade fan of the band, I just wanted to express my gratitude for all of the inspiration and beautiful memories along the way. ♥

[@Some_Kind_of_Stranger]

The internet has made people keyboard warriors who are prideful with a me me me mindset, the internet may have it's uses, but it is warping the minds of everyone. It's more bad than it is good. Also Covid didn't hit the reset button on the world, the one world government did. Through influence and bs. And while I'm here I may as well state that they didn't hit the reset button, they just took our rights away and used a bogus virus that doesn't even exist as an excuse to do so. Please start critically thinking because if nobody does we're all screwed, thank you.

[@garry4564]

It keeps our sprits going we survive this nasty pandemic we will have fight it off meaning use your common sense an keep mankind inexistence

[@saltoeleni5265]

@@Some_Kind_of_Stranger Ditto !!!!! And thank ya for a critical mind 🙏👍👌✌️💯

[@akroto]

This song was suggested to me by KZbin a few weeks ago and I fell in love with it immediately, it has become the most played track on my Spotify. I just can't get enough of it.

[@evilelf5967]

try the live performances...epic,makes you want to be there!

[@JasonCriswell-fd2wc]

I can't listen to this song enough. Brilliant. It's motivating pass the point of delereum. I walk to it. I dance to it. I chill with it. Soooooo good.

[@MannyNamiro]

Same. The vocals are so pleasant to the ear and the instrumental is so upbeat. I've listened to this song a few dozen times now and I only discovered it a day or two ago. The chorus is so good!

[@joannamurakami908]

The timing of these lyrics is so perfect.

[@estefanomarengo8244]

Y

[@RalphTCMKaiser]

@@estefanomarengo8244 #loveit....❤

[@estefanomarengo8244]

Ralph Kaiser no

[@RalphTCMKaiser]

@@estefanomarengo8244 come no.... this song is great

[@estefanomarengo8244]

Ralph Kaiser ok

[@shingnosis]

"A city that is breathing, living through the cables, alive across the wires" I honestly think Ronan is one the top 100 song writers of the past century, I'm 100% serious. Lines like this and songs like Illusion, Ghost, Carbon, Endless skies etc.

[@rfjohnson69]

He is a poet. The rest is gravy.

[@xyzdna5288]

RONAN in my opinion is a Genius and words cannot describe the frequency of your emotional response so I just say understood

[@xyzdna5288]

I am A poet, I have 300 Poems and I think the birds outside as I’m typing that are making a sound are telling me something.

[@junethea8283]

the part that gets me is "I've waited a lifetime, for the age of wonder"

[@ZombieKayla]

AHHHH FUCK YESSS I LOVE VNV NATION!!!!! Since I was 15 and they changed my life. I'm 31 now. Forever my love, to you.🌹

[@SolarWebsite]

I can't stop listening to this.

[@crazy12lol]

Listen to the Empires album start to finish.

[@peek-a-boos]

Legend has it this man is still walking on the streets of Japan, searching for the future.

[@RollingRigTraction]

I've been listening to VNV Nation since 2005-2006 probably more 2006 while I was on active duty again with the US NAVY . I helped get my younger brothers' highschool buddy fit and in shape for Army basic training as he knew I was in the Navy and had gone to BUD/s. My brother had turned him on to bands like And One and Funker Vogt and he dropped by one day with his hard drive and said "Here, take all my music😂😅❤!" I can dare say what he gave me saved my life and kept me sane cause that deployment was absolutely FUCKED, broke my back for the second time, completely destroyed my right shoulder beyond just shaking off, after ten years of building back to bench pressing 250+ just tossing my jacket in the back seat of my Bronco II would completely fuck it up and I'd have to start iver and build it back. New Year's 2007 I took a nasty high drop onto some hard shit and completely detached my right biceps tendon and opened up a gash on my right knee which was more of a tear than a cut. That was stitched up, stitches washed out in the shower two weeks later and I stitched it shut myself and the stitches just tore through the flesh😮😢. Anyway, I was clearly on medical hold at that point after having a 20,000lb naval patrol craft absolutely destroy my spine with an ugly load injury. Let's talk about cabin fever😢. Going from high speed low drag and ready to tackle SEAL training again to being absolutely broken physically drops life right into the dumps. I found Klub Therapy in San Diego and decided to go check it out. I made a lifelong friend in the Godfather of Goth Industrial music in San Diego in Bryan Pollard who graciously took me into the fold and I spent many nights in his Klub's just hanging out and feeling human again. It pushed me to DJ and do concert promotions when I returned home to SLC and I've been blessed to have brought many great Goth and Industrial and Synthpop bands to Utah since then. I was fortunate enough to take both of my sons and my brother to see VNV Nation live at The Complex last week for my eldest son's birthday and my brothers' early birthday celebration as they're just 6 days apart. Lo amd behold the same Army buddy of my brother and me was there who I hadn't seen in a decade or better who was in town as his Dad had just passed away suddenly and he was out to get away from the family drama. We got to spend the whole concert together and finally catch up after so long. Life is SO INTERESTING, AND THE WORLD IS DEFINITELY A SMALL PLACE!

[@ashleypena3568]

Just saw my 7th VNV concert here in Texas a couple weeks ago! Been a fan 22 years, dancing to them never gets old 😃

[@danielgyllenbreider]

If you listen to all VNV nations albums you realize what an amazing band they are. Every album has a different style or nuance, yet still maintains that distinct VNV nation style. I would love to see a continuation of that Resonance project they had as well.

[@Discoveringbandsbymichaelnagy]

Every album they do is great!

[@gurplepanda3656]

I had asked him the last time I saw him if there would be a resonance part 2 his reply was "of course" so there is much hope.

[@Odin_na_Vseh]

What is life, what is time. what are we???

[@Blankstate]

VNV Nation has been my favorite musical group for 19 years. They inspired, motivated, and encouraged me in my youth and helped support me emotionally through some of the tougher parts of adulthood. Absolutely stoked to see them in Chicago again this winter. It will be my third show in Chicago and fifth overall.

[@ModeMan101]

This video should end with the camera operator's hand tapping Ronan on the shoulder: "Excuse me, you dropped this a while back."

[@BillAnt]

And Ronan turns to the camera man "Hold my beer while I pick it up" lol

[@vnvnationofficial]

😂

[@larryshipley7645]

God I love this song ,pumps me up to go to work, his voice is magical,

[@777zilof]

I have been following VNV Nation since the praise the fallen album and never saw them live. I have a ticket for the Montreal show on this tour.

[@shericonger6800]

Get ready for Ronan to scream at you to "MOVE."

[@radishbeet2130]

I just found this band and song while I was sick with the flu. It really boosted my spirits in a dark time and inspired me. Thanks, love your work guys!

[@darkarmilla]

La Letra:

[@larsbo1969]

Ty

[@vilainlama1]

Thx for the lyrics 🥰

[@Secean]

I have insomnia, and can be awake for up to 30h at a time when my brain refuses to shut down. This song on repeat is my comfort

[@Odin_na_Vseh]

What is life, what is time. what are we???

[@olgagorban3609]

I wish you good sleep! and hear this song in a new way

[@stephenspark776]

At 0:29 a huge smile comes on my face every time. It's like someone has just switched on my heart.

[@bryansmith4856]

Listen with headphones and hear the background synthesizer strings singing to you, it is heavenly.

[@salmanedy]

Especially potent when you're on a late night cruise looking for a spot to eat.

[@stephenspark776]

My little speakers create brilliant vibrations through my desk. And then I just say f**k work and get up and dance!

[@MLewando2222]

First heard VNV Nation on Goth / Industrial compilations from Hot Topic around 1998, great band that needs more recogination

[@Odin_na_Vseh]

What is life, what is time. what are we???

[@jotunart]

Life has been so awful the last 2 years I had forgotten about VNV nation till today...god's I needed this song right now thank you. ❤

[@thegremlin3194]

Sounds like an Illusion moment , Mind you the Noir album was certainly played by me 3 years ago when my life started to fall apart

[@Nilf666]

Lyrics: Stranger in a crowd Treading fire after dark Lost in a city Pulsing to the sound Of the spirit and soul A city that is breathing Living through the cables Alive across the wires Faces without names Playing devils and angels Lit up by the strobes Moving hypnotized I caught your reflection In the neon on glass An electric silhouette Against the static sky It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world I must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future Time moves so fast In a single direction Fighting with the present Racing from the past We're searching for something That can never satisfy The reality of answers When lives are on the line I've waited a lifetime For the age of wonder A place that I remember In a splinter of time A stranger in a strange land Caught in the flow Still searching for answers Among the neon lights It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world we must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future

[@DALZIELMUSIC]

I'm sure this comment will get buried but I live in Tokyo right by where a lot of this is shot in downtown Shinjuku. I've been into you guys since the Napster days. Saw you live in Sheffield about 12 years ago, life changing show and it was shortly before I moved out here. You were the soundtrack to the early days of trying to live out my cyberpunk dream, thanks for the music :)

[@gdambrauskas]

you need to sell your music on amazon.

[@rori3dura]

I have walked theses exact same streets couple of weeks before the release of this video. Im a westerner living in a small city and this song described exactly the futuristic vibe tokyo have 🖤

[@ironwolfosiris]

I am going back to Japan this spring after a long hiatus due to the pandemic and travel restrictions. Ever since I was last there, this song and video have stuck with me and remind me of those past adventures... and I can't wait for more once again

[@AhrenEisbrecher]

I just fangirl screamed out loud at my job. Go ahead coworkers, stare at me. Worth it.

[@Alexanderortiz99]

At your job, you say? But what did your job do to you?

[@erictroxell715]

Thats awesome!!! Great song n an amazing video. So we'll thought out...sadly I've had to explain the video a half dozen times plus 😄

[@darkrayvens1]

When VNV toured South Africa, at one show the intro to DarkAngel started and I screamed so loud of joy that Ronan stopped and asked if I was excited? Magical moment. 🖤

[@metalbearuk]

And there are still people who say electronic music is soulless. Play them this.

[@vsander09]

Or almost any VNV song

[@stephenspark776]

Well said. Though there IS lots of great, soulful electronic music humming through the KZbin rabbit hole

[@navalerman1508]

I ♥️ this song. The song gives me strength is the daily vitamin.

[@Reaper51359]

Goddammit, the way the breakdown blends into the chorus makes me smile every time. You can really tell how much Ronan loves music by how all the notes sound perfect together and how he seems to know exactly how it will sound. Also love how it blends with him singing over it to make it seem like no big deal.

[@kyansrootbeerbarrel5041]

The best really do make it seem easy.

[@josephlowry4320]

Yeah I love it as well.

[@euclidesperez1709]

I cant stop listen to this song!

[@HalCondor999144000]

Yo menos

[@jonathanstrauss8194]

There should be a love button...brilliant lyrics and music

[@Tzizenorec]

If only the owner hadn't disabled the like/dislike feature...

[@rolfathan]

Only artist that has consistently topped their last album. It astounds me how good VNV Nation is, and keeps getting better.

[@stardust9998]

Legend says that this man is still walking till this day!

[@hollyowen9711]

If,he is,hes walked around this planet many times..

[@WarriorsSon]

The Future was yesterday The Future is today The Future is yet to come.

[@thesinfultictac5704]

The pondering in this song are so real to the current state of things and not having answers to some of them is really hard.

[@ForzaNinetails]

They say having the music here takes away sales - Are you kidding? I went and bought the whole album based on THIS song.

[@hojichi]

The Lyrics deserve much respect, it's spiritual, philosophical, and deep as space..., space within.

[@mwil619]

Its psychological...once one understands how reality works...it makes more sense...the artist rarely understands the full depth of their own creation because it comes from somewhere else

[@stephenspark776]

I can never play this just the once. I want it on a continuous loop in my head. I've had no sleep for the past two days & it's past midnight now but this gives me so much energy that all I want to do is go to a club and dance till dawn.

[@mousesgaming6235]

Ronan - should have wrote this comment a long time ago, but thanks for being there for me through your music. Since 2000 and a magical night hearing 'Empires' for the first time with a friend, to having the luck to see you live - your music has long been a part of my life. Thank you. I lack the words to express how much it means to me, but ever onwards through the night!

[@TurboJohn74]

Everyone who hasn't stopped dreaming in 2020, raise your hands!🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

[@michaelmckinney1601]

hell yes!!!! raise your hands...the world is faaaaar from over, this in not the end...peace, love and light to everyone out there suffering, may they all feel the light and the love!!! VNV Victory Not Vengeance!!!

[@miriamkhali6754]

Is it this music in Japan?

[@RalphTCMKaiser]

#Mondovisione @ralphtcm to build our #Future for a #BetterWorld....never stops imagining 😉

[@elaineellis5459]

Am raising my hands now in celebration of uplifting music and the unending hope for a better future for us all. For the world and all in it.

[@thebug2010]

0

[@moderatrix]

The best part of my life is any time I have been in the realm of Ronan's vocals and his hugs, whether it was before his guest DJ set at the Castle in Ybor City, FL or after the show at the old Masquerade location thanks to Nathan (DJAesthetic). I have had a very blessed existence being surrounded by dapper men like him.

[@randomwordz76]

Just found this song and I love it immediately

[@justinbechard7136]

This song gives me hope for tomorrow.

[@Maliceuk]

My tune for the start of 2021... thank you xx

[@-Sin-z]

its a song ill never forget. i hope u dont as well.

[@DorianPhQ]

I first heard of VNV Nation ... decades ago. Legion (Janus) was the first song I heard. I then got into Myspace and started talking with Ronan, on and off, of course. Ever since, I've loved VNV Nation. The music has helped me through so much, and Ronan was (and still is) such a good, wholesome person. Thank you for existing. Thank you for everything.

[@WestCoastTyrant]

People from the 50s and 60s thought we would have future stuff. People of the 70s and 80s thought we would have future stuff. People of the 90s and 00s thought we would have future stuff. A lot of dreams and ideas still remain dreams and ideas to this day. The future stuff never came to creation. When is the future?

[@polreamonn]

@The future stuff never came to creation - You're commenting on a video that you are probably watching on a mobile phone. When and where is the future? Probably in your hands and all around you.

[@WestCoastTyrant]

@polreamonn this is true but there is a lot of ideas from the past that never came to be as well. That's what I'm referring too. Look at world fairs and all the ideas they had if us living with robots , on mats, on the moon. So many ideas that remain just that....ideas.

[@khymaaren]

People always seem to project a more advanced future than what our actual advances allow for. The things we take for granted today were all dreamt up by people in the past wishing for a brighter future. We don't have flying cars or commercial space travel (yet) but the device you are reading this comment on, for example, would be just as much of a cause for wonder to someone from the 50s or the 60s as those other things. It took us tens of thousands of years to advance from living in caves to having meaningful (and not so meaningful) real-time discussions with someone half a world away about subjects that didn't exist a 100 or even just 10 years ago. Give us some more time to get to that future of yours.

[@melchiorsternfels6454]

Always the same! Commonplace in terms of experiences, short-lived in terms of time, contemptuous in terms of subject matter. Everything today was the same with those we buried. Marcus Aurelius (121 AD -180 AD)

[@Chromodar]

The thing is the future never fails to become the present by the time we get to it. The real answer to the question is always "Tomorrow". ... Though I suppose "The day fully functional android catgirls become commercially available" also works.

[@theraven5850]

*lyrics* Stranger in a crowd Treading fire after dark Lost in a city Pulsing to the sound Of the spirit and soul A city that is breathing Living through the cables Alive across the wires Faces without names Playing devils and angels Lit up by the strobes Moving hypnotized I caught your reflection In the neon on glass An electric silhouette Against a static sky It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world I must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future Time moves so fast In a single direction Fighting with the present Racing from the past We're searching for something That can never satisfy The reality of answers When lives are on the line I've waited a lifetime For the age of wonder A place that I remember In a splinter of time A stranger in a strange land Caught in the flow Still searching for answers Among the neon lights It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world we must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future

[@gerritvos5886]

Lyrics: Verse 1: Stranger in a crowd, trading fire after dark, lost in a city, pulsing to the sound. A spirit and soul, a city that is breathing, living through the cables, life across the wires. Faces without names, playing devils and angels, lit out by the strobes, moving hypnotized. I called your reflection in the neon on glass. An electric silhouette against a static sky Chorus: It's a beautiful dream, it's a beautiful life. It's just a reflection, a world I must survive. We're children of the past, who look beyond today, designing the present. So, when is the future? We live in a dream, keeping visions alive. It's just a reflection, a world that never dies. The image we create, now image we designed. It's a beautiful life. So, when is the future? Verse 2: Time moves so fast in a single direction. Fighting with the present, racing from the past. We're searching for something That can never satisfy. The reality of answers when lives are on the line. I've waited a lifetime for the age of wonder. A place that I remember, in a splinter of time A stranger in a strange land, caught in the flow. Still searching for answers among the neon lights. Chorus: It's a beautiful dream, it's a beautiful life. It's just a reflection, a world I must survive. We're children of the past, who look beyond today, designing the present. So, when is the future? We live in a dream, keeping visions alive. It's just a reflection, a world that never dies. The image we create, now image we designed. It's a beautiful life. So, when is the future? It's a beautiful dream, it's a beautiful life. It's just a reflection, a world I must survive. We're children of the past, who look beyond today, designing the present. So, when is the future? We live in a dream, keeping visions alive. It's just a reflection, a world that never dies. The image we create, now image we designed. It's a beautiful life. So, when is the future?

[@a-blivvy-yus]

Surprised how far I had to scroll for this. Thanks!

[@Soundmine]

So many of your fans in Japan would have wanted to know that you were in our backyard. These are places we walk. These are places we know. This video is like watching a Disney parade through the eyes of our children. Totally would have taken you out for sushi!

[@vladimirpogrebnyak936]

It's a haunting contrast between beauty of the melodie and harshness of the picture. Gives me shivers.

[@glennbarok2193]

Actual lyrics: A stranger in the crowd Treading fire after dark Lost in a city Pulsing to the sound Of the spirit and soul A city that is breathing Living through the cables Alive across the wires Faces without names Playing devils and angels Lit up by the strobes Moving hypnotized I caught your reflection In the neon on glass An electric silhouette Against a static sky It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies An image we create In our image we design It's a beautiful life So when is the future Time moves so fast In a single direction Fighting with a present Racing from the past We're searching for something That can never satisfy The reality of answers When lives are on the line I've waited a lifetime For the age of wonder A place that I remember In a splinter of time A stranger in a strange land Caught in the flow Still searching for answers Among the neon lights It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies An image we create In our image we design It's a beautiful life So when is the future It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies An image we create In our image we design It's a beautiful life So when is the future

[@christianfausten9090]

Thank you very much for the lyrics :)

[@Secean]

I have insomnia and this is one of the songs I listen too when I've been awake for soon long that nothing feels real anymore, I would lie if I said it puts me to sleep, but instead it puts me at ease, like after a few drinks

[@fatosreaisdeverdade]

As an old school goth living in Tokyo this hits fucking hard.

[@NaokiWatanabe]

100%

[@gaz9005]

VNV =VICTORY NOT VENGEANCE!!!!!!!

[@cloudbloom]

Ronan- I've had a very rough day due to Crohn's disease and this is exactly what I needed at the right time. Thank you for your incredible music, it helps me get through difficult times. Love and respect, -Jake

[@StrongFives]

keep trying Jake

[@cloudbloom]

@@StrongFives thank you so much for your words of encouragement ❤

[@vnvnationofficial]

I've friends with the same condition from middle to extreme, and see what they have and still go through. Research is ongoing and some treatments are showing great promise. Keep your head up. Though this impacts your life it doesn't define you. I'm so happy to know that this song brought something positive to your day and prompted you to see the brighter side of things. Just wait till you hear the album.

[@cloudbloom]

@@vnvnationofficial Ronan I am humbled that you responded to my comment, and so thankful for your kind words and support not only to myself but to all of your fans. I don't know if you remember this, but when the album "Of Faith, Power and Glory" was released I had been recently diagnosed two years before with the disease and I messaged you on myspace explaining how the timing of that album's release was precisely when I needed to hear it at such a dark moment of my life. You responded with a genuine and heartfelt message that I will only sum up with the word "Hope". It touched me deeply, and encouraged me to continue to move forward and strive to not let the difficult situations in life prevent me from recognizing that there truly is hope for a better future. My medical situation has improved in many ways thanks to an amazing doctor and other lifestyle changes, though there are still very discouraging days in my life where the disease will rear it's ugly head. I don't give a damn how corny this might sound, but I will stand in defiance of whatever hardships that life may throw at me and I will continue to remind myself that there is hope. Your music has been such a motivator for me that I have continued to fall back on so many times throughout the past 16 years since I first discovered the album Empires when I was fighting cancer. In fact tomorrow (October 10th) is literally my 16 year anniversary celebrating being cancer free. I'm so lucky to be alive and I am thankful for having such a loving family that has been so supportive regardless of all the life changing medical situations. My God I'm bawling trying to write all this... I don't know how else to thank you, it's truly something I cannot describe that has moved events in my life to where I have found your music at a time when I felt despair or was weighted with such heaviness in my heart and body. The music of VNV Nation has inspired and motivated me to never give up, and to remember that there will always be HOPE. "Here you have strength, here you are safe from harm. Here you have healing, all the things you never had" Bring on the Noire, I'm so ready ❤

[@olafb6200]

I understand you. I have Multiple sklerose. When I hear Ronan's music. I feel better and most of the time I start to dance. Fantastic music. I am happy about the concert in Hamburg in november . I will be great

[@BeardedGinger]

I love this trac, so does my wife and our neighbors. This track is a masterpiece.

I just disovered this. Awesome song. Give me goose bumps.

[@SortenRavn]

Whenever i feel down or sad. I just put this on, and just sit there, mimicing the lyrics to my self.. And instantly i get a seratonin/dopamin rush and chills from toe to head, everything suddenly dont feel so bad anymore and its gonna be alright in the end.. ❤

[@heidileeshire5959]

I just saw them...2018... I can die happy.😎

[@sonjaotto6972]

Warum hört man sowas gutes nicht im Radio Stattdessen immer nur diese miese Einheitsbrei Das ist geiler Sound 👍👍👍

[@so.1746]

Genau das habe ich mich auch schon immer gefragt👍

[@g2atechmar826]

Agent 47 searching for John Wick but got lost and wondering around the streets enjoying the moment.

[@sophiarosalind]

Thank you, Ronan, for everything over the years. You capture the struggle of being human in a world that's both visceral and electronic, and the sense of futility, desire for hope, and need for connection that abides, whether it's in a time of apocalypse, of uncertainty, or the everyday. The big secret no one ever tells you is that no matter how much experience you may gain over the years you've lived, you always feel like yourself.

[@jt4369]

Technology is incredible. I’m driving through Saitama, Japan-visiting this country for their first time in my life. And I’m listening to this song, seeing images of Ronan walking through Tokyo and Kyoto.

[@PaulbylPaulbyl]

Isn't this all Tokyo? I don't think there's any Kyoto.

[@neon-lf-graves]

I did the same thing. Tokyo at night with this song. its amazing

[@MrRoztoc]

Listen to it with headphones. Just a tip. That dominating synth bass is something you don't wanna miss on that song. It's brilliant. Headphones, earphones, whatever. If you guys ever love music made with synthesizers and a computer, take your headphones and listen to that shit. I love it ❤

[@shhhvcnear]

Or just nice speakers, don't need headphones specifically

[@kwijon]

This is the song I come back to when testing new speakers. The depth gain with high quality output is incredible.

[@MrRoztoc]

Of course, fat speakers do count too! :)

[@tashwalton9334]

Fucking yes!! I first heard of Vnv when I was 13, listened to a few songs and kind of forgot about about them. The past few months when my life has been at a crossroads and I haven't had a clue which way to go I rediscovered them. You are my soundtrack. You keep my mind at peace. Hopefully seeing them soon, I can't wait. I do think this music has kept me sane and alive these months. Just, thankyou.

[@moocow2oo426]

Same!!!!

[@user-sd4sv1ni2n]

LYRICS Stranger in a crowd Treading fire after dark Lost in a city Pulsing to the sound Of the spirit and soul A city that is breathing Living through the cables Alive across the wires Faces without names Playing devils and angels Lit up by the strobes Moving hypnotized I caught your reflection In the neon on glass An electric silhouette Against a static sky It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world I must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future Time moves so fast In a single direction Fighting with the present Racing from the past We're searching for something That can never satisfy The reality of answers When lives are on the line I've waited a lifetime For the age of wonder A place that I remember In a splinter of time A stranger in a strange land Caught in the flow Still searching for answers Among the neon lights It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world we must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future It's a beautiful dream It's a beautiful life It's just a reflection A world that must survive We're children of the past Who look beyond today Designing the present So when is the future We live in a dream Keeping visions alive It's just a reflection A world that never dies The image we create Now image we designed It's a beautiful life So when is the future

[@williamdejonge]

Fantastic video of Tokyo's nightly live - brings back memories to my first visit to Japan in 1967. The years after I went to Nagasaki.

[@antimatter4444]

This song is magnificent and I can't believe I just discovered it! Listened at least 20 times in the last few days. A song for our times and quite prophetic. Spreading the word. Please come back and play Toronto when you can!

[@maxschmidt666]

Thank you for the great GREAT concert yesterday on M'era Luna Festival! I will never forget that concert!

[@spuldup]

He's just walking...but the music makes it so epic.

[@hmmob3956]

The sky at 3:57, stunning. I have been to Tokyo twice. It takes a bit of time, but at some point, you catch a glimpse of its unique atmosphere, in particular at night. It does have a dark atmosphere, to me somewhat reminiscent of the atmosphere in West Berlin in the 80s.

[@sandraarredondo5057]

I DO NOT GET TIRED OF LISTENING!!!!

[@migueltrillomoure851]

Ya te digo!

[@shingnosis]

Cuando es el futuro?

[@pipetrader7253]

eu também!

[@captainfutur3]

Me neither!

[@BoabyGeorge]

i really wish vnv nation could continue for the next 200 years ive been a vnv nation fan since 2006 loved them ever since the best artists in my eyes

[@Anonymous_Eyeballs]

So did like the algorithm get ahold of this gem or...? If it did I'm glad because vnv nation deserves the recognition imo

[@logbia7k608]

Every time I watch this video and music it just remind me how beautiful this world can be.

[@larnia1973]

Just discovered this, wow!

[@Aussiesnrg]

Welcome to the future

[@theyayo]

Just saw them yesterday in gdl-mexico.. the most beautiful thing ever in my life!!

[@myfunnykitty6248]

I missed it here in México city.... i'm so sad but maybe for the next time! :'(

[@kingfriday555]

vnv nation has a way of taking a feeling and setting to to words in a way that feels so complete and precise. everyone knows the dreams they had when they where young, and how unrealistic they where, but that vison is what shapes the world. our desire to obtain the promise of the future will take us ever closer that vision, but it will always be an imitation of what we have envisioned. the notion that we can bend the world to our desires may just be an ever evolving illusion we use to convince ourselves we are progressing towards the perfect world in our heads. (drunk post).

[@JeffDoehring]

I recently found VNV Nation and fell in love with the powerful lyrics and mixture of different styles of music from what would be considered alternative music here in the states to electronic. The lyrics are what really resonated with me. As I continue making a variety of playlists for the car, lately these playlists have been more about self reflection more than anything. That self reflection can be seen in songs like Nova and Collide and many more. Thank you for your music, and please let me know next time you are in the states!!

[@crazy12lol]

Take a moment, an hour and change. Listen to their Empires album from start to finish.

[@kdt3221]

Love at first "hear"!

[@nimant8700]

Masterpiece

[@Chris_WG]

TOTALLY! Waiting for more!! Cheers Pierre! from California 🍻

[@FOXG8304]

Dieser Song bleibt sofort im Kopf, hätte nicht gedacht das es noch so gute Musik gibt, scheiß auf Mainstream Musik aus dem Radio, Eure Lieder toppen alles. Vielen Dank für den mega Sound den ihr kreiert.

[@devalp9842]

Auf Arbeit immer am summen und im Kopf

[@83nav]

And now I wish myself back to that epic emotional welcome back of the VNV Nation show at Mera Luna 2022. Thank you Ronan. ❤