The group was founded in 1978 by Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, after they had been involved in several bands, including The Id. Later drummer Malcolm Holmes and saxophonist Martin Cooper joined. McCluskey and Humphreys formed the core of the outfit until 1989, when the group split in two. McCluskey retained the name and continued to record and tour as OMD with a new line-up until 1996, while Humphreys, Holmes, and Cooper formed "The Listening Pool".
According to Songfacts, Enola Gay was the first of 7 Top 10 UK singles for the group; their only US hit was If You Leave, which was written for the 1985 movie Pretty In Pink.
In late December 2005, OMD's official website announced a 2006 reformation, for both live performances and a new album, with rehearsals beginning in summer 2006. The line up features the original 1980's members (Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Malcolm Holmes and Martin Cooper). The "Architecture & Morality" tour for late 2006 was postponed until the beginning of 2007.
The tour finally took place in the spring of 2007 featuring "Architecture & Morality" played in its entirety plus a 'greatest hits' set, although each concert famously ended with stirring rendition of B side/album track and fan favourite "The Romance of the Telescope".
Plans are now ahead for the release of a documentary DVD (since released and available here), a live DVD of the 2007 tour (release postponed until 2008) and a new studio album released in 2010, entitled "History of Modern".
The group's 12th studio album, English Electric, was released on 5 April 2013. The group's 13th studio album, The Punishment Of Luxury, was released on 1 September 2017. The group's 14th studio album, Bauhaus Staircase, was released on 27 October 2023.
Official OMD website: http://www.omd.uk.com
Bunker Soldiers
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
is that a better way for bunker soldiers
oh it's a nasty way to spend a war
along the beaches, the sandy seaside
enlisted bodies the ?
they never taught me how to fight like that
theatrics exercise is so compusive
it's not a better way but it's consensus
I'd give my life just to fight like you
[left] kbnuiastrsoliedrnursieolikstnurestisolidkenurest
[right] 214158952498921415895249589214158952495892141589
it's not a better way
so we here here to stay
we all do now I seem ok
There's a few of them
in strange directions
it's no use talking
it's it's no decisions
they give our houses to the refugees
the bloody ditches and sober days
sandy trences our alliance
it's kind of worth to hide unseen
the cocky uniforms are universal
your propaganda is losing out here
I'd give my life just to fight like you
I'd give my life just to fight like you
[left] kbnuiastrsoliedrnursieolikstnurestisolidkenurest
[right] 214158952498921415895249589214158952495892141589
it's not a better way
so we here here to stay
well now I seem ok
The lyrics of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's song "Bunker Soldiers" depict the harsh reality of war and the struggles faced by soldiers who are trained to fight in coordinated army units. The song highlights the irony of the soldiers' training which is aimed to make them effective combatants, but at the same time causes them much distress and suffering. The lyrics also suggest that the soldiers are subject to propaganda and nationalism pushed by their governments which contributes to making them fight in destructive conflicts that result in tragic consequences.
The reference to "bunker" soldiers implies that these soldiers are trained and stationed in bunkers and trenches to fight their enemies. The imagery of "sandy trences" and "cocky uniforms" creates a vivid picture of the battlefield. The lyrics also touch on the emotional toll of war on soldiers who are forced to leave their homes and families behind, while refugees are given their houses.
The repetition of the phrase "it's not a better way" in the song suggests that the overall message is that war does not solve problems, but rather creates more problems. The lyrics are a reflection on the grim reality and futility of war, encapsulated through the experiences of the soldier.
Line by Line Meaning
Trained fighting, coordination
Being trained for fighting and coordinated as a unit
is that a better way for bunker soldiers
Is this the ideal way for soldiers in a bunker?
oh it's a nasty way to spend a war
It's an unpleasant way to experience war
along the beaches, the sandy seaside
Beside sandy beaches
enlisted bodies the ?
Unknown meaning
they never taught me how to fight like that
I was never trained to combat like this
theatrics exercise is so compusive
The rehearsed drills are compelling
it's not a better way but it's consensus
It's not ideal, but we all agree upon it
I'd give my life just to fight like you
I would sacrifice my life to fight like you
[left] kbnuiastrsoliedrnursieolikstnurestisolidkenurest
Unknown meaning
[right] 214158952498921415895249589214158952495892141589
Unknown meaning
it's not a better way
This is not the ideal way
so we here here to stay
We're here to stay, regardless
we all do now I seem ok
We all do it now and I appear to be fine
There's a few of them
There are a few of the enemy
in strange directions
Moving in odd directions
it's no use talking
Talking is pointless
it's it's no decisions
There are no choices
they give our houses to the refugees
Our homes are given to the refugees
the bloody ditches and sober days
The trenches are bloody and the days are bleak
sandy trences our alliance
The sandy trenches are our protection
it's kind of worth to hide unseen
It's worthwhile to remain hidden
the cocky uniforms are universal
The arrogant uniforms are everywhere
your propaganda is losing out here
Your propaganda is ineffective here
I'd give my life just to fight like you
I would sacrifice my life to fight like you
I'd give my life just to fight like you
I would sacrifice my life to fight like you
[left] kbnuiastrsoliedrnursieolikstnurestisolidkenurest
Unknown meaning
[right] 214158952498921415895249589214158952495892141589
Unknown meaning
it's not a better way
This is not the ideal way
so we here here to stay
We're here to stay, regardless
well now I seem ok
Now I appear to be fine
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDREW MC CLUSKEY, PAUL DAVID HUMPHREYS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind