All That Glitters
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics


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All that glitters
Is not gold.
So don't believe everything
You've been told.
And take a chance on being strong
'Cause they'll destroy you
If you're wrong.
Only lovers act this way...
You see.
Only lovers are so free.
All your friends
Are here tonight;
Never ones to miss a fight.
They are repulsed for what you've done...
'Brings in the darkness
When they've gone.

I will die here,
Next to you.
I would make your dreams come true...
There's so much,
I had to say...
I got lost,
Along the way.
All that glitters
Is not gold.





So don't believe everything
You've been told.

Overall Meaning

The song "All That Glitters" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark speaks about the idea that appearances are deceitful and that one should not believe everything they are told. The chorus warns the listener that everything that looks good on the surface may not actually be of high value or trustworthy. The lines "Only lovers act this way... you see. Only lovers are so free" suggest that individuals in love may have a different perspective or view of the world, allowing them to see beyond the superficial and to take risks that others might not. The song advises taking chances and being strong, despite the potential for others to bring darkness by judging and condemning those who are wrong.


In the second verse, the lyrics shift towards a more personal and emotional note, with the singer expressing feelings of lost opportunities and the need to connect with someone else. The lines, "I will die here, next to you. I would make your dreams come true... There's so much, I had to say... I got lost, along the way" suggest a sense of desperation and frustration in the face of obstacles or missed opportunities. The verse speaks to the idea that success or happiness may not always be visible or easy to obtain, and that sometimes individuals may feel as though they are missing out on better things.


Overall, "All That Glitters" is a reflective and introspective song, urging the listener to be cautious and thoughtful when approaching the world around them. The lyrics emphasize the importance of taking risks and standing up for oneself, but warns of the potential for judgement and darkness that comes with making mistakes.


Line by Line Meaning

All that glitters
Not everything that shines is valuable


Is not gold.
Things that appear valuable are not always so


So don't believe everything
Do not blindly trust everything you are told or see


You've been told.
Information and rumors can be misleading


And take a chance on being strong
Having conviction may be risky but is important


'Cause they'll destroy you
Others may try to bring you down


If you're wrong.
If proven to be incorrect or mistaken


Only lovers act this way...
Only those who are deeply committed towards each other can understand


You see.
It is important to comprehend this truth


Only lovers are so free.
Only those who love deeply will experience true freedom


All your friends
Those whom you are close to


Are here tonight;
They are present at the present moment


Never ones to miss a fight.
Always ready to support you through adversities


They are repulsed for what you've done...
They do not feel it was right of you to act that way


'Brings in the darkness
This causes sadness or despair


When they've gone.
Once they leave or move on from the situation


I will die here,
I will stand my ground till the end


Next to you.
I will be by your side through thick and thin


I would make your dreams come true...
I would do everything in my power to make your aspirations a reality


There's so much,
There is a lot


I had to say...
There are things that needed to be expressed


I got lost,
I lost my way


Along the way.
During the journey


All that glitters
Not everything that appears shiny and attractive


Is not gold.
Not everything that appears valuable or desirable is that way in reality


So don't believe everything
Do not always trust everything you see or hear


You've been told.
Everything that you have been informed




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ALLISON VELTZ, KYE FLEMING, BEN COOPER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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