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
All That Glitters
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
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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...
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.
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