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
Almost
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
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To be where you are
I travel there by car
To be where you are
But if I get there I find
That I changed my mind
Happens all the time
To a friend of mine
And moving step by step
Always acting theories
I will regret
My only consolation
In the things that I've done
Are the people who know me
And the objects I own
Happens all the time
To a friend of mine
Happens all the time
To a friend of mine
Happens all the time
To a friend of mine
Happens all the time
To a friend of mine
Happens all the time
The lyrics to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's song "Almost" describe the singer's journey to be with someone they care about. The first lines indicate a great distance between the singer and the person they're trying to reach, suggesting that they've gone to great lengths to be together. However, as the song progresses, the lyrics reveal that the singer has second thoughts about their decision. The phrase "But if I get there I find/ That I changed my mind" suggests that the singer is either unsure about their feelings or has realized that the distance between them is too great. This decision-making process happens frequently, as evidenced by the line "Happens all the time/ To a friend of mine."
The next verse is somewhat puzzling. The lyrics state that the singer is "always making statements/ And moving step by step." These could be interpreted in a few different ways - perhaps they mean that the singer is impulsive and prone to making big declarations, or that they're methodical in their approach to relationships. However, the line "Always acting theories I will regret" seems to suggest that the singer is aware that their behavior may not always be wise. The final lines of the song provide some sort of resolution, indicating that the singer derives comfort from the people and things they've collected over time.
Overall, the lyrics to "Almost" suggest a narrator who is uncertain about their feelings and the choices they've made. They seem to struggle with committing fully to relationships and may be prone to impulsivity.
Line by Line Meaning
I travel oh so far
I go to great length to get to where you are
To be where you are
I want to be with you
I travel there by car
I use a car to get to where you are
To be where you are
I want to be with you
But if I get there I find
However, when I get there, I realize
That I changed my mind
That I no longer want to be with you
Happens all the time
This happens frequently
To a friend of mine
To someone I know
Always making statements
I'm constantly saying things
And moving step by step
And making gradual progression
Always acting theories
I constantly act on my ideas
I will regret
I'll eventually regret my actions
My only consolation
My only comfort
In the things that I've done
Is in the actions that I've taken
Are the people who know me
Is the support I get from those who know me
And the objects I own
And the material possessions I have
Happens all the time
This happens frequently
To a friend of mine
To someone I know
Happens all the time
This happens frequently
To a friend of mine
To someone I know
Happens all the time
This happens frequently
To a friend of mine
To someone I know
Happens all the time
This happens frequently
To a friend of mine
To someone I know
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDREW MC CLUSKEY, PAUL DAVID HUMPHREYS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind