Locomotion
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics


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Crossing every ocean
For the sake of locomotion
Crossing every ocean
For the sake of locomotion

Across every ocean
For the sake of locomotion
But I wouldn't have a notion
How to save my soul
I walk down the sidewalk
Run down the boardwalk
Stop and make small talk
But I can't say no to you

I can't say no, I can't say yes
I can't' even write down my own address
I can't touch heaven it's a little too far
It's the only way to travel
Got dreaming on a parr
I'm staring through the window
Wonder where you are
Moving through the landscape at a million miles an hour

Across every nation
From the harbour to the station
It's a form of inspiration
It's a power to the state
They run down the railways
Sail across the seaways
Fly through the airways
But they can't say no
To you

I can't stand up, I can't stand still
I know you wouldn't like it if I told you how I feel
I just want to say that it's only common sense
But the words always fail me at my own expense
I'm staring out the window
Wonder where you are
Moving through the landscape at a million miles an hour

Across every ocean (across every ocean)
For the sake of locomotion (for the sake of locomotion)
But I wouldn't have a notion (but I wouldn't have a notion)
How to save my soul (how to save my soul)
Across every ocean (across every ocean)
For the sake of locomotion (for the sake of locomotion)
But I wouldn't have a notion (but I wouldn't have a notion)
How to save my soul (how to save my soul)
I walk down the sidewalk (I walk down the sidewalk)
Run down the boardwalk (run down the boardwalk)
Stop and make small talk (stop and make small talk)
But I can't say no to you

(I'm crossing every ocean)
(For the sake of locomotion)
(I'm crossing every ocean)
(For the sake of locomotion)
(I'm crossing every ocean)
(For the sake of locomotion)
(I'm crossing every ocean)
(For the sake of locomotion)
(I'm crossing every ocean)
(For the sake of locomotion)
(I'm crossing every ocean)
(For the sake of locomotion)
(I'm crossing every ocean)
(For the sake of locomotion)




(I'm crossing every ocean)
(For the sake of locomotion)

Overall Meaning

The song "Locomotion" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) talks about the act of constantly moving, traveling across continents and nations to satisfy a sense of wanderlust or to escape something. It emphasizes the sense of restlessness and lack of purpose that can come with this type of lifestyle. The repeated phrase "For the sake of locomotion" emphasizes the idea that the journey itself is the goal, rather than any specific destination or purpose.


The lyrics suggest that the main character may be trying to flee from something, as they seem to lack a sense of direction in their travels and struggle to express their emotions. Even though they may yearn for stability or human connection, they feel unable to settle down or say no to something (or someone) that may be holding them back. The repetition of "I'm staring through the window/Wonder where you are" indicates the character's loneliness and desire for a deeper connection with someone.


The dissonance between the song's upbeat, fast-paced rhythm and the introspective lyrics reflects the tension between the character's desire to keep moving and their need for stability and connection.


Line by Line Meaning

Crossing every ocean
Traveling all around the world


For the sake of locomotion
Because I love to move and travel


But I wouldn't have a notion
But I have no idea


How to save my soul
How to find the true meaning of life


I walk down the sidewalk
I wander around aimlessly


Run down the boardwalk
I enjoy a carefree life


Stop and make small talk
I am sociable and easily approachable


But I can't say no to you
But I am weak when it comes to you


I can't say no, I can't say yes
I am indecisive and passive


I can't even write down my own address
I feel lost and disconnected


I can't touch heaven it's a little too far
I cannot attain my ultimate goal


It's the only way to travel
Traveling is my only solace


Got dreaming on a par
Dreaming is the only way to achieve my goals


I'm staring through the window
I am lost in thought and feeling lonely


Wonder where you are
I am missing someone I care about


Moving through the landscape at a million miles an hour
Traveling fast through life without really knowing where I'm going


Across every nation
Traveling to every country


From the harbour to the station
From the sea to the land


It's a form of inspiration
Traveling inspires me


It's a power to the state
Traveling is a reflection of the power of a country


They run down the railways
People travel on trains


Sail across the seaways
People travel on boats


Fly through the airways
People travel on planes


But they can't say no
But they are also easily influenced




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andrew McCluskey, Gordian Troeller, Paul David Humphreys

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@mafionek3593

Locomotion
Locomotion
I cross every ocean
For the sake of locomotion
But I wouldn't have a notion
How to save my soul
I can't say no, I can't say yes
I can't even write down my own address
I can't touch Heaven, it's a little too far
It's the only way to travel
Got dreaming on a par
I'm staring through the window
Wonder where you are
Moving through the landscape at a million miles an hour
I cross every nation
From the harbour to the station
It's a form of inspiration
It's a power to the state
They run down the railways
Sail across the seaways
Fly through the airways
But they can't say no to you
I cross every ocean
For the sake of locomotion
But I wouldn't have a notion
How to save my soul
I walk down the sidewalk
Run down the boardwalk
Stop and make small talk
But I…



All comments from YouTube:

@barrieanderson148

Orchestral manoeuvres in the dark are the best 80s group ever I was brought up listening to them I’m 57 years old and I can still remember the songs it brings me to tears listening to the songs I really love the band I wish them all the look for the future

@mikestaak7951

Amen

@mozdieloz3826

*luck

@johndouven6642

I have to agree with you Barrie. They are still my favourite band after all these years...And I'm older than you...slightly!!!😄

@BillODriscoll-jo2ve

It was great to be a child growing up in the 80s and to have heard all of this wonderful music 🎶 🎵 ❤️

@douglasholt8353

This song was a very big hit in the 1984 ❤

@DJAlgorhythms

KROQ.

@dreamattack69

Not everyone can understand the beauty and perfection of 80s.....

@franciscomartin6229

Indeed

@semofolkie

It’s our little secret

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