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
Locomotion
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 notionHow 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 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)
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
@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!!!😄
@spaztekwarrior
So many fantastic 80s bands. :)
@carlaregulti685
This voice is fantastic, this band is....too much!!! And I can listen to this music anytime!!!!😍🥰🤟
@lilmissnic72
I saw OMD last week at the Flashback Festival in Clumber Park, Notts. They were fantastic live and have had their songs in my head ever since. This song came out the year I was born and I think it's bloody ace!
@douglasholt8353
This song was a very big hit in the 1984 ❤
@DJAlgorhythms
KROQ.
@rachelbanks9871
Sounds just as great now, as it did back then..