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
Neon lights
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shimmering neon lights
And at the fall of night
This city's made of light.
Neon Lights
Shimmering neon lights
And at the fall of night
I dream of you
With me tonight
We're all alone
Under neon lights.
I'm driving home
You're by my side
The neon lights
Are in our eyes.
The song Neon Lights by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is a beautiful tribute to the allure of the big city and the enchanting neon lights that shine brightly in it. The opening lines "Shimmering neon lights, and at the fall of night, this city's made of light," immediately sets the tone for a night of adventure and excitement. The lyrics evoke the vivid imagery of a bustling city at night and highlights the magic of its luminous colors.
The song then takes a romantic turn as the singer dreams of being with someone special, "I dream of you, with me tonight, we're all alone under neon lights." The neon lights symbolize the electric excitement of falling in love and the thrill of being in each other's company. The chorus repeats "Shimmering neon lights, and at the fall of night, this city's made of light" like a mantra. It reinforces the idea that the city is alive and vibrant because of these beautiful lights, and it keeps the melody and the lyrics pulsing with energy.
The final verse seals the lyrics' romanticism with the image of two lovers driving home, their eyes glowing with the neon lights' reflections. The neon lights are a constant reminder of their love, even as they leave the city behind. The lyrics take us on a journey through the city's streets and alleys, and the neon lights serve as beacons guiding us all along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Neon Lights
The bright and colorful neon lights
Shimmering neon lights
The neon lights are glittering and shining
And at the fall of night
When the sun goes down
This city's made of light.
The entire city seems to be made out of neon lights
I dream of you
I am thinking of you
With me tonight
Being with me tonight
We're all alone
We are the only people around
Under neon lights.
Surrounded by the colorful neon lights
I'm driving home
I am going back to my place
You're by my side
You are with me
The neon lights
The colorful bright lights
Are in our eyes.
We are completely immersed in the neon light around us
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ralf Huetter, Florian Schneider-Esleben, Karl Bartos
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind