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
Of All the Things We've Made
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To want this.
Of everything we've made.
The times it's worked before.
Of all the things we've said.
Times that worked before today.
Of all the things we've said.
They've always worked before today.
The lyrics of the song "Of All the Things We've Made" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark depict the struggle of a couple trying to hold onto their relationship. The chorus delves deep into the emotional turmoil experienced by them. The singer talks about wanting to hold onto the relationship, despite all the ups and downs they've been through. They reminisce about the times when things worked out well between them and how they wish to recreate that magic again.
The repetition of the phrase "Of all the things we've said, they've always worked before today" highlights how the couple has always managed to overcome their issues in the past, but today seems to be different. They seem to be drifting apart, their words and actions not having the same impact anymore. The singer longs for the love and connection that they once shared, and the implicit message is that they need to work on repairing their relationship before it's too late.
The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a relationship that's worth fighting for, despite the difficulties. It's about holding onto hope that better times are on the horizon, and the couple has the strength to weather the storm.
Line by Line Meaning
To want this.
To desire this current state or situation.
Of everything we've made.
Considering all the achievements or progress we have made together.
The times it's worked before.
Reflecting on the instances in the past where things have gone well.
Of all the things we've said.
Out of everything we have communicated.
Times that worked before today.
Recalling the times in the past when our words and actions have had positive outcomes.
Of all the things we've said.
Out of everything we have communicated.
They've always worked before today.
Previously, our words and actions have been effective in achieving our goals until now.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDREW MC CLUSKEY, PAUL DAVID HUMPHREYS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind