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
Sacred Heart
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Knowing she cares helps me stand
Oh, my arms open wide as she prays
Caring for me in her way
She'll be mother and sister to me
Guiding our lives as we breathe
And her heart
will be a sheltering tree
Peaceful and life-giving to me
The lyrics to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's song Sacred Heart are a testament to the power of love and human connection. The singer talks about the comfort he finds in heaven, saying that it feels like he is holding hands with someone who cares for him deeply. This gives him the strength to stand and face the challenges of life. As he opens his arms wide, he feels the warmth of this caring presence, which is like a prayer. He feels embraced and supported by this love.
The song goes on to describe this presence as both a mother and sister figure, guiding the singer and those around him in their day-to-day lives. This figure's heart is compared to a sheltering tree that provides sustenance and peace. The message of the song is that love can bring us comfort in even the hardest of times, and that the presence of those we care about can help us to stay strong and persevere.
Line by Line Meaning
Heaven is holding my hand
A divine presence offers me comfort and support.
Knowing she cares helps me stand
The awareness of her affection empowers me to remain resilient.
Oh, my arms open wide as she prays
In a state of vulnerability, I embrace the solace of her hopeful wishes.
Caring for me in her way
Her unique form of love and concern envelops me.
She'll be mother and sister to me
She embodies nurturing qualities, fulfilling multiple roles in my life.
Guiding our lives as we breathe
Her influence shapes our existence and journeys with each passing moment.
And her heart
The essence of her love is the foundation of our connection.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDREW MC CLUSKEY, PAUL DAVID HUMPHREYS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind