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
Walking On Air
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't explain.
It's black and white and
Much worse than pain.
And fear of this
So clearly nice
Is next to that
But not exactly.
So plain to see
That I'm not as dumb as
You'd like me to be.
I'll take my chance
On your wheel tonight...
But I won't fall out
So don't act tough -
It's not enough.
No footsteps on the stairs (tonight),
No cigarettes for me to light,
No heavy scented clothes to fall to the floor...
But I'll hear your call,
And when you're not there,
You're walking on air.
(I'm) ashamed enough -
Just let me down.
'Cause I've bled enough
To leave this town.
From east to west,
North to south -
The leeches crawl from hand to mouth...
And now my strength,
Is almost out...
It's running out.
The lyrics to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's song Walking on Air depict a feeling of confusion and uncertainty. The singer finds themselves in a state of mind that they can't quite describe, but it is worse than physical pain. They are afraid of this new feeling, which is different from what they are used to. Despite this, they express that they are not as unintelligent as others may think, and they will take a chance on their companion's guidance but will not fall for any acts of false strength.
The second verse, however, takes on a darker tone. The singer describes a desire to escape their current situation and leave town, as they have been bled dry by those around them who continually take and do not give back. They express that their strength is running out and they can't take it anymore. Despite this, the singer is still willing to heed their companion's call, knowing that they will be walking on air and feeling free from their troubles, even if just in their mind.
Overall, the lyrics of Walking on Air portray a sense of emotional turmoil and a desperate desire for freedom from a difficult situation. The singer is searching for clarity and relief from their pain, but is also aware that a true escape may not be possible.
Line by Line Meaning
The mood I'm in
The emotional state I am experiencing
I can't explain.
I find it difficult to articulate my feelings at the moment.
It's black and white and
My emotions are in extreme contrast, with no in-between shades.
Much worse than pain.
My feelings are so intense that they surpass the physical sensation of pain.
And fear of this
Additionally, the prospect of confronting these emotions is intimidating
So clearly nice
Despite this anxiety, the emotions in question are also clearly positive.
Is next to that
But they exist in close proximity to the negative feelings, further complicating the situation.
But not exactly.
The emotions are not exactly opposite, but they are distinct enough to feel like they are opposing forces.
It's obvious
This dichotomy is clear.
So plain to see
It is an obvious situation to an outside observer.
That I'm not as dumb as
Despite my confusion, I am not naive.
You'd like me to be.
Others may have certain expectations for my understanding of my own feelings.
I'll take my chance
Nevertheless, I am willing to push through this emotional turmoil.
On your wheel tonight...
I am willing to take a risk and proceed with a particular person or situation despite my feelings.
But I won't fall out
I am confident in my ability to persevere through the challenge.
So don't act tough -
I don't need reassurance from others that this is an easy task.
It's not enough.
I still require more strength to achieve my goal.
No footsteps on the stairs (tonight),
There are no signs of any activity in my surroundings.
No cigarettes for me to light,
I have nothing to occupy myself with in this moment.
No heavy scented clothes to fall to the floor...
There are no distracting or suggestive visuals, sounds, or scents nearby.
But I'll hear your call,
Despite the lack of stimuli, I am still attuned to a particular person or situation.
And when you're not there,
Even in their absence, I am fixated on this person or situation.
You're walking on air.
The impact of this person or situation on my emotions is so strong that they seem to defy gravity and logic.
(I'm) ashamed enough -
I may feel embarrassed or guilty about my emotions and actions.
Just let me down.
I may need to be released from the expectations or obligations related to the situation.
'Cause I've bled enough
I have already been pushed to my limit physically or emotionally.
To leave this town.
I am ready to move past this situation and begin anew elsewhere.
From east to west,
These intense feelings are not limited to one specific location or region.
North to south -
They affect me in all directions and areas of my life.
The leeches crawl from hand to mouth...
Other people or external factors may be draining me of my vitality or resources.
And now my strength,
I am becoming physically or emotionally depleted.
Is almost out...
I am nearing the point of exhaustion or collapse.
It's running out.
My resources are quickly being depleted, and I may not be able to endure much longer.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVE STEWART, GARY COOPER, EDWARD DOUGLAS, NADIRAH SEID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind