Speed Of Light

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark's song 'Speed Of Light' delves into themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the immutable nature of time. The lyrics use the metaphor of the speed of light to illustrate how certain events and emotions unfold faster than we can comprehend, leaving us to grapple with their aftermath. The opening lines, 'The speed of light slows down / As the feather hits the ground,' suggest a moment of realization where time seems to decelerate, allowing the weight of regret to settle in.

The song's narrative centers around a relationship that has faltered, with the protagonist reflecting on what could have been different. Lines like 'If I had known that you would call / If I could dream that you would fall / If I could change these wrongs to right / I would have stayed at home tonight' express a deep yearning to alter past mistakes. The recurring mention of the speed of light serves as a poignant reminder that some things are beyond our control, no matter how much we wish to change them.

The chorus, 'There's nothing you can do / To make this all brand new / And nothing you can say / To make it go away,' underscores the inevitability of facing the consequences of one's actions. The song's melancholic tone is amplified by the realization that time, much like the speed of light, remains constant and unchangeable. This reflection on the passage of time and the permanence of certain decisions resonates deeply, making 'Speed Of Light' a powerful exploration of human emotion and the complexities of regret.