It’s 8:15 and that’s the time it’s always been

It’s 8:15 and that’s the time it’s always been

OMD- Enola Gay

‘Enola Gay’ is the only single from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’s debut album ‘Organisation.’

The song is a synth pop classic, and has been described as the bands signature song. ‘Enola Gay’ is named after the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb, which was named after a real person. The pilot of the plane, Paul Tibbetts mother, ‘Enola Gay Tibbetts.’

The lyric to the song reflects on the decision to use the bomb and asks the listener to consider whether the bombings were necessary ("It shouldn't ever have to end this way"). The song tries to tackle the question asked by many individuals but in the end leaves us with more questions.

The phrase "Is mother proud of Little Boy today?", is an allusion to both the nickname of the uranium bomb and pilot Paul Tibbets naming the aircraft after his mother.

The phrase, "It's 8:15, and that's the time that it's always been", refers to the time of detonation over Hiroshima at 8:15 am JST; as many timepieces were "frozen" by the effects of the blast, it becomes "the time that it's always been". The song contains many double meanings and ultimately asks was the whole event really necessary.

I find it amazing how a band from Liverpool managed to make a brilliant yet thought provoking pop song, about the events 35 years prior in a city 5800 miles away.

The song has become one of my favourites both because of its thought provoking lyrics but also it’s really unique sound, although recorded & released in 1980 the song still sounds fresh and contemporary.

Thank you for reading x