Meaning of "Christine" by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

The lyrics of "Christine" delve into the harrowing reality of a woman named Christine who is caught in a cycle of sacrifice and suffering. The imagery of the sun setting behind a distant city and Christine riding under the water while leaving her children behind sets a melancholic tone for the rest of the song. It appears that Christine is engaging in some kind of transactional relationship, possibly involving nudity and physical intimacy, to support herself and those she cares for. The repeated mention of her name being called out, juxtaposed with the sound of cars, illustrates her detachment from the world around her. The reference to her placing eighty dollars in her wallet could symbolize her hope for a better future, but as the last person departs, she surrenders to the darkness, allowing the river's current to pull her under. The lights in the water, resembling brittle stars, evoke a sense of fleeting beauty amidst the darkness. In the end, Christine no longer hears the calls of the cars, signaling her complete descent into the unknown. Overall, the lyrics of "Christine" poignantly capture themes of sacrifice, isolation, and resignation in the face of adversity.