Meaning of "The Lights Are Going Out" by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

The song "The Lights Are Going Out" by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark paints a haunting picture of a girl who is a constant presence in the narrator’s life, even though she remains elusive and enigmatic. The sudden appearance of a painting on the wall that wasn't there before symbolizes how something unexpected can disrupt the familiar and introduce an element of mystery. The repeated lines about not being able to see the narrator with another girl highlight the intensity of the bond with this enigmatic figure, suggesting a deep emotional connection that transcends time and space. The gradual extinguishing of lights across the world paints a bleak picture of inevitable darkness encroaching on everything, perhaps representing the passage of time or the inevitability of loss. The girl’s repeated calls and the narrator's inability to see himself with anyone else suggest a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire that persists despite the fading lights. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of introspection, longing, and the inevitability of change.