Meaning of "Then You Turn Away" by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

The lyrics of "Then You Turn Away" speak to the universal experience of awkwardness and miscommunication in relationships. The protagonist struggles with a lack of confidence, leading them to inadvertently sabotage their interactions with the object of their affection. Despite their efforts to connect, they constantly feel misunderstood and ultimately rejected. This song captures the pain of unrequited love, as the protagonist grapples with their own insecurities and the disconnect between their intentions and the outcome of their actions. The repeated refrain of "Then you turn away" emphasizes the feeling of rejection and highlights the recurring pattern of missed opportunities for connection. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of longing, regret, and the bittersweet nature of unreciprocated feelings.