Meaning of "Was It Something I Said" by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

"Was It Something I Said" conveys the feelings of confusion, frustration, and heartbreak that arise when a relationship begins to unravel. The lyrics suggest that something the singer said or something the other person read may have caused a sudden shift in their dynamic. This shift prompts the speaker to question whether they were the catalyst for the change or if external influences played a role.

The line "Is somebody wrong and somebody right? What was it made up your mind? What could change overnight?" highlights the uncertainty and doubt that the speaker is experiencing. They are unable to understand why the other person's feelings have changed so quickly and seek answers to make sense of the situation. There is a sense of longing for clarity and a desire to know what caused the sudden shift in their relationship.

The mention of the speaker's friends who used to be shared with the other person emphasizes the pain of losing not only the romantic relationship but also the friendship. The emotion is heightened when the singer expresses that they "can't even the score" after nearly half of their life has seemingly been discarded. The lyrics convey a sense of betrayal and the difficulty of moving on.

The second verse introduces the idea that someone else may be influencing the other person's actions and decisions. The line "They're pushing you under and bleeding you slow" suggests that this external force is manipulating and draining the other person, leading to their change in behavior. The speaker acknowledges their imperfections and tendency to contradict themselves, but also highlights a sense of openness and acceptance by stating "I say anything goes."

Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a conflicted relationship that has reached a breaking point. The speaker is grappling with feelings of confusion, frustration, and heartbreak as they try to understand what caused the change in their partner's feelings and behavior.