The lyrics of "Women III" by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark tell the story of a woman who has made sacrifices and compromises in different roles throughout her life, from mother to mistress to sister and finally to wife. She longs for something more, contemplating leaving her husband once her children are grown but feeling stuck in her current situation. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, resignation, and the complexities of female identity and societal expectations.

Meaning of "Women III" by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

"Women III" explores the various roles and identities that women are expected to embody throughout their lives, from motherhood to marriage to sisterhood. The lyrics depict the internal struggle and conflicts that arise from these societal expectations, as the woman finds herself stuck in a life that is not entirely satisfying. The reference to "X Y Z" to "women III" suggests a progression or evolution in the woman's identity, as she moves through different stages in her life. The song also touches upon themes of sacrifice, compromise, and the unspoken pressures that women face to fulfill different roles. The woman in the song is portrayed as someone who is yearning for something more, possibly seeking independence and self-fulfillment beyond the confines of her current life. The conflicting emotions of longing and resignation are palpable throughout the lyrics, reflecting the complex nature of female identity in a society that often imposes narrow expectations on women.