Secret Messages

Electric Light Orchestra's (ELO) song 'Secret Messages' delves into the mysterious and often overwhelming nature of information in the modern world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a 'moving stream of information' that is omnipresent, floating on the wind and never-ending. This stream of information is depicted as both enchanting and perplexing, calling out to the listener in various forms—singing, playing, and dancing. The imagery suggests a sense of wonder and curiosity, but also a feeling of helplessness as the listener is bombarded with these secret messages from 'out of the blue.'

The chorus emphasizes the relentless nature of these messages, describing how they call 'endlessly' and 'across the air.' This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the constant influx of information in our lives, especially in the digital age where we are perpetually connected. The messages are described as whispering in the ear and calling everywhere, indicating their pervasive and intrusive nature. This could be a reflection on how modern communication technologies have made it difficult to escape the constant flow of information, leading to a sense of being overwhelmed.

The song also touches on the idea of illusion and confusion, describing the flow of information as a 'flowing river of illusion running with confusion.' This suggests that not all information is clear or truthful, adding another layer of complexity to the listener's experience. The cascading words like rainbows and the secrets all around without a sound evoke a sense of beauty intertwined with mystery. ELO's 'Secret Messages' captures the duality of modern communication—its ability to connect and inform, but also to confuse and overwhelm.