Pandora's Box

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark's song "Pandora's Box" delves into the complexities of fame and the personal struggles that often accompany it. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl from Kansas who moves to New York in pursuit of her dreams. At just seventeen, she achieves the fame she sought, but it comes with a heavy price. The song poignantly captures her realization that the adoration of fans and the glamour of stardom cannot fill the void within her. The repeated line, "And all the stars you kissed could never ease the pain," underscores the emptiness that fame can bring.

The song also explores the theme of lost innocence and the passage of time. The girl, now a woman, reflects on her past and the choices she made. The lyrics, "Frame to silence of an innocence divine, is a dangerous creation when you fail the test of time," suggest that the purity and dreams of youth can be corrupted by the harsh realities of life. The photographs of her past, described as "ghosts of long ago," continue to haunt her, symbolizing the lingering impact of her earlier decisions and experiences.

Ultimately, "Pandora's Box" is a meditation on the long and often painful journey of self-discovery. The repeated refrain, "And it's a long long way from where you want to be," emphasizes the distance between the girl's current state and her true self. Despite the changes in her appearance and circumstances, the song suggests that her core essence remains unchanged. The lyrics serve as a reminder that the pursuit of external validation and success can often lead one astray from their true path, and that self-awareness and acceptance are crucial for genuine fulfillment.