☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Enola Gay' by the band OMD refers to the dropping of the first atomic bomb 'Little Boy' on Hiroshima, Japan, by the B-29 bomber 'Enola Gay' on August 6, 1945.
- The line 'It's 8:15, and that's the time that it's always been' refers to the exact time when the bomb was dropped.
- The phrases 'Enola Gay, you should have stayed at home yesterday' and 'Enola Gay, it shouldn't ever have to end this way' reflect regret for the unnecessary suffering and death caused by the event.
- The expression 'is mother proud of little boy today' is sometimes interpreted as an ironic comment on the possible satisfaction of the victors. 'Little Boy' is a direct reference to the codename of the atomic bomb.
- The song conveys a general anti-war message and expresses hope that such devastating weapons and actions can be avoided in the future.
Interpretation
The lyrics of 'Enola Gay' by the band
OMD are actually a direct reference to one of the most tragic events of World War II. The 'Enola Gay' is the name of the B-29 bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb, called 'Little Boy', on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. The line 'It's 8:15, and that's the time that it's always been' refers to the exact time when the bomb was dropped.
The phrase 'Enola Gay, you should have stayed at home yesterday' expresses the wish that this devastating action never should have taken place. The lyrics 'Enola Gay, it shouldn't ever have to end this way' repeat this message of regret and sadness over the unnecessary suffering and death.
Furthermore, the expression 'is mother proud of little boy today' has been interpreted by some as an ironic comment on the satisfaction that some on the winning side may have felt. 'Little Boy' is a direct reference to the codename of the atomic bomb.
Overall, the song is a strong anti-war message and expresses the hope that such devastating weapons and actions can be avoided in the future.