She's Leaving

She's Leaving (Humphreys/McCluskey) is the title of a song included on the group's third studio album Architecture & Morality. The track was released as a fourth single from the album in 1982 in Benelux countries only. It was produced by Richard Manwaring and OMD.

History[]

From the OMD Newsletter, Winter 1981:

The song is documented as being played live for the first time on 25 March 1981 (Rouen, FR), the only song on the set list still not to have been officially released. Bootleg recordings of live performances from this tour have been circulated.

Style & content[]

She's Leaving was a unique song for the group at the time as it was the first time they had recorded a 'story-telling' type song. It some ways it is reminiscent of The Beatles' She's Leaving Home. The song is fairly up-tempo although during the chorus the erratic drum pattern is removed to reveal the drum machine click track which also opens the song. The bass guitar is also evident. The song also comes to a slower close, similar to a train slowing down, finishing with an organ sound.

Single release[]

In Benelux and mainland Europe only.

7" Virgin 104 277

A. She's Leaving

B. The Romance of the Telescope

Songwriting credits for both tracks are attributed to 'O.M.D.'
A. is a remix of the album version although differences are very subtle.
B. is the same track as the B side to Joan of Arc.
No timings are given on sleeve or labels

Live performances[]

She's Leaving was previewed live during live shows in 1981 before its official release and inclusion in the Architecture & Morality tour live set (see above). It remained part of set lists in subsequent tours until 1985 when it was even a final song in certain concerts. It was not performed live during the 1990s but was duly revived for tours after the group reunion. It features on six OMD live albums.

Availability[]

Version	Available on	Notes
standard	Architecture & Morality (all editions, track 2) US 4-track promo EP [1]	3:26
remix (1982)	She's Leaving, 7" Virgin 104 277	Benelux only
edit	Interchords interview LP
live (1981)	Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London (video)	VHS/DVD
live (1983)	Live at the Hammersmith Odeon	Souvenir boxset (2019)
live (2007)	Architecture & Morality & More	CD/DVD
live (2010)	Live in Berlin
live (2014)	Dazzle Ships at The Museum Of Liverpool
live (2016)	Architecture & Morality / Dazzle Ships – Live at the Royal Albert Hall

Cover versions[]

Cover versions of She's Leaving have been released by:

The Sunday People's Front on Pretending to See the Future - A Tribute to OMD (2001)
Stahljustiz on Multiple Sound Generator (2009) [2]
Marsheaux on E-Bay Queen is Dead (2012) and an unreleased version with additional vocals by AM.(see below)