Song meaning of G.E.M. by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

The lyrics of the song "G.E.M." by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark convey a complex and contradictory message about love and attraction. The singer describes a person who appears to be leaving, but their heart seems to be conflicted. This suggests a lack of honesty and an emotional detachment. The juxtaposition of the person's departing body with their lips that didn't leave implies deceit and pretense. 

Despite all the contradictory actions, the singer admits to loving this person because of their fascinating imperfections and captivating style. The phrase "Your beauty is disturbing but I love your fear" suggests that the person's captivating qualities include a sense of vulnerability or insecurity. The power that this person possesses is acknowledged but is also the source of their pain. 

The image of preening like a peacock implies that the person puts on a show, possibly to mask their true feelings or to project an image of confidence. The line "But you fake it 'til you make it if the truth be told" further emphasizes the idea of wearing a facade or pretending to be someone they're not.

Overall, the lyrics of "G.E.M." express a mixture of attraction, deception, and the complexity of human relationships. It suggests that sometimes, we may be drawn to people who are not entirely genuine, yet their imperfections and enigmatic nature hold a certain allure.