Omegaman

Album: Ghost in the Machine (1981)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This apocalyptic song was written by The Police guitarist Andy Summers, who was inspired by the 1973 movie Soylent Green, starring Charlton Heston. In the film, poverty and climate change have let to food rationing, and a big corporation creates a foodstuff made by nefarious means. Summers used the idea behind the film as the basis for the break world the Omegaman inhabits. (More in our Andy Summers interview.)
  • Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet, and in a hierarchy represents the lowest member. Thus, while the alpha wolf is the leader, the omega wolf is at the bottom. The omega man feels he at this lower level.

Comments: 4

  • Sage from MichigSoylent Green had nothing to do with climate change.
  • David from UsaOmegaman means the last man. I don't think it's referring to hierarchy, but to the end of the world.
  • Mp from Australia I agree as I thought it was about the Charlton Heston movie Omega Man also. Should we seek a second opinion? :)
  • Jim from UsaI'm surprised by the "Soylent Green" (1973) reference since I figured it would be about "The Omega Man" (1971) if anything. Too obvious?

    Good track, either way. It gets you thinking about the future.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.