Released 1982 Recorded 1981 | Format 7", 12" Genre Synthpop, new wave | |
Length 5:11
7:18 (extended version) Label Venice in Peril (UK)
Capitol Records (U.S.) | ||
"One of Our Submarines" is a song by British musician Thomas Dolby. The song was recorded in August 1982 and remains a favourite among Thomas Dolby fans. Originally written for The Thompson Twins, the track was released in a 12" extended version (found on the successful 1982 "Blinded by Science" EP) clocking in at 7:18, as well as in the album version found on The Golden Age of Wireless.
The inspiration for the song was Dolby's late uncle, who died as a submarine crewman during World War II. The submarine that his uncle served on sank due to an accident during routine manoeuvres, not combat, which according to Dolby instilled a sense of futility in his death.
Although this may be Dolby's recollection of the family story, in fact the vessel, HMS P48 (1942), was lost in action in the Mediterranean on Christmas Day, 1942.
In 2002, an EP of techno remixes was released on Salz Music, including versions by Ricardo Villalobos and Hardfloor.