The Currents

Album: Wild World (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was inspired by the rise of populist politicians such as Nigel Farage and Donald Trump, whose views the band consider to be hurtful and bigoted. Frontman Dan Smith explained to NME: "It's about hearing people using the platform they have to say something you find abhorrent, and just wanting to escape. The song uses the imagery of wanting to come up for air to get away from it."

    Smith added that he had previously been unwilling to share his political views because "overtly political musicians can be embarrassing, particularly when they don't know what they're talking about." However, the "heartbreaking" Brexit vote helped find their political voice.
  • Dan Smith told The Sun the song is about "trying to get your head around things."

    He added: "It could be a politician you see on TV or just someone in the pub who says something you can't get your head around and to you is completely abhorrent. So what do you do? It's about that complete exasperation and wanting to clear your head."
  • Bastille played this song live for the first time during their gig at Austria's Snowbombing Festival on April 7, 2016.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Commercials

CommercialsFact or Fiction

Was "Ring Of Fire" really used to sell hemorrhoid cream?

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

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