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

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.