Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies

Album: Puzzle (2007)
Charted: 19
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lead singer Simon Neil commented on this song in Kerrang! magazine, saying: "This is one of the first songs I wrote for the record and it has changed very little since its conception. I always knew I wanted a choir and strings on it, and it has a real epic feel. It's about not wanting to waste your life, but about having no idea where to turn and suddenly being aware of your own mortality." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jay - London, United Kingdom
  • Speaking to Kerrang!, Simon Neil explained the background to the song: "It was about hitting a low point and not giving a f--k," he said. "There was s--t going on with the band in my personal life was a mess. It was classic depression, I suppose. I think it has the attention and release that all good songs should have."
  • Simon Neil told Kerrang: "The prog section that opens this was when I was going through a huge Lightning Bolt phrase. They're one of the noisiest rock duo's on the planet. It was originally its own song - this really horrible rhythmically pounding song that was really repetitive to the point where it made the listener just want to switch it off. But in the end, we used it as an intro instead."

    Lightning Bolt is an American noise rock duo from Providence, Rhode Island, who are known for their loud and aggressive guerrilla-style live performances, where they typically play on the ground rather than a stage, with the crowd gathered around them.
  • The track features string and choir arrangements by Hollywood composer Graeme Revell, performed by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. This was the first time that Biffy Clyro had worked with an orchestra.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.

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.

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?Fact or Fiction

Bradley Cooper, Michael J. Fox, Rami Malek, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and George Clooney: Which actors really sang in their movies?

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.