Horses & Chariots

Album: Afraid of Heights (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The cinematic song from Billy Talent's fifth album Afraid of Heights has a Muse-meets-Depeche Mode sound.

    Lead singer Ben Kowalewicz talked about the process of creating the tune in his Songfacts interview. "The interesting thing about that song is that it has a synth pad that runs through it, like [imitating beat], 'Dum-ding-dum-ding-dum-dum-ding.' The song has a gallop to it, right? So, [slapping hand on leg to imitate galloping sound], 'Dum-ding-dum-ding-dum-dum-ding-dum-ding,' so it makes you picture a Western. Like a guy riding on a horse, right? So then horses and chariots, it all lends itself to that."

    He added: "I like that song not only because of the synth part, the groove and the beat, but I just think it stands out," he continued. "There's just something about it that's clever. Musically and lyrically it's uplifting and has these almost Hollywood crescendos."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.

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.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Rupert Hine

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.