Limousine

Album: Post Human: Nex Gen (2024)
Charted: 57
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Songfacts®:

  • "Limousine" explores the dark underbelly of desire and addiction. Bring Me the Horizon vocalist Oli Sykes dives into a self-destructive spiral, seeking escape through "blue angels" (barbiturates) and "diamonds" (cocaine). The initial euphoria fades quickly, leaving behind a deeper emotional ache and a creeping sense of paranoia.

    Despite knowing this cycle is tearing him down, Sykes feels trapped, "belted up in the limousine" of his addiction.
  • The song is a duet with Norwegian singer Aurora. Her ethereal vocals provide a counterpoint to the song's gritty soundscape, highlighting the emotional turmoil beneath the surface.
  • "Limousine" is the fifth track on Post Human: Nex Gen. It serves as a stark contrast to another track on the album, "Youtopia," where Sykes embraces self-improvement. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Sykes described "Limousine" as "the other side of the coin." He said it's the temptation to take the easy way out, rather than the long and arduous journey of self-discovery he talks about on "Youtopia."

    Sykes struggles not to choose the quick buzz of instant gratification, admitting, "It's something I've battled with my whole life."
  • Sykes and Aurora wrote "Limousine" alongside BMTH guitarist Lee Malia, drummer Matt Nicholls, Andrew Goldstein, Daisuke Ehara, Zakk Cervini and Daniel Lancaster.

    Goldstein boasts an impressive resumé, having worked with artists like Blackbear, Maroon 5, and All Time Low. Japanese composer Ehara's contributions span six songs on the album, while Cervini co-produced 13 out of its 16 tracks. Lancaster has worked with BMTH since 2015 when he mixed their album That's the Spirit.
  • Bring Me the Horizon initially approached Billie Eilish for a potential collaboration on "Limousine." It's unclear if she ever heard the unfinished version.
  • The Aurora duet was the second time Sykes teamed up with a Norwegian female artist, following his collaboration with Sigrid on "Bad Life" in 2022.
  • "Limousine" leans heavily on Deftones influences, bordering on playful homage at times. Sykes readily admits the entire album is a nostalgic nod to various bands, but they also felt it was vital to push things forward, to make it their own and leave a distinct BMTH mark.

    Sykes told NME he craved something "ethereal, haunting, beautiful" to elevate the song. "Someone to take it somewhere else."

    In Sykes' eyes, Aurora was the missing piece – the one who could "elevate the song to something that feels exotic and different." He went on to praise her as the embodiment of the ideal pop star, "Someone that has the songs but is a real person who dares to speak what they believe in, who gives a s--t about the world."
  • Bring Me The Horizon performed "Limousine" live for the first time alongside Aurora on August 18, 2024. The Norwegian singer joined the band during their set at the Summer Sonic Festival at the ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba, Japan.

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