Around My Head

Album: Thank You, Happy Birthday (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • American alternative rock band Pixies were a major influence on Cage the Elephant's sophomore album, Thank You, Happy Birthday and on this amped-up song, vocalist Matt Shultz breaks out his best Frank Black yell to let off steam. Shultz recalled to MTV News that at the time he was writing for the album, "I had just broken up with my girlfriend of five years, and I'd drive around until like 3 or 4 in the morning listening to Doolittle. It was my therapy, I guess."
  • When Shultz wrote the song he was hanging out with Tiger Merritt and other members of Kentucky Psychedelic rock band Morning Teleportation. He told Spinner UK how his pals inspired him to pen this tune. "Tiger's the type of guy that every time he touches an instrument, it makes you jealous so I wrote it like on the spot. They had all these new songs and I said, 'Yeah, I have a new song I'm working on right now,' so I just picked up the guitar and started playing it and that's how that song came about pretty much."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

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.

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.