Fun

Album: A Head Full Of Dreams (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This poignant, optimistic reflection on the end of a relationship finds Chris Martin remembering the good times he had with his ex-partner.
  • Swedish songbird Tove Lo shares the mic with Martin on the ballad. Tovo Lo achieved a solo breakthrough with her 2013 hit single "Habits (Stay High)," which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition to her solo work, Lo has co-written a number of songs for other singers, including Girls Aloud's "Something New" and Ellie Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do."
  • The song was produced by Tove Lo's fellow Scandinavians, the production duo Stargate. The Norwegian songwriting and production pair of Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen are behind a stream of big hits by such global stars as Katy Perry, Rihanna and Beyoncé. Stargate shared production duties with longtime Coldplay comrade Rik Simpson on all but one song on A Head Full Of Dreams.

    The collaboration came about after Chris Martin went into the studio with Stargate to write a song for Rihanna. That didn't work out, but the Coldplay frontman enjoyed the experience so much he asked them to do some test sessions with the band. "I was nervous about Guy (Berryman, bass) and Will (Champion, drums) saying this is too pop," he told Q magazine. "But they got along so well with Tor and Mikkel. It's marrying these two worlds, often in two different rooms."
  • Tove Lo admitted to The Sun that she originally thought the invitation to sing on a Coldplay song was a prank. "I got an email which said, 'Hey it's Chris Martin from the British band Coldplay' and I didn't believe it," she recalled. "I have been a huge fan of the band for ever and used to sing all of their songs at school. But then we spoke and he asked me to sing on the song."
  • The Swedish songbird was full of nerves during the recording of her contribution. "I was in Brazil at the time and so when I got the track sent I was listening to it over and over again. I was really nervous in the studio, questioning whether I was really good enough," Tove Lo said. "It's the only song I have ever sung on without writing anything myself and I think wanting to deliver it the way they wanted was really surreal."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80s

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80sSongwriter Interviews

'80s music ambassadors Wang Chung pick their top tracks of the decade, explaining what makes each one so special.

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.