We Pray
by Coldplay (featuring Little Simz & Burna Boy)

Album: Moon Music (2024)
Charted: 20 87
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "We Pray" is like a global choir's heartfelt plea for unity and hope in a world teeming with challenges. It's a collective wish for freedom and simplicity, an earnest cry that echoes across continents. Joining Coldplay on this anthemic journey are British rapper Little Simz, Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy, Palestinian-Chilean vocalist Elyanna, and Argentine singer Tini, all harmonizing in their shared yearning for safer, more harmonious times.
  • And so we pray
    We'll be singing "Baraye"


    "Baraye" is a deeply moving song inspired by the heartbreaking death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman who lost her life at the hands of Tehran's morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly." The title, which means "freedom," has resonated with the Iranian people, transforming the song into an anthem of resistance. It embodies their fight against oppression and their unwavering demand for freedom and justice.

    Coldplay performed "Baraye" in Buenos Aires following the Iranian protests for Women's Rights.
  • Jay-Z is credited as a songwriter along with Coldplay, the four guest artists, and a production lineup that features Max Martin, ILYA, Andrea Torres, and El Dandee.

    Chris Martin and Jay-Z have a collaborative history. One notable instance was in 2006 when the Coldplay frontman contributed vocals on Hova's "Beach Chair." They teamed up again in 2008 for "Lost+," a remix of Coldplay's "Lost!" that features Jay-Z.
  • Coldplay introduced "We Pray" during their Glastonbury headline performance on June 29, 2024, with a surprise appearance from Simz and Elyanna. Video of Burna Boy's performance on the bridge was projected in the background.
  • The single, released from the album Moon Music on August 23, 2024, comes with an added treat: extra renditions of the song, each showcasing the distinctive styles of Tini and Elyanna.
  • In a commendable nod to environmental stewardship, Coldplay ensured that Moon Music leaves a minimal ecological footprint. The vinyl LPs are crafted from nine recycled plastic bottles each, while the CDs use 90% recycled polycarbonate from post-consumer waste. The band also took steps to curb carbon emissions related to the album's production and distribution, optimizing transport routes and employing renewable energy sources wherever feasible.
  • If it's driving you crazy that "We Pray" sounds like some other song you've heard, check out "Me and My Broken Heart" from Rixton - that might be the one.
  • South Korean girl group TWICE jumped on a remix, which was dropped on April 17, 2025. They contribute a new Korean verse while Martin croons an additional bridge.

    The new mix marks Coldplay's second time working with a K-pop artist, following "My Universe" with BTS in September 2021.
  • Coldplay debuted the K-Pop flavored rendition at their show in Goyang-si, South Korea on April 16, 2025, where TWICE served as the opening act. The girls joined Coldplay for the performance alongside Elyanna.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Ian Gillan of Deep Purple

Ian Gillan of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan explains the "few red lights" in "Smoke On The Water" and talks about songs from their 2020 album Whoosh!

Mike Scott of The Waterboys

Mike Scott of The WaterboysSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Whole Of The Moon" and "Red Army Blues," and why rock music has "outlived its era of innovation."