Munich

Album: The Back Room (2005)
Charted: 10
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Munich" is a song by British post-punk revival band Editors. Originally written in Birmingham before the band was signed, the title "Munich" has no connection to the Bavarian capital city, according to frontman Tom Smith. "It was just a stamp to give our song," he explained to Music Week.
  • A searing guitar, a cymbal sprint and a new Order-esque bassline are all employed in support of Smith's baritone vocals. The lyrics are like cryptic whispers, hinting at isolation, a yearning to belong. It's a soundscape of urban anxieties, a soundtrack for feeling lost in the city crowd.
  • "Munich" was originally released on April 18, 2005, as the second single from Editors' debut album, The Back Room, peaking at #22 in the UK Singles Chart. It was re-released on January 2, 2006, this time reaching #10 in the UK.
  • The song was played when the guests were introduced on the long-running English television program A Question of Sport. "Munich" was also used in the TV shows:

    Eastenders ("Episode #1.6880" - 2024)
    Cold Case ("Joseph" - 2006)
    Waterloo Road (various episodes)

    "Munich" also shows up in the 2008 supernatural-horror movie Waterloo Road.
  • As referee Michael Oliver blew for full time after the April 28, 2024, Tottenham v Arsenal North London derby, the person in charge of the Tottenham sound system flicked the music on. Out blasted "Munich." Arsenal had crashed out of the Champions League after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich a couple of weeks previously. Was the playing of "Munich" a savage coincidence or a hilarious case of shade thrown by the DJ?

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Movie Stars In Music Videos

Movie Stars In Music VideosSong Writing

Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis and John Malkovich are just a few of the film stars who have moonlighted in music videos.

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

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

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.