Bad Habit

Album: Holy Fire (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Foals vocalist Yannis Philippakis told NME: "I'm never gonna write 'Shiny Happy People.' It's about symbiotic relationships; when you see two people who are co-dependent - and whether that's also your own addictions as well."
  • During a May 2020 Twitter listening party for Holy Fire, Philippakis recalled how he started writing "Bad Habit" on acoustic guitar. The Foals frontman and his bandmates then developed and rehearsed the track in empty shower rooms backstage while on tour in South America supporting Red Hot Chili Peppers. "It sounded awesome with the natural reverb," he said.

    On one occasion, Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis came into their rehearsal space after they'd played the song, and told the band it'd be a hit.

    Philippakis added that he set out to be "super vulnerable" with the lyrics. "I wasn't in a great place, but the song came out great," he said.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

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.

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.