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

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

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.

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."

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.