Peer Pressure
by James Bay (featuring Julia Michaels)

Album: Oh My Messy Mind (2019)
Charted: 85
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Peer pressure" is an all too powerful force that puts pressure on you to conform to an influencing group or individual. Here, James Bay, having previously remained guarded in his life, opens himself up to Julia Michaels and lets her in.

    I don't usually give in to peer pressure
    But I'll give in to yours


    Bay explained: "In writing 'Peer Pressure' Julia and I wanted to talk about how, when the right person comes along, they can break through any armor and with love, get straight to you. It's about that person who, no matter how much of a guard you hold up, finds their way through to you."
  • The passionate anthem was helmed by the New Zealand producer Joel Little, who was Lorde's collaborator on her debut album. His other credits include Imagine Dragons "Whatever It Takes" and Khalid's "Young, Dumb and Broke."
  • James Bay and Julia Michaels performed "Peer Pressure" together for the first time on television during the April 16, 2019 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

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'."

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.