High On Humans

Album: Ultralife (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Oh Wonder are a London-based synth-pop duo consisting of Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West. This track was released as the second single from the duo's sophomore album, Ultralife. Lyrically, it is about the extraordinary power of interaction with everyday people. Josephine Vander Gucht explained the story behind the song:

    "'High On Humans' was inspired by a tube journey. On the way back from Heathrow Airport, I eavesdropped on a conversation between two girls who worked in a sunglasses shop at the terminal. They were happily going back and forth discussing their favorite foods. When one girl declared that she didn't like avocados, I rudely interrupted and said 'what do you mean you don't like avocados?!'. We then proceeded to have a twenty-minute conversation about hot sauces and condiments, and the three of us exited the carriage high on adrenaline having connected with strangers.

    I then went on to talk to a man who had knocked all his teeth out and was covered in blood. It created a carriage-wide conversation about injuries and operations. Everyone's mood seemed lifted by this random interaction with the unknown. On the way back home from the station, I sang 'I'm getting high on humans' into voice notes on my phone, and sat down with Anthony to fully write it the next day."

    This song celebrates the potential to 'get high' and feel liberated by talking to strangers. It's something we all fear, and something we should all do more of!"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds

Jim McCarty of The YardbirdsSongwriter Interviews

The Yardbirds drummer explains how they created their sound and talks about working with their famous guitarists.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."