The Currents

Album: Wild World (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was inspired by the rise of populist politicians such as Nigel Farage and Donald Trump, whose views the band consider to be hurtful and bigoted. Frontman Dan Smith explained to NME: "It's about hearing people using the platform they have to say something you find abhorrent, and just wanting to escape. The song uses the imagery of wanting to come up for air to get away from it."

    Smith added that he had previously been unwilling to share his political views because "overtly political musicians can be embarrassing, particularly when they don't know what they're talking about." However, the "heartbreaking" Brexit vote helped find their political voice.
  • Dan Smith told The Sun the song is about "trying to get your head around things."

    He added: "It could be a politician you see on TV or just someone in the pub who says something you can't get your head around and to you is completely abhorrent. So what do you do? It's about that complete exasperation and wanting to clear your head."
  • Bastille played this song live for the first time during their gig at Austria's Snowbombing Festival on April 7, 2016.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."