Slow Grenade
by Ellie Goulding (featuring Lauv)

Album: Brightest Blue (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Ellie Goulding spins a tale of a toxic romance that she just can't quit. She compares the relationship to a slow grenade that sours, then explodes.

    Can't escape this blowing up
    In my face, so why can't I
    Why can't I stop it?


    Lauv joins in on the second verse as he references the fears that stop them ending the relationship.

    Think that we should move on
    But we're too scared of being alone


    Later, on the bridge he alludes to their rowing in public.

    Least I got the best seat
    'Cause we put on one hell of a show
  • Goulding and Lauv wrote the song with:

    English songwriter/producer Joe Kearns, who has credits on 15 of Brightest Blue's 18 tracks.

    Los Angeles-based songwriter Brett McLaughlin, also known as Leland, who has also co-penned songs for Daya ("Hide Away"), Troye Sivan ("Youth") and Kelsea Ballerini' ("Miss Me More").

    Swedish producer Oscar Görres, whose resumé also includes Tori Kelly's "Unbreakable Smile," DNCE's "Be Mean," and Sam Smith's "Diamonds."
  • Estonian DJ and producer Syn Cole released a remix on October 16, 2020, where he places Goulding and Lauv's vocals front and center while adding a thumping bass and euphoric production. Syn Cole is known for his remixes of songs from the likes of Katy Perry ("Unconditionally," "Chained to the Rhythm," "Never Really Over"), Ed Sheeran ("Sing"), and Mabel ("Mad Love").

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.

Joe Ely

Joe ElySongwriter Interviews

The renown Texas songwriter has been at it for 40 years, with tales to tell about The Flatlanders and The Clash - that's Joe's Tex-Mex on "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.