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

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Black Sabbath

Black SabbathFact or Fiction

Dwarfs on stage with an oversize Stonehenge set? Dabbling in Satanism? Find out which Spinal Tap-moments were true for Black Sabbath.