Stepson

Album: Holy Fire (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Singer Yannis Philippakis told NME the song's lyrics, "are from a father to a son. It's like Icarus. The father can't help the son."

    Yannis is referencing the classic Greek myth of Icarus' flight, whereby having been imprisoned by King Minos and exiled to the great Labyrinth, Deadallus and his teenage son Icarus escape by building wings made of wax and feathers and flying away on them. Deadallus warns his son not to go too high, but he ignores his father's advice, goes too close to the Sun and his wings melt, sending him plummeting to his death in the sea.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.