Cameras

Album: Sidewalks (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the first single from New York dance pop duo Matt & Kim's third studio album, Sidewalks. Matt Johnson told MTV News about the track: "Well, the song's called 'Cameras' and the chorus says, 'No time for cameras/ We'll use our eyes instead,' which is a very Matt and Kim kind of message," Matt Johnson said. "But [it's got the] same sort of good, party vibe, big heavy beats, sing-along chorus. I decided we don't write songs anymore, we write anthems."
  • Kim Johnson explained the song's meaning to Spin Magazine: "That song is based on our culture, in which everything is so heavily documented. Fifty years from now, I'll wish we had documented more of our tours. But, really, it's just about having fun and being able to remember and reflect on it, without technology."
  • The song starts off with an unusual sound. Matt Johnson explained why to Spinner: "I get inspired a lot of times by different tones. I got this old '80s synthesizer called an MS 2000. That song 'Cameras,' the sound that it starts with in the beginning, which sort of sounds like a cat in heat or something - 'Wah, wah, wah' - that sound is ridiculous. I've never heard it before in a song, and I just wanted to use it. Sometimes different tones and things can inspire you to write."

Comments: 1

  • Caitlyn from Royersford, Palove the song, love the video, love this band!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.