Citizen Erased
by Muse

Album: Origin of Symmetry (2001)
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Songfacts®:

  • This epic Muse song may have been based on George Orwell's book 1984. Lead singer Matt Bellamy has said of the song: "It's an expression of what it feels like to be questioned. I spend more time than most people being asked about purpose, and it's a strange feeling. I don't really have the answers and I have to respond on the knowledge I have obtained so far, but the problem is that it gets printed, and something else has come along that's made you completely disagree with what you said." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Donovan Berry - El Dorado, AR
  • Bellamy used a seven-string Manson guitar on the track, tuned to drop A tuning in standard variation. He also played the keyboards plus the piano-led coda that closes out the track. "Citizen Erased" was the first Muse song to feature a seven-string guitar.

    The other musicians are Bellamy's bandmates:

    Dominic Howard: drums
    Chris Wolstenholme: bass guitar, backing vocals

    And a string section comprising:

    Sara Herbert: violin
    Jacqueline Norrie: violin
    Caroline Lavelle: cello
  • With a length of 7:21, this was the longest song in Muse's catalogue, until they recorded the 10:07 running "The Globalist" for Drones in 2015.
  • "Citizen Erased" is a fan favorite. When Muse released Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX n 2021, they dropped "Citizen Erased" as its lead single.

Comments: 4

  • Tim from IndianaOne of my all time favorite songs.
  • Ivar from Reykjavik, IcelandNo doubt Muse's best song. In my opinion, this is the best song of the 21st century.
  • Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaAMAZIIING song, truly beautiful
  • Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaLoving the intro
see more comments

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