High On Humans

Album: Ultralife (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Oh Wonder are a London-based synth-pop duo consisting of Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West. This track was released as the second single from the duo's sophomore album, Ultralife. Lyrically, it is about the extraordinary power of interaction with everyday people. Josephine Vander Gucht explained the story behind the song:

    "'High On Humans' was inspired by a tube journey. On the way back from Heathrow Airport, I eavesdropped on a conversation between two girls who worked in a sunglasses shop at the terminal. They were happily going back and forth discussing their favorite foods. When one girl declared that she didn't like avocados, I rudely interrupted and said 'what do you mean you don't like avocados?!'. We then proceeded to have a twenty-minute conversation about hot sauces and condiments, and the three of us exited the carriage high on adrenaline having connected with strangers.

    I then went on to talk to a man who had knocked all his teeth out and was covered in blood. It created a carriage-wide conversation about injuries and operations. Everyone's mood seemed lifted by this random interaction with the unknown. On the way back home from the station, I sang 'I'm getting high on humans' into voice notes on my phone, and sat down with Anthony to fully write it the next day."

    This song celebrates the potential to 'get high' and feel liberated by talking to strangers. It's something we all fear, and something we should all do more of!"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Intentionally Atrocious

Intentionally AtrociousSong Writing

A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.