World I Used To Know

Album: Animals (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ryan Star told Artist Direct the story of this song: "I had this idea," he said. "You're driving home for thanksgiving break from college, and you're back in that town you grew up in. Movies have been made of it. Everything seems different. It brings back those memories for you. There's a nostalgic sound to the song. There's an eighties thing going on in the music. There's that idea of 'The last time I was here, I was thinking this way.'"

    Star added: "It's not such a sad song, but the line, 'We wished for lots of things when we were seventeen and we're waiting for it now'—to me, that's the song. It's the honest song I can say. In the years of Facebook and Twitter, everybody's bragging about everything going on. The truth is I think we're all really discontent [Laughs]. We're looking at everyone else like, 'Am I really the only one who's not where I want to be?' It's not saying, 'I failed. I'm bitter. You fu--ing lied to me!' [Laughs] It's more like, 'I'm fu--ing ready, man. Where are you? I'm doing everything right.' I might know enough people out there who are working hard and waiting for that sign."
  • The song features guest vocals by Naya Rivera, who is best known for her portrayal of Santana Lopez on the Fox television series Glee.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

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.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.