Replica

Album: I See You (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Chiefly written and sung by The xx's Oiver Sim, this song details his efforts to resist repeating his parents' mistakes and break away from his self-destructive behavior. Sim started writing the song after the band's 2012 tour had finished. He explained to The Guardian that living back in London again, at first he thought of his drinking and drug-taking as "blowing off steam". However, after a time he, "started to wonder if it was still charming to be the drunkest person in a room".

    Eventually, Sim decided to seek help and when the band regathered to write their third album, he brought them the lyrics to "Replica." Co-vocalist Romy Madley Croft recalled the moment. "I thought: 'This is very real.' Even though everything we do is real, this felt more – transparent? It felt brave. And I loved that he let me in, to discuss it."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Black Sabbath

Black SabbathFact or Fiction

Dwarfs on stage with an oversize Stonehenge set? Dabbling in Satanism? Find out which Spinal Tap-moments were true for Black Sabbath.