Album: Contra (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Christopher Tomson said of this track in the band's track-by-track production notes: "On this song, I experimented with certain rhythms that I avoided on the first record. I like how this song alternates between heavy, Rock-like choruses and reggaeton verses."
  • Chris Baio told Drowned In Sound: "This song really came together in the first week of rehearsals in Greenpoint in January. The big breakthrough was the drum part CT wrote for the horn choruses - he's definitely alluding to a tradition of rock drumming there. It's one of the biggest sounding parts we've ever written. When we were setting up drum mics in Avatar in New York in February I had the pleasure of ripping into that drum part. Sometimes I wish I were a rock drummer!"
  • Vocalist Ezra Koenig explained the influence of Bruce Springsteen on this song to the NME February 16, 2010. He said: "If you can hear some Springsteen on this song, that's because I'm a huge Springsteen fan. My dad has all his records and also, growing up in New Jersey, you had to be aware of him. He's the master of writing songs about running away. 'Born To Run' is a positive song, but this song deals with the fact that you could also be running away because you're trying to ignore your problems."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular Music

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular MusicSong Writing

Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

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.