Believe by Yellowcard

Album: Ocean Avenue (2003)

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Songfacts®:

Yellowcard wrote "Believe" to honor the first responders of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in America. The song is written from the perspective of a victim of the attacks who was in one of the Twin Towers as it was collapsing and was rescued by a firefighter who died when he went back in to help more people. It's a fictional story that embodies the bravery and selflessness of those who responded to the attacks.
The band had the song pressed as a single and mailed to police officers and firefighters who were first responders on 9/11. Frontman Ryan Key explained: "So many of those people would never experience Yellowcard or go to a Yellowcard show or know to listen to Yellowcard, so being able to reach them in that way and kind of send our own thank you card in a way was super cool."
At it's core, this is a song of reassurance, with the line "Everything is going to be alright" repeating in the chorus. Longineu Parsons, the band's drummer, said: "That song was made to lift up spirits and just keep everyone going, to just say, 'Be strong, believe, know that there's a better outcome to things, and not everything bad can be the end result.'"
"Believe" is a showcase song for Yellowcard's violinist, Sean Mackin. He provides intriguing textures to most Yellowcard songs, helping them stand out from other alternative rock acts, but on "Believe" he opens the song and gets a solo. This is always a big moment when the band perform the song in concert.
Yellowcard wrote this song in 2002 after being inspired by Bruce Springsteen's album The Rising, his response to the 9/11 attacks. "Believe" landed on Yellowcard's major-label debut album, Ocean Avenue, which was released in the summer of 2003 but didn't become really well known until about a year later after the title track became a hit.
The band is from Jacksonville, Florida and moved to Los Angeles before releasing the Ocean Avenue album, but they had a lot of fans in the New York City area. "Believe" is a show of support for them.

Comments: 13

Jon from Morrisvillr, PaThis song comes to me also because when I run into the burning building all I have on my mind at the time is getting in saving lives and getting out and save a child or someone else from the fire.
Jon from Morrisvillr, PaThis song touches me and guys at all my local Fire companies.... we risk our lives for no pay... We are VOLUNTEERS and we dont want to be treated like heros but this song touches us because of all the brothers and sisyers we lost in 9/11/2001 and we are still losing people today. so thankyou every
Kevin from Lombard, IlI just realized this, but the last line of the song heard in the background is Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address.

"The world will little note, nor longer remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
Liz from Sunshine, Cai have never heard this song, but it touches me because i have a family member who died on september 11.
Hannah from Fha, BahrainEven to go deeper into the meaning of the song it could be about God and how he sent his song to save us all how he gave up his life for us
Blake from Chico, Camy favorite part is when he says "gonna make your sacrifice worthwhile." It's very difficult to give up your life for someone else, but you die knowing that somewhere out there, the people you saved, are making sure your sacrifice doesn't go in vain.
Nicole from N/a, Wii love this song so much. I listen to it regularly not just september 11th. I love yellowcard and this song is great to remember the fallen heroes of 9/11. Brings tears to my eyes.
Kelli from New Milford, Ctthe last verse of this song (The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here) is from the last paragraph of the gettysburg address
Eleanor from Paris, FranceThis song is wonderful because even thought it's sad it sill has a great share of hope. We all know that our world is bad, full of problems and harm but there still is some good about it and we must fight to keep it. That's why I love that song.
Sharon from Auckland, United Statesthis song is very sad but very good. yellowcard rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ryan from Brunswick, GaI'm a firefighter and knew what this song was about the first time I heard it. It was very moving and sad. For a while, I would play this song in my car when I was responding to a fire. No fireman wants to die or get hurt in the line of duty, but we all know the risk and I would rather die helping someone else then just sitting around. The fact that it actually makes you think about what your putting on the line and for what reason is very humbling.
Francesca from Preston, EnglandOne of my favourite ever songs, and my favourite yellowcard song. it has an effect on anyone who listens to it...
Kara from Moro, IlI love this song. It's so sad but true.

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