Under Cover of Darkness

The Strokes

About Under Cover of Darkness

"Under Cover of Darkness" is a song by American rock band The Strokes. The single served as the lead single for their fourth studio album, Angles and was released online on 9 February 2011 as a free download for 48 hours exclusively. It was the first single release from the band in five years, following the release of "You Only Live Once" in 2006. "Under Cover of Darkness" received positive reviews, managing to reach BBC Radio 1's A Playlist; before going on to debut at number 47 on the respective chart. In October 2011, NME placed it at number 133 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years". 


Year:
2011
3:57
581 
#5

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Slip back out of whack at your best
It's a nightmare
So I'm joining the army

No house phones, but can I still call?
Will you wait for me now?

We got the right to live, fight to use it
Got everything but you can just choose it
I won't just be a puppet on a string

Don't go that way
I'll wait for you

And I'm tired of all your friends
Listening at your door
I want what's better for you

So long, my friend and adversary
But I'll wait for you

Get dressed, jump out of bed and do it best
Are you okay?
I've been out around this town
Everybody's singing the same song for ten years

I'll wait for you
Will you wait for me too?

And they sacrifice their lives
In our land are all closed eyes
They've said it a billion times and they'll say it again
So long, my adversary and friend

Don't go that way
I'll wait for you

I'm tired of all your friends
Knocking down your door
Get up in the morning, yelling no more
So long, my friend and adversary
I'll wait for you

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The Strokes

The Strokes are an American rock band from New York, consisting of Julian Casablancas (lead vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar, backing vocals), Albert Hammond, Jr. (guitar, backing vocals), Nikolai Fraiture (bass guitar) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums, percussion). more »

4 fans

Written by: Julian Casablancas, Albert Jr. Hammond, Fabrizio Morretti, Nick Valensi

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


25 facts about this song

Album Appearance
"Under Cover of Darkness" is the lead single from The Strokes' fourth studio album "Angles".
Billboard Ranking
The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in the United States.
Release Date
"Under Cover of Darkness" was released digitally on February 9, 2011.
Grammy Nomination
The song was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 54th Grammy Awards.
Music Video Direction
The music video for "Under Cover of Darkness" was directed by Warren Fu, a frequent collaborator with the band.
Song Duration
The track spans a runtime of 3:56 minutes.
Preceding Hiatus
The release of "Under Cover of Darkness" marked The Strokes' return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus.
Change in Sound
The song shows a departure from The Strokes' earlier garage rock sound, incorporating greater elements of pop.
Limited Vinyl Edition
A limited edition 7" vinyl of the song was released on Record Store Day in 2011.
Positive Response
The song was well received by critics and labeled as a successful return to form for the band after their hiatus.
Band Member Contribution
Julian Casablancas, the lead singer of The Strokes, reportedly emailed his contributions to the song separately, as he did not initially attend the recording sessions.
Instrumentation
The song is characterized by its fast-paced guitar work, and is noted for its catchy, sing-along chorus.
Missing Lyrics
Notably, when the song was initially released, The Strokes did not include the lyrics, leading numerous music publications to attempt deciphering them.
Album Artwork
The cover art for the single depicts an illustration of a face obscured by darkness, a visual play on the song's title.
Song Meaning
While the lyrics are cryptic, they are interpreted as detailing the struggle and pressure of maintaining fame and success.
Release Date
"Under Cover of Darkness" was released as the lead single from "Angles," The Strokes' fourth album, on February 11, 2011.
Billboard Chart Success
The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart. It was their highest-charting single since "Juicebox" in 2005.
Reception
"Under Cover of Darkness" was heavily praised by critics, confirming The Strokes' successful comeback after a five-year hiatus.
Musical Style
The song embodies the classic Strokes style, combining indie rock with new wave influences and characterized by Julian Casablancas' distinctive vocals, and sharp, catchy guitar hooks.
Song Themes
The lyrics of "Under Cover of Darkness" contain vulnerability and fears of fading into insignificance, themes that recur throughout the album "Angles."
Music Video
The music video came out on February 26, 2011, and garnered attention for its retro aesthetic, which has been a hallmark of The Strokes' visuals.
Band Contribution
This song marks a major shift in the band dynamic, as instead of Julian Casablancas, all members of the band contributed to the songwriting process.
Free Download
Upon release, The Strokes offered "Under Cover of Darkness" as a free download for 48 hours on their website, a promotional strategy that led to a surge in their site's traffic.
Award Nomination
"Under Cover of Darkness" was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards but did not win.
Live Performances
The song was first performed live on Saturday Night Live on March 5, 2011, and has since become a concert staple.

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