Undertow

Warpaint

About Undertow

"Undertow" is a song by the American indie rock band Warpaint. It is the third track and lead single from the band's debut studio album The Fool, and was released on September 21, 2010 on Rough Trade Records. Described by the band as an homage to the Nirvana song "Polly", "Undertow" received favorable acclaim and placed in the United Kingdom's Independent Singles and Independent Breakers charts upon its release. A limited edition double A-side single was released as part of Record Store Day 2012. Describing the origins of the song, bassist Jenny Lee Lindberg said "Undertow" developed from a bassline she and guitarist Theresa Wayman were working on. According to Lindberg, "[Wayman] just started singing the lyrics to 'Polly' over that song … instead of making that a cover … we said, 'well, write your own words to the song'." Lindberg added that if "you listen to the songs back-to-back they sound nothing alike" but referred to "Undertow" as "a bit of an homage to Kurt [Cobain] and Nirvana." A music video for "Undertow" was directed by Lindberg's sister and former Warpaint drummer Shannyn Sossamon. 


Year:
2011
66 
#1

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Your brown eyes are my blue skies.
They light up the rivers that the birds fly over.
Better not to quench your thirst.
Better not to be the first one diving in,
Though you caught me and you know why
You breathe in the deepest part of the water.

What's the matter? You hurt yourself?
Open your eyes and there was someone else
Now I've got you in the undertow.
Now I've got you in the undertow.
Why you wanna blame me for your troubles?
Ah ah ah you better learn your lesson yourself.
Nobody ever has to find out what's in my mind tonight.

Let tonight pass us by.
Do you really want to be the one to fight?
And I said "You're better not to light that fire.
It will take you to the darkest part of the weather."

What's the matter? You hurt yourself?
Open your eyes and there was someone else
Now I've got you in the undertow.
Now I've got you in the undertow.
Why you wanna blame me for your troubles?
Ah ah ah you better learn your lesson yourself.
Nobody ever has to find out what's in my mind tonight.
Nobody ever has to find out what's in my mind tonight.

Nobody in my mind. Nobody in my mind.
I feel it in my heart tonight.

I lay on the floor, pressing in my eyes.
Seeing little lights.
Please light these decisions that only one could make
I wanted to stay home but I went running running running running from the troubles
Running running running running from the troubles
Running running running running from the troubles
Running, running, running...

What's the matter? You hurt yourself?
Opened your eyes and there was someone else?
Now I've got you in the undertow
Now I've got you so
Why you wanna blame me for your troubles?
Ah ah ah you better learn your lesson yourself.
Nobody ever has to find out what's in my mind tonight.

I went running running running running from the troubles
Running, running, running...

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Warpaint

Warpaint is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2004. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Emily Kokal (vocals, guitar), Theresa Wayman (guitar, vocals) and Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass, backing vocals). The band's current drummer is Stella Mozgawa, who joined Warpaint following the departure of founding member Shannyn Sossamon. more »

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Written by: EMILY CAMILLE KOKAL, JENNIFER LEE LINDBERG, STELLA ZOFIA MOZGAWA, THERESA BECKER-WAYMAN

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


17 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Undertow" falls under the genre of psychedelic rock with a blend of art rock and dream pop. Warpaint's songs are typically characterized by atmospheric guitar lines with harmonic sophistication, and this song is no exception.
Critically Acclaimed
"Undertow" is one of Warpaint's most renowned songs. It received immense critical acclaim upon release, and was particularly noted for its hypnotic, dream-like sound, and the emotional depth of the lyrics.
Album Placement
The song is the second track on their debut album, "The Fool". Released in 2010, this album was highly anticipated following the band’s earlier EP 'Exquisite Corpse'.
Song Inspiration
"Undertow" is noted for its melodic similarities to Nirvana’s "Polly". The band has admitted in interviews that Nirvana has been a significant influence on their music.
Songwriting Process
The belief is that all members of the band contribute to the writing of the songs and "Undertow" is no different. This shows the level of cohesion and collective input within the group.
Chart Success
"Undertow" was a commercial success, appearing on the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, which marked a new high for Warpaint at that time.
Live Performances
"Undertow" is one of the band's most performed songs. It often ignites audience participation, particularly during the catchy and contemplative chant-like repetition of "Why you wanna blame me for your troubles?/ Ah ah ah you better learn your lesson yourself."
Personnel
The band is comprised of Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman, Jenny Lee Lindberg, and Stella Mozgawa. With the exception of Mozgawa, who provides the distinctive drum beats, each of the other members play guitar and bass, and all four contribute to the vocals on this track.
Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics of "Undertow" reflect on the turbulence of relationships and the emotional struggles that often ensue. The song's complex tonality mirrors the complexity of the human emotions it explores.
Music Video
The music video for "Undertow", directed by Shannyn Sossamon, captures the band performing the song in a variety of settings, including a forest, a distant hill, and a small rowboat. The visual display perfectly complements the atmospheric, moody nature of the song.
General Information
"Undertow" is a song by the American indie-rock band Warpaint. - The song was originally released as part of their debut studio album, "The Fool," which debuted in October 2010.
Band Lineup
During the time "Undertow" was released, Warpaint consisted of Emily Kokal (vocals, guitar), Theresa Wayman (guitar, vocals), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass, vocals), and Stella Mozgawa (drums).
Production and Reception
The production of "Undertow" was handled by Tom Biller, with mixing by Andrew Weatherall and mastering by Brian Lucey. - It quickly became one of Warpaint's most popular tracks, earning them a significant spot within the indie-rock genre. - Despite never being released as a single, the song has received more than 30 million streams on Spotify as of 2021.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyrics and theme of "Undertow" were inspired by Nirvana’s "Polly," but with a darker interpretation, according to the band. - The song addresses themes of love, relationships, and the emotional undertow that can drag someone down.
Music Video
The official music video for "Undertow" was filmed in black and white to maintain a dark and moody aesthetic that mirrors the song itself. - It reflects the live performances of the band, showcasing the strong chemistry and musical dialogue between the band members.
Live Performances
"Undertow" has become a favorite among fans during Warpaint's live performances, often drawing applause and singalongs. - The band's performance of "Undertow" on the popular YouTube series "The Basement," produced by Nigel Godrich, has been particularly well-received.
Influence and Impact
Warpaint's "Undertow" has influenced many budding indie-rock musicians with its layered guitar sound, intricate drumming, and brooding vocal harmonies. - The song has also been used in several television series soundtracks, including "The Vampire Diaries," furthering its impact within popular culture.

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