Undertow
Warpaint
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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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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.
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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.
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Album PlacementThe 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'.
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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.
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Songwriting ProcessThe 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.
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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.
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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."
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PersonnelThe 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.
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Lyrics InterpretationThe 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.
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Music VideoThe 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.
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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.
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Band LineupDuring 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).
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Production and ReceptionThe 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.
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Lyrics and ThemeThe 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.
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Music VideoThe 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.
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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.
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Influence and ImpactWarpaint'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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