The Racing Rats

Editors

About The Racing Rats

"The Racing Rats" is the third single from Editors' second album An End Has a Start. The single was released on 26 November 2007 with a CD format and three 7" singles in the UK, as well as on two CD formats and DVD on PIAS in Europe. It reached number 26 in the UK Charts, one place higher than the previous single, "An End Has a Start". It was used as the backing music, to the 2008 BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award tribute to Anthony Hopkins.


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When the time comes that you're no longer there
Fall down to my knees, begin my nightmare
Words spill from my drunken mouth
I just can't keep them all in
I keep up with the racing rats
And do my best to win

Slow down, little one
You can't keep running away
You mustn't go outside yet
It's not your time to play
Standing at the edge of your town
With the skyline in your eyes
Reaching up to God
The sun says its goodbyes

If a plane were to fall from the sky
How big a hole would it leave in the surface of the earth?

Let's pretend we never met
Let's pretend we're on our own
We'll live different lives
Until our cover's blown

I push my hand up to the sky
Shade my eyes from the sun
As the dust settles around me
Suddenly nighttime has begun

If a plane were to fall from the sky
How big a hole would it leave in the surface of the earth
The surface of the earth?

Come on now
You knew you were lost
But you carried on anyway
Oh, come on now
You knew you had no time
But you let the day drift away

If a plane were to fall from the sky
How big a hole would it leave?
And if a plane were to fall from the sky
How big a hole would it make in the surface of the earth
The surface of the earth
The surface of the earth?

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Editors

Editors are a British indie rock band based in Birmingham, who formed in 2002. Previously known as Pilot, The Pride and Snowfield, the band currently consists of Tom Smith (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Russell Leetch (bass guitar, synthesizer, backing vocals), Ed Lay (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Justin Lockey (Lead guitar), and Elliot Williams (Keys, synthesizers, guitars, and backing vocals) . more »

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Written by: Christopher Dominic Urbanowicz, Edward Owen Lay, Russell Leetch, Thomas Michael Smith

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Release
"The Racing Rats" is a song by British indie rock band Editors. It was officially released as the second single from their second studio album "An End Has a Start" on 26 November 2007.
Chart Performance
Despite its unusual lyrical theme, "The Racing Rats" was a commercial success. It peaked at No. 26 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 34 on the Belgian Charts.
Music Video
The music video of "The Racing Rats" was directed by the famed director Ben Wheatley. A unique point about the video is that it was shot in reverse, enhancing the eerie ambience of the song.
Lyrics Theme
The poetic lyrics penned by lead singer Tom Smith reflect a depressing view of modern-day life, mirroring the theme of decay and despair throughout the album.
Live Performances
"The Racing Rats" is one of Editors' most performed songs and a staple during their live concerts. The first live performance of the song was on 6 October 2007 in Newcastle.
TV Exposure
This track has also received exposure on television. Editors performed "The Racing Rats" live on BBC Television's Later... with Jools Holland in November 2007.
Fans' Appreciation
Fans of Editors often regard "The Racing Rats" as one of the band's masterpiece tracks, citing its melancholic lyrics and catchy melody.
Song Interpretation
The song is often interpreted by fans and critics alike as a commentary on the rat race of life, an unending, self-defeating pursuit of endless goals.
Musical Style
Musically, "The Racing Rats" showcases Editors' distinct guitar-driven sound. It also features the prominence of Tom Smith's rich baritone vocals.
Album Success
The song's parent album "An End Has a Start" also received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. "The Racing Rats" greatly contributed to this achievement.

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