Lightning Strike

Snow Patrol

About Lightning Strike

"The Lightning Strike" is a song from alternative rock band Snow Patrol's fifth album A Hundred Million Suns, and appears as the last track on the album. The lyrics to the song were written by lead singer Gary Lightbody and the music was composed by Snow Patrol. The song is composed of three smaller songs and, at sixteen minutes and eighteen seconds, is the longest the band has released yet. The song has an elaborate live performance where a specially made animation is played simultaneously as the band performs the song. Most of the video features origami, which is the main artwork for the album and its singles. The song received a mixed reaction when the album was released, and though the band were praised for playing it live, the general feeling was that it wasn't a right choice, with one critic calling it "self-indulgent" but forgivable. 


 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

What if this storm ends?
And I don't see you
As you are now
Ever again

The perfect halo
Of gold hair and lightning
Sets you off against
The planet's last dance

Just for a minute
The silver forked sky
Lit you up like a star
That I will follow

Now it's found us
Like I have found you
I don't want to run
Just overwhelm me

What if this storm ends?
And leaves us nothing
Except a memory
A distant echo

I want pinned down
I want unsettled
Rattle cage after cage
Until my blood boils

I want to see you
As you are now
Every single day
That I am living

Painted in flames
All peeling thunder
Be the lightning in me
That strikes relentless

What if this storm ends?
And I don't see you
As you are now
Ever again

The perfect halo
Of gold hair and lightning
Sets you off against
The planet's last dance

Just for a minute
The silver forked sky
Lit you up like a star
That I will follow

Now it's found us
Like I have found you
I don't want to run
Just overwhelm me

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol are a British alternative rock band formed at the University of Dundee in 1994. The group comprises Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Jonny Quinn (drums), Nathan Connolly (guitar, backing vocals), Paul Wilson (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Tom Simpson (keyboards). (piano, guitar, backing vocals). Initially an indie rock band, their first three records, the EP Starfighter Pilot (1997), and the studio albums Songs for Polarbears (1998) and When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up (2001), were commercially unsuccessful and were released by the independent labels Electric Honey and Jeepster respectively. The band then signed on to the major record label Polydor Records in 2002. more »

7 fans

Written by: GARY LIGHTBODY, JONATHAN GRAHAM QUINN, NATHAN CONNOLLY, PAUL WILSON, TOM SIMPSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Album Release
"Lightning Strike" is not a standalone single but a three-part song from Snow Patrol's sixth studio album; "Fallen Empires" which was released in 2011.
Song Parts
The entire song is divided into three parts; "What If This Storm Ends?", "Sunlight Through the Flags", and "Daybreak". Each part contributes to the complete narrative and musical journey.
Lead Singer's Interpretation
According to Gary Lightbody, the lead singer of Snow Patrol, "Lightning Strike" was written as a reflection of raw emotions. The song explores themes of hope, regret, and rebirth.
Musical Style
Musically, "Lightning Strike" strays from Snow Patrol's typical Indie Rock style, with an orchestral build-up in the first part and a dreamy synth in the second part before transitioning to a full-on rock sound in the final part.
Dramatic Video
The music video for "What If This Storm Ends?", the first part of "Lightning Strike", features a dramatic thunderstorm, reflecting the powerful emotions conveyed in the song.
Live Performances
"Lightning Strike" is especially known for its spectacular live performances during Snow Patrol's Fallen Empires tour, often involving atmospheric lighting effects to match the theme of the song.
Album Success
"Fallen Empire", the album that features "Lightning Strike", reached number 3 in the UK Albums Chart.
Notable Length
The entirety of "Lightning Strike" runs to over 16 minutes, making it one of the longest compositions by Snow Patrol.

Discuss the Lightning Strike Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Lightning Strike Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/36053837/Snow+Patrol/Lightning+Strike>.

    Missing lyrics by Snow Patrol?

    Know any other songs by Snow Patrol? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is the meaning behind the BTS band acronym?
    A Be There Soon
    B Behind The Scene
    C Blood Sweat & Tears
    D Bulletproof Boy Scouts

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Snow Patrol tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Lightning Strike

    »