Uncovering the Meaning Behind Pompeii Lyrics: A Comprehensive Guide [with Stats and Stories]

What is song pompeii lyrics

Song Pompeii Lyrics are the words that accompany the popular hit “Pompeii” by British indie pop band Bastille. The lyrics describe the awakening of a man who has been trapped in volcanic ash, only to realize that he has been left behind by his loved ones.

• The lyrics embody themes such as survival, revival and persevering through tough times.
• Bastille’s unique fusion of genres like pop rock and indie music along with poignant storytelling makes ‘Pompeii’ an all-time classic among modern day songs.

If you’re looking for impactful music with profound concepts woven beautifully into its message- Pompeii is just what you need!

How to Understand the Song Pompeii Lyrics: A Step-by-Step Guide

As one of the most iconic songs in recent memory, Bastille’s “Pompeii” has captivated audiences with its catchy melody and insightful lyrics. But if you’re like many listeners, it can be challenging to understand the meaning behind this anthemic track.

To help you get a better sense of what “Pompeii” is all about, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide that breaks down each element of the song’s lyrics. By following along with our analysis, you’ll uncover new layers of depth and emotion within this already powerful piece.

Step 1: The Opening Lines

The first lines of “Pompeii” set up an eerie tone right from the start. Lead singer Dan Smith croons, “I was left to my own devices / Many days fell away with nothing to show.”

These two sentences paint a picture of isolation and despair. When someone is left alone for too long without any productive outlets, time can feel wasted and meaningless.

Step 2: Building Up to the Chorus

As the song continues into its verses, Smith provides more context for his situation by singing:

“And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?”

At this point in the song, we still aren’t sure what he means by these repeated questions – but they signal that something big might happen when we reach the chorus.

Step 3: Repeating Lyrics in Verse Two

In verse two, Smith repeats several lines he sang earlier in verse one. He sings,

“But there’s an old voice in my head
That’s holding me back.
Well tell her that I miss our little talks.”

This repetition creates emphasis on those specific words/phrases which then lead us straight into another build-up toward the highly-anticipated chorus (while also giving us a bit more insight into the character of Smith).

Step 4: The Chorus

Finally, we reach the chorus – and it doesn’t disappoint. In a sweeping statement that’s sure to resonate with listeners everywhere, Smith announces:

“But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?”

The power of these lyrics is in their simplicity. Anyone who has ever felt stuck in life might relate to this idea of time passing without any real progress being made.

Step 5: Describing Disaster

But what does “Pompeii” have to do with all this? It turns out that the song is actually about the tragic Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice in AD 79.

As Smith explains,

“I was watching this natural-disaster show on PBS or Discovery… they were talking about Pompeii… I just thought it was incredibly interesting how something so violent, brutal and destructive could result in making something so beautiful.”

By channeling his emotions through a historical event instead of discussing them directly, Smith creates a sense of universality around his lyrics – anyone can understand feeling trapped and needing an escape from everyday struggles.

So there you have it! By following our step-by-step guide to understanding “Pompeii,” you should now have a deeper appreciation for both its sonic qualities and its emotional depth. Whether you’re listening for personal inspiration or simply because you love great music, Bastille’s hit track is sure to keep resonating for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Song Pompeii Lyrics

If you are a fan of alternative music or simply enjoy catchy tunes, then chances are that you have already heard the song ‘Pompeii’ by British band Bastille. This hit single was released back in 2013 and has since become an anthem for many fans around the world.

Despite its popularity, there are still some questions surrounding the lyrics and meaning of this song. In this blog post, we will attempt to answer some frequently asked questions about Pompeii’s lyrics.

1. What is “Pompeii” actually referring to?

The title of the song refers to the ancient Roman city which was buried under volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. According to Bastille’s frontman, Dan Smith, the idea behind using Pompeii as a metaphor stemmed from his fascination with how such powerful natural forces could completely obliterate a civilization overnight.

2. Are there any historical references within the lyrics?

Yes! Throughout the song, there are several allusions made towards elements of historical significance related to Pompeii. For instance, when it says “But if you close your eyes”, it refers to historians’ theories that victims closed their eyes at the time when they were frozen in ash – symbolizing finality beyond hope or changing fate.

3.What is meant by “Hey Oh”?

If you’ve ever jammed along singing along belting out “eh oh eh oh,” during every chorus like clockwork- know that these phrases don’t have any specific significance! These lines serve mainly as descriptors indicating pumping energy into tune and letting people rock with them!

4.What does “how am I gonna be an optimist about this” mean?

This line indicates confusion in reaction from us human beings about situations that just leave us far worse off than where we began – leaving our hopes , dreams shattered alongside our emotional turmoil ; case example being destruction found across Pompeiian sites following volcano eruption.

5. Does the music video relate to the song?

Bastille’s ideas for shooting a music video based on Pompeii started with different historical backdrops, mainly taking place in urban areas not relevant to cities of ancient origin like Rome or Greece.

However, after several attempts amidst various locations among England- they eventually settled with shooting it around and finishing at West London’s Earls Court Exhibition Centre- epicenter where this band had graced its stage many times before.

In conclusion: The lyrics of Pompeii are rich in history and metaphorical allusions, which has helped shape its popularity within both casual listeners and history enthusiasts alike. The energy that flows throughout the tune complements its catchiness – making it an absolute banger played by almost anyone anywhere globally!

Uncovering the Hidden Meanings behind the Song Pompeii Lyrics

When it comes to catchy tunes and memorable lyrics, few songs have managed to hold a candle to Bastille’s hit track ‘Pompeii.’ Whether you’re drawn in by its upbeat melody or the emotionally charged vocals of frontman Dan Smith, there’s something undeniably captivating about this powerhouse of a song.

But what many people don’t realize is that lurking beneath its surface lies a hidden world of symbolism and meaning. From its references to ancient Roman history to its exploration of human psychology and emotion, there’s more going on here than meets the ear.

So just what are these hidden meanings? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most intriguing lyric choices in ‘Pompeii’ and see what they might be trying to tell us.

First off, we have the opening line: “Eh-eh-o eh-o / Eh-eh-o eh-o.” At first glance, this may seem like nothing more than an attention-grabbing vocal riff – but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover that it actually has roots in African folk music. Specifically, it resembles the sound made by Bantu-speaking tribes when they perform rituals such as spirit possession dances. This connection hints at themes of transcendence and otherworldliness that will recur throughout the rest of the song.

Moving on to the verses themselves, we find ourselves confronted with images of disaster and destruction: “But if you close your eyes / Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?” Here we have an eerie parallel between Pompeii – famously buried under volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted – and our own modern lives. Just as those poor souls were caught unawares by nature’s fury, so too do we often sleepwalk through our days without really paying attention until disaster strikes.

Digging deeper still reveals further layers of metaphorical significance. For example, consider the lines “I was left to my own devices / Many days fell away with nothing to show.” Here, we see a subtle examination of human psychology and the concept of self-reliance. Smith is acknowledging that we all have times when we feel alone or directionless – but rather than wallowing in despair, he encourages us to be resourceful and find our own way through life.

Another standout lyric comes during the song‘s chorus: “But if you close your eyes / Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?/ And if you close your eyes / Does it almost feel like you’ve been here before?” Once again, there are several possible interpretations at work here. Some have suggested that this is a reference to reincarnation or past lives; others argue that it’s simply about the power of nostalgia and deja vu. Either way, the repetition of this question over and over again serves to create an intense sense of longing and wistfulness.

All in all, ‘Pompeii’ is a rich tapestry of emotions and ideas – one which rewards careful listening and reflection. Whether you’re drawn in by its infectious energy or intrigued by its hidden depths, there’s no denying that this song has earned its place as one of modern music’s most captivating tracks. So go ahead – put on those headphones, crank up the volume, and let yourself get lost in its haunting world once more. Who knows what secrets may lie waiting for you there?

Top 5 Surprising Facts About the Song Pompeii Lyrics

Pompeii is an incredibly catchy and haunting song by British indie rock band, Bastille. But it’s not just the melody and rhythm that have captured the hearts of millions of listeners all over the world – there are some surprising facts about its lyrics too! Here are our top 5 picks:

1. It was inspired by a real-life event

Pompeii may be famous for being destroyed by one of history’s most infamous natural disasters, but did you know that this song was actually written in response to a specific event? Lead singer Dan Smith has revealed that he penned the track after attending a Bastille Day fireworks display in France, during which many young couples were kissing passionately as they watched. He found their romantic intensity so captivating that it triggered memories of Pompeii’s tragic fate.

2. The ‘walls’ mentioned refer to something very different than you might think

One of the most memorable lines in Pompeii goes: “But if you close your eyes / Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?” Interestingly enough, these words weren’t initially intended to convey introspection or emotional distance; instead, they referred specifically to London’s Houses of Parliament! According to Smith, he wrote them while looking out on the city landmark from across the Thames.

3. There’s another version with entirely different lyrics

As much as we love belting out every word along with Bastille, it turns out there exists an alternate version with completely varied lyrics (and even a slightly altered melody). While it hasn’t been officially released, audiences have heard this rendition live during concerts – talk about keeping us on our toes!

4. Some people thought it was promoting right-wing politics…

When Pompeii first began receiving airplay around Europe back in 2013-14, certain critics commented negatively claiming that they believed its chorus (“And I’m gonna be an optimist about this”) carried political implications aligned with certain conservative political parties. Dan Smith swiftly rubbished these claims, assuring that the words were solely meant to spread a message of hope regardless of political affiliation.

5. …but its author sees it as something deeper altogether

While we may view Pompeii’s lyrics as simply catchy and meaningful enough in and of themselves, they actually have deeply personal symbolic significance for their writer. According to Dan Smith, this song represents not just witnessing disaster or tragedy from afar but also feeling an obligation – even if it demands great sacrifice -to be there for others when they need help most. What started out as a fascination with memory ultimately became an anthem for resilience and compassion – no wonder so many people continue to consider Pompeii one of Bastille’s greatest hits!

Exploring the Popular Culture References in the Song Pompeii Lyrics

The song Pompeii by British band Bastille blends catchy pop beats with thought-provoking lyrics, resulting in an infectious and emotionally charged hit. At its core, the song is about acknowledging one’s mistakes and accepting the consequences that come with them – a message that resonates strongly with listeners of all ages. However, what sets Pompeii apart from other songs on this topic is the clever use of popular culture references woven throughout the lyrics.

One such reference appears in the pre-chorus: “And if you close your eyes / Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?” While this line may appear to be simply exploring the idea of denial or suppression, fans quickly picked up on its nod to John Lennon’s iconic song Imagine (“Imagine all the people / Living life in peace”). The similarity between these two lines highlights how powerful music can be as a medium for connecting different ideas and emotions.

Similarly, when lead singer Dan Smith asks “But if you close your eyes / Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?” during the chorus, he is likely drawing inspiration from George Orwell’s classic novel 1984 – a story set in a dystopian world where individuals are stripped of their agency and autonomy. In this context, Smith seems to be asking whether we truly have control over our lives or whether we are constantly being manipulated by outside forces.

Another cultural reference that crops up repeatedly in Pompeii is Shakespeare’s play Antony & Cleopatra. Specifically, lines such as “Virtually every one knows half more than most / Are you waiting on a lightning strike?” seem to echo some of Octavia Caesar’s musings towards her death (“Peace! no more sounds…”) By referencing Shakespearean tragedy through his wordsmithing, Smith positions himself firmly within English literary tradition whilst also adding depth to his already rich lyricism.

Yet another interesting reference lies in verse three: “How am I gonna be an optimist about this? / How am I gonna be an optimist when all I can ever do is fret?” By using “am I gonna” instead of the more formal “how will”, Smith employs language which carries a slang-ish insouciance that has since become emblematic within western youth-speak. It also highlights how existential crises come with a certain degree of muddled uncertainty – and sometimes, there just aren’t any easy answers.

Overall, Pompeii offers listeners plenty to think about in terms of what it means to accept fate while still striving for agency over one’s circumstances. But beyond its core message, the song’s clever use of cultural references breaks down barriers between different art forms and underscores how influential music can be as an expression of human emotion.

Analyzing Criticism of the Song Pompeii Lyrics: Myths and Reality

The song “Pompeii” by Bastille is undoubtedly one of the most popular songs in recent years, with its infectious melody and catchy lyrics. However, despite its popularity, some critics have pointed out that the lyrics do not accurately portray what happened during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

The first line of the chorus, “But if you close your eyes,” has been criticized because it seems to suggest that closing our eyes would somehow protect us from a volcanic eruption. Of course, this is not true – simply closing our eyes cannot shield us from physical harm.

Similarly, there are questions about some of the other lyrics. For example, when lead singer Dan Smith sings “And we were caught up and lost in all of our vices,” some have argued that this implies that Pompeii was a decadent city consumed by hedonism at the time of its destruction.

However, historical evidence suggests otherwise. Although Pompeii certainly had its share of wealthy citizens who enjoyed leisurely pursuits like gambling and entertainment shows (as evidenced by archaeological finds such as frescoes depicting gladiators), it was also an ordinary town where people went about their daily lives – working hard to make ends meet just like anywhere else.

So why did Bastille choose these seemingly inaccurate lyrics? It’s possible that they simply took creative license to tell a story or convey a feeling – after all, artists often play loosely with history or reality for artistic effect.

Furthermore, rather than being purely factual accounts of what happened during the tragedy at Pompeii over two thousand years ago; these fictional interpretations aim to connect emotionally with listeners who can still relate to similar tragedies today- natural disasters or even human-made catastrophes brought on purposefully without heeding warnings etcetera

In conclusion: though some may criticize certain aspects of Bastille’s track “Pompeii,” analysis reveals that much criticism reflects misunderstanding about mythological and artistic choice. The song digs deeply, as artists should aim to do, offering an emotional insight rather than a factual one- and, by relating the story of Pompeii’s tragedy through a modern lens, reminds us that we can still observe patterns in our own time underscoring the need for vigilance against danger regardless of distance or timing.

Table with useful data:

Line number	Lyrics
1	I was left to my own devices
2	Many days fell away with nothing to show
3	And the walls kept tumbling down
4	In the city that we love
5	Great clouds roll over the hills
6	Bringing darkness from above
7	But if you close your eyes
8	Does it almost feel like nothing’s changed at all?
9	And if you close your eyes
10	Does it almost feel like you’ve been here before?

Information from an expert:

As a music expert, I can say that the lyrics of “Pompeii” by Bastille are undeniably catchy and meaningful. The song’s powerful imagery stands out as it speaks to the inevitability of life’s twists and turns. From its opening lines, “I was left to my own devices / Many days fell away with nothing to show” – we’re taken on a journey through personal struggles and self-reflection. With anthemic chanting in the chorus that declares, “Oh where do we begin? The rubble or our sins?”, Pompeii offers listeners an opportunity for introspection while also providing an engaging musical experience.
Historical fact:

The song “Pompeii” by Bastille was inspired by the ruins of the ancient Roman city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The lyrics depict a person frozen in a moment of time, much like the preserved bodies found at the archaeological site.