How to Be Dead
Encyclopedia
"How to Be Dead" is a single by Snow Patrol
from their album Final Straw
. It was released in 2004, slightly remixed by Chris Lord-Alge from the album version.
The song is slow-tempo, with lyrics detailing a conversation between a couple.
The track "Breathing Fire (Demo Version)" is sometimes mentioned as a B-side on the 7 inch vinyl release. It was not released however. It may have been a working title for "Ways & Means" and may have been intended for this release. The song was featured on the soundtracks to American Pie: Band Camp
and Wicker Park
.
's Jairne Gill reviewed the single positively, giving it 7 stars out of 10. Though he felt Snow Patrol usually made "ugly empty anthems", the single was a "rather lovely little song." He said the song was "modest", and "chimingly melodic." He praised the lyrics of the song, calling it "a pretty little knife which Gary Lightbody seems to be twisting into his own chest, a list of druggy regrets and lost loves." He also said that though the song's "gentle, skipping rhythm threatens to go BIG", it doesn't and "a pretty and intimate song is preserved."
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol are an alternative rock band from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. Formed at the University of Dundee in 1994 as an indie rock band, the band is now based in Glasgow...
from their album Final Straw
Final Straw
UK re-release bonus tracks*The AOL sessions feature frontman Gary Lightbody & lead guitarist Nathan Connolly being interviewed, and performing an acoustic rendition of "Run".*The dualdisc version does not include the UK bonus tracks....
. It was released in 2004, slightly remixed by Chris Lord-Alge from the album version.
The song is slow-tempo, with lyrics detailing a conversation between a couple.
Track listings
- CD
- "How to Be Dead" (CLA Mix) – 3:23
- "You Are My Joy" (Live at Somerset HouseLive at Somerset HouseLive at Somerset House is a concert film by Snow Patrol. Recorded on 8 August 2004 at Somerset House on the band's featured stop in London, England, the video was released on 23 November 2004 on DVD.The film features the songs "One Night Is Not Enough", "An Olive Grove Facing The Sea" and "Black &...
) – 3:20 - "Chocolate" (Grand National Mix) – 4:58
- Germany 3" CD
- "How to Be Dead" (CLA Mix) – 3:23
- "You Are My Joy" (Live at Somerset HouseLive at Somerset HouseLive at Somerset House is a concert film by Snow Patrol. Recorded on 8 August 2004 at Somerset House on the band's featured stop in London, England, the video was released on 23 November 2004 on DVD.The film features the songs "One Night Is Not Enough", "An Olive Grove Facing The Sea" and "Black &...
) – 3:20
- 7"
- "How to Be Dead" (CLA Mix) – 3:23
- "You Are My Joy" (Live at Somerset HouseLive at Somerset HouseLive at Somerset House is a concert film by Snow Patrol. Recorded on 8 August 2004 at Somerset House on the band's featured stop in London, England, the video was released on 23 November 2004 on DVD.The film features the songs "One Night Is Not Enough", "An Olive Grove Facing The Sea" and "Black &...
) – 3:20
- Promo CD
- "How to Be Dead" (CLA Edited Mix) – 3:12
The track "Breathing Fire (Demo Version)" is sometimes mentioned as a B-side on the 7 inch vinyl release. It was not released however. It may have been a working title for "Ways & Means" and may have been intended for this release. The song was featured on the soundtracks to American Pie: Band Camp
American Pie: Band Camp
#Andrew W.K. - "She Is Beautiful"#Breaking Benjamin - "Forget It"#Snow Patrol - "How To Be Dead"#Matt Nathanson - "Laid"#Treble Charger - "American Psycho"#Good Charlotte - "The Anthem"#Paul Locke - "Paul's Drums"#Jimmy Eat World - The Middle...
and Wicker Park
Wicker Park (film)
Wicker Park is a 2004 American psychological drama/romantic mystery film directed by Paul McGuigan and starring Josh Hartnett. The film is a remake of the 1996 French movie L'Appartement...
.
Reception
Yahoo! MusicYahoo! Music
Yahoo! Music, owned by Yahoo!, is the provider of a variety of music services, including Internet radio, music videos, news, artist information, and original programming...
's Jairne Gill reviewed the single positively, giving it 7 stars out of 10. Though he felt Snow Patrol usually made "ugly empty anthems", the single was a "rather lovely little song." He said the song was "modest", and "chimingly melodic." He praised the lyrics of the song, calling it "a pretty little knife which Gary Lightbody seems to be twisting into his own chest, a list of druggy regrets and lost loves." He also said that though the song's "gentle, skipping rhythm threatens to go BIG", it doesn't and "a pretty and intimate song is preserved."
Charts
| Chart (2004) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Official UK Top 40 | 39 |
| Ireland Singles Top 50 | 42 |