Somewhere Only We Know
Encyclopedia
"Somewhere Only We Know" is a song
performed and composed by English
alternative rock
band Keane, officially released as their third commercial single, and appearing as the opening track of their debut album, Hopes and Fears
as the first single. It is considered also Keane's first major commercial release, becoming one of the greatest hits of 2004 worldwide and peaking on the UK charts at number three during its first week of sale. Also, it was Keane's best selling single until "Is It Any Wonder?
" in 2006.
The CD included two different wallpapers for the PC and the official UK release music video.
circa 2001. Rice-Oxley composed this song out of hammering with the piano and based on David Bowie
's song "Heroes"http://www.keaneshaped.co.uk/faq/#about.
It was first played on the guitar
, just before Dominic Scott
left the band, and recorded as a demo the same year with a Yamaha
CP70 instead of the guitar.
Keane recorded the final version in 2003 at the Helioscentric Studios, Rye, East Sussex
for the album.
Keane played this song at the historic concert Live 8
in London
, along with the single "Bedshaped
".
A demo version of "Somewhere Only We Know" was leaked into the Internet in 2004. This version features a different length (4:24) and an extra bridge
. Chaplin's shout at the outro is removed.
"Somewhere Only We Know" is a clear example of the Piano rock characteristics.
The main piano riff
is written in quavers.
It features an 87bpm tempo
, a 4/4 time signature
and is in the Key
of A major
.
The song can be divided in three main parts. The first one is the 24 seconds main piano riff; the second the verses, changing to minor chords later and the third one, the chorus, which features a Bm7 chord. The piano is also the only instrument that never stops playing.
The bass
is also played by Rice-Oxley, previously recorded, to be played during live performances by his Apple
PowerBook G4
.
The rhythm shows a 16-beat made by Hughes' tambourine attached to the drums, as can be seen on the music video.
The synthesizer is a fundamental instrument on Keane music. In this song, it makes a harmony with the piano and vocals from the second verse, when Chaplin sings "Oh simple thing, where have you gone?".
Finally, the main vocals from Chaplin top in the A5 note when he sings "And if you have a minute why don't we go?" and on the semi-bridge shout at the outro.
. These copies are now valued at £20
due to their rarity. This song was the first Keane item released on vinyl format. The records were numbered and limited to 5000 copies, only sold in the United Kingdom
. The b-side "Walnut Tree" was recorded during the James Sanger sessions at Normandy
, France
.
The real meaning of the song's video and lyrics remain unknown; however, several have accepted that the meaning refers to "Manser's Shaw", a place in Battle
where Keane members used to visit in their childhood days and the site of the Battle of Hastings
, fought on October 14, 1066.
Richard Hughes
, Keane's drummer
, offered the following explanation of the song on Chris Flynn's fansite:
where the band used to spend their childhood days. It was inspired by a poem
"Snowed Under" was the only b-side played live during 2004, 2005 and early 2006, because of its appearance on the CD+DVD version of Hopes and Fears
, as well as in the Japan
ese version of it.
Like "Walnut Tree", this song was mixed by Andy Green. "Snowed Under" also titles the band's debut album, with the line "someone who understands your hopes and fears".
James Sanger is credited on this song for his contributions at his studios in France
.
This song was mixed by Andy Green.
The song has had several appearances in film and television :
Compilation appearances:
Used as sample in:
. Then they come across a forest where live the "simple thing" aliens (called "Roxleys" by some fans.)http://217.154.142.24/keane/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3069http://217.154.142.24/keane/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27408. Each Roxley represents the spirit of a tree.
This international video was directed by Corin Hardy, produced by Kit Hawkins
for White House Pictures and shot between November 22–23, 2003. Hardy had an influence by Princess Mononoke
movie and created the "simple thing" aliens, based on the "kodamas" appearing on that film.
The video saga starts with an image of a backstage door shortly before Keane gets through it with Tom holding a snare
. They get on a British taxi cab. A little spirit (a "simple thing" alien) is sat inside the taxi. Then they arrive in a wooded area (in East Sussex, owned by an acquaintance of Corin Hardy). The "simple thing" alien remains in the cab.
They began walking through the forest, "an empty land", across a "fallen tree" and finally arrive to a stream. They are now playing the song in the stream.
Near the end of the song, the little spirits, Roxleys, appear again and get closer to Keane. Finally lights representing their hearts shine.
and directed by The Saline Project.
The song kicks off and Keane are playing a gig on the stage with a photography of a forest behind them. Soon, the photography becomes real and Keane are actually playing in the forest it represents.
After the chorus, the forest becomes a city, and buildings start to grow. On the last chorus, it starts raining before converting into a forest again. The forest disappears and then Keane are playing again on the stage.
. It also relates to the themes of the B sides, "Walnut Tree" and "Snowed Under". Although neither of the b-sides appear on the Hopes and Fears album, they are relatively well known due to live performance
s and soundtrack
s.
The letters reading "KEANE" are also in the background, featuring the red leaves.
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
performed and composed by English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band Keane, officially released as their third commercial single, and appearing as the opening track of their debut album, Hopes and Fears
Hopes and Fears
Hopes and Fears is the debut album by English alternative rock band Keane and was released on 10 May 2004 in the United Kingdom. It topped the UK album charts upon release, was the second best-selling British album of 2004, behind Scissor Sisters' self-titled album, and has since gone 9× platinum...
as the first single. It is considered also Keane's first major commercial release, becoming one of the greatest hits of 2004 worldwide and peaking on the UK charts at number three during its first week of sale. Also, it was Keane's best selling single until "Is It Any Wonder?
Is It Any Wonder?
"Is It Any Wonder?" is a song performed and composed by English alternative rock band Keane and is featured on their second studio album, Under the Iron Sea as the second track. This is considered to be the second single on "Under the Iron Sea era", after the download-only "Atlantic"...
" in 2006.
Enhanced CD Single
Catalogue number: CID849The CD included two different wallpapers for the PC and the official UK release music video.
- "Somewhere Only We Know" – 3:58
- "Snowed Under" – 3:51
- "Walnut Tree" – 3:40
- "Somewhere Only We Know" (CD-ROM video) – 3:56
UK, 3" Pocket CD
Released 19 July 2004. It included links for download polyphonic and real ringtones.- "Somewhere Only We Know"
- "Snowed Under"
Spanish Enhanced CD Single
Released 16 April 2004.- "Somewhere Only We Know"
- "Walnut Tree"
- "Somewhere Only We Know" (Video)
Promo version
The font depicted was used only during the Fierce Panda era.- "Somewhere Only We Know"
Composition and recording
The first demo was composed by Tim Rice-OxleyTim Rice-Oxley
Timothy James Rice-Oxley , is an English multi-instrumentalist, best known as co-founder, the principal composer and pianist, backing vocalist of piano rock band Keane.-Life and career:...
circa 2001. Rice-Oxley composed this song out of hammering with the piano and based on David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
's song "Heroes"http://www.keaneshaped.co.uk/faq/#about.
It was first played on the guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, just before Dominic Scott
Dominic Scott
Dominic Scott is an Irish guitarist, and the founder of the English rock band Roundstone and rock band Keane.-Keane:Scott attended Tonbridge School in Kent, where he met the other members of the band which would become Keane. In 1995, he asked his friend Tim Rice-Oxley to form a band to play...
left the band, and recorded as a demo the same year with a Yamaha
Yamaha (manufacturer)
is a multinational corporation and conglomerate based in Japan with a wide range of products and services, predominantly musical instruments, electronics, motorcycles and power sports equipment.-History:...
CP70 instead of the guitar.
Keane recorded the final version in 2003 at the Helioscentric Studios, Rye, East Sussex
Rye, East Sussex
Rye is a small town in East Sussex, England, which stands approximately two miles from the open sea and is at the confluence of three rivers: the Rother, the Tillingham and the Brede...
for the album.
Keane played this song at the historic concert Live 8
Live 8
Live 8 was a string of benefit concerts that took place on 2 July 2005, in the G8 states and in South Africa. They were timed to precede the G8 Conference and summit held at the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland from 6–8 July 2005; they also coincided with the 20th anniversary of Live Aid...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, along with the single "Bedshaped
Bedshaped
"Bedshaped" is a song by English rock band Keane, released as the third single from Hopes and Fears. This is the first single released after the album, and it sold about 22,000 copies in its first week of release, charting at number 10.-Track listing:...
".
A demo version of "Somewhere Only We Know" was leaked into the Internet in 2004. This version features a different length (4:24) and an extra bridge
Bridge (music)
In music, especially western popular music, a bridge is a contrasting section which also prepares for the return of the original material section...
. Chaplin's shout at the outro is removed.
Musical structure
The main piano riff
RIFF
The Resource Interchange File Format is a generic file container format for storing data in tagged chunks. It is primarily used to store multimedia such as sound and video, though it may also be used to store any arbitrary data....
is written in quavers.
It features an 87bpm tempo
Tempo
In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
, a 4/4 time signature
Time signature
The time signature is a notational convention used in Western musical notation to specify how many beats are in each measure and which note value constitutes one beat....
and is in the Key
Key (music)
In music theory, the term key is used in many different and sometimes contradictory ways. A common use is to speak of music as being "in" a specific key, such as in the key of C major or in the key of F-sharp. Sometimes the terms "major" or "minor" are appended, as in the key of A minor or in the...
of A major
A major
A major is a major scale based on A, with the pitches A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Its key signature has three sharps.Its relative minor is F-sharp minor and its parallel minor is A minor...
.
The song can be divided in three main parts. The first one is the 24 seconds main piano riff; the second the verses, changing to minor chords later and the third one, the chorus, which features a Bm7 chord. The piano is also the only instrument that never stops playing.
The bass
Bass (instrument)
Bass describes musical instruments that produce tones in the low-pitched range. They belong to different families of instruments and can cover a wide range of musical roles...
is also played by Rice-Oxley, previously recorded, to be played during live performances by his Apple
Apple Computer
Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad...
PowerBook G4
PowerBook G4
The PowerBook G4 are a series of notebook computers that were manufactured, marketed, and sold by Apple, Inc. between 2001 and 2006 as part of its PowerBook line. It uses the PowerPC G4 processor, initially produced by Motorola and later by Freescale, after Motorola spun off its semiconductor...
.
The rhythm shows a 16-beat made by Hughes' tambourine attached to the drums, as can be seen on the music video.
The synthesizer is a fundamental instrument on Keane music. In this song, it makes a harmony with the piano and vocals from the second verse, when Chaplin sings "Oh simple thing, where have you gone?".
Finally, the main vocals from Chaplin top in the A5 note when he sings "And if you have a minute why don't we go?" and on the semi-bridge shout at the outro.
Information about song
The song was mixed by Mark "Spike" Stent. Pocket 3" CDs were released as a 1000-pieces limited edition, containing the b-side "Snowed Under" as well as links to get polyphonic ringtones via SMSSMS
SMS is a form of text messaging communication on phones and mobile phones. The terms SMS or sms may also refer to:- Computer hardware :...
. These copies are now valued at £20
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
due to their rarity. This song was the first Keane item released on vinyl format. The records were numbered and limited to 5000 copies, only sold in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The b-side "Walnut Tree" was recorded during the James Sanger sessions at Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.
The real meaning of the song's video and lyrics remain unknown; however, several have accepted that the meaning refers to "Manser's Shaw", a place in Battle
Battle, East Sussex
Battle is a small town and civil parish in the local government district of Rother in East Sussex, England. It lies south southeast of London, east of Brighton and east of the county town of Lewes...
where Keane members used to visit in their childhood days and the site of the Battle of Hastings
Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings occurred on 14 October 1066 during the Norman conquest of England, between the Norman-French army of Duke William II of Normandy and the English army under King Harold II...
, fought on October 14, 1066.
Richard Hughes
Richard Hughes (musician)
Richard David Hughes is an English musician, best known as the drummer of the British piano rock band Keane. He is the eldest member of the band.-Biography:...
, Keane's drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
, offered the following explanation of the song on Chris Flynn's fansite:
Snowed Under
The song talks about a place called "Manser's Shaw" in Battle, East SussexBattle, East Sussex
Battle is a small town and civil parish in the local government district of Rother in East Sussex, England. It lies south southeast of London, east of Brighton and east of the county town of Lewes...
where the band used to spend their childhood days. It was inspired by a poem
"Snowed Under" was the only b-side played live during 2004, 2005 and early 2006, because of its appearance on the CD+DVD version of Hopes and Fears
Hopes and Fears
Hopes and Fears is the debut album by English alternative rock band Keane and was released on 10 May 2004 in the United Kingdom. It topped the UK album charts upon release, was the second best-selling British album of 2004, behind Scissor Sisters' self-titled album, and has since gone 9× platinum...
, as well as in the Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese version of it.
Like "Walnut Tree", this song was mixed by Andy Green. "Snowed Under" also titles the band's debut album, with the line "someone who understands your hopes and fears".
Walnut Tree
The lyrics talk about waiting for someone under a walnut tree but Rice-Oxley hasn't given a real meaning to this. It appeared on the Music from the OC: Mix 2 soundtrack.James Sanger is credited on this song for his contributions at his studios in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.
This song was mixed by Andy Green.
Technical information on songs
| Song | Length | Tempo Tempo In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:... |
Key Key (music) In music theory, the term key is used in many different and sometimes contradictory ways. A common use is to speak of music as being "in" a specific key, such as in the key of C major or in the key of F-sharp. Sometimes the terms "major" or "minor" are appended, as in the key of A minor or in the... |
Time signature Time signature The time signature is a notational convention used in Western musical notation to specify how many beats are in each measure and which note value constitutes one beat.... |
Genre Music genre A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other types of music... |
| "Somewhere Only We Know" | 3:57 | 87bpm | A (La major) | 4/4 on 16 beats | Piano rock |
| "Snowed Under" | 3:50 | 130bpm | F (Fa major) | 4/4 on 8 beats | Piano rock |
| "Walnut Tree" | 3:42 | 110bpm | F# (Fa sharp major) | 4/4 on 16 beats | Alternative ballad |
| "Somewhere Only We Know" (Demo not included) | 4:24 | 87bpm | A (La major) | 4/4 on 8 beats | Alternative |
Cover versions and appearances
The song is the most covered of Keane's songs, with cover versions by several artists:- Natasha BedingfieldNatasha BedingfieldNatasha Anne Bedingfield is a British pop singer and songwriter. Bedingfield debuted in the 1990s as a member of the Christian dance/electronic group The DNA Algorithm with her siblings Daniel Bedingfield and Nikola Rachelle...
at Jo WhileyJo WhileyJohanne "Jo" Whiley is a British radio disc jockey and television presenter. She was the host of the long running weekday Jo Whiley Show on Radio 1.-Early life and education:...
's BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
programme - LifehouseLifehouse (band)Lifehouse is an American rock band from Los Angeles. The band came to mainstream prominence in 2001 with the hit single "Hanging by a Moment" from their debut studio album, No Name Face. The single won a Billboard Music Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year, beating out Janet Jackson and Alicia...
at the Pepsi Chart - Laura Michelle KellyLaura Michelle KellyLaura Michelle Kelly is an English actress and singer who achieved critical acclaim in the role of Mary Poppins in the musical of the same name.-Musical theatre:...
on her album The Storm Inside - Almighty RecordsAlmighty RecordsAlmighty Records is a British recording label and remix production team founded in 1989, releasing their first single in the same year. Producing mainly Dance-Pop and Hi-NRG music, the label is best known for releasing remakes and remixes of mainstream pop songs...
released a cover version under their Deja Vu feat. Tasmin project, featured on on Almighty Anthems Vol. 1 and Handbag Heaven: The Ultimate Deja Vu Collection. - Ex-TotoToto (band)Toto is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1977. The group currently consists of Joseph Williams , David Paich , Steve Porcaro , Steve Lukather , Mike Porcaro , and Simon Phillips . Toto is known for a musical style that combines elements of pop, rock, soul, funk, progressive rock, hard...
lead singer Joseph Williams did a voice and piano only version for his cover album Smiles. - A version performed by TravisTravis (band)Travis are a post-Britpop band from Glasgow, Scotland, comprising Fran Healy , Dougie Payne , Andy Dunlop and Neil Primrose...
, based on the song but with different lyrics, is titled "After Mark And Lard Go". - A version was performed by Blake LewisBlake LewisBlake Colin Lewis is an American singer-songwriter and beatboxer who was the runner-up on the sixth season of American Idol. His major label debut album A.D.D. was released on December 4, 2007 through 19 Recordings/Arista Records. On October 30, 2007, his first single "Break Anotha" was released....
on American IdolAmerican Idol (Season 6)The sixth season of American Idol premiered on the Fox Broadcasting Company as a two-night, four-hour premiere special on January 16 and January 17, and ran until May 23, 2007. Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson returned to judge once again, and Ryan Seacrest returned as host... - A version was performed by Stacey SolomonStacey SolomonStacey Solomon is a British singer, television presenter, model and reality TV star. She rose to fame during her time on the sixth series of The X Factor, coming third overall on the show...
on The X FactorThe X Factor (UK series 6)The sixth series of British television music competition The X Factor started on ITV on 22 August 2009 and was won by Joe McElderry on 13 December 2009. Cheryl Cole emerged as the winning mentor for the second consecutive year, the first time in the show's history that a mentor has won back-to-back...
in October 2009. - Joy ElectricJoy ElectricJoy Electric is the brand label for a series of electropop/synth pop productions by Ronnie Martin. Martin began producing music under the Joy Electric name in 1994, after the demise of Dance House Children, a band Ronnie was in with his brother Jason Martin of Starflyer 59. Starflyer 59 bass player...
performed a synthpopSynthpopSynthpop is a genre of popular music that first became prominent in the 1980s, in which the synthesizer is the dominant musical instrument. It was prefigured in the 1960s and early 1970s by the use of synthesizers in progressive rock, electronic art rock, disco and particularly the "Kraut rock" of...
version on the 2009 album Favorites at PlayFavorites at PlayFavorites at Play is an album by Joy Electric. The album consists solely of covers of songs from nine different artists. It is the first such album from Joy Electric.-Track listing:In parenthesis is the artist who originally performed the song....
. - A version was performed by Jeff Martin at his Dublin concert, also takes place in Live in Dublin Album.
- Darren CrissDarren CrissDarren Everett Criss is an American actor, singer-songwriter, musician, composer, and a founding member and co-owner of the theater company StarKid Productions. He currently portrays Blaine Anderson, an openly gay high school student, on the FOX television series Glee...
, along with the Warblers, covered this in Glee: The Music Presents the WarblersGlee: The Music Presents the WarblersGlee: The Music Presents the Warblers is the seventh soundtrack album by the cast of Glee, a musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States. Released through Columbia Records on April 19, 2011, it contains thirteen covers: eleven accompanying performances from the...
for the 18th episode of the series' second season, Born This Way (Glee)Born This Way (Glee)"Born This Way" is the eighteenth episode of the second season of the American television series Glee, and the 40th episode overall. It originally aired on Fox in the United States on April 26, 2011. The episode was written by Brad Falchuk and directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, and is a tribute to...
. - A version was performed by the top 12 contenders of the first season of The Glee ProjectThe Glee ProjectThe Glee Project is an American reality television series from Oxygen. It serves as an audition for the FOX TV series Glee. Although originally planned to begin broadcasting in late May 2011, The Glee Project premiered on June 12, 2011...
during the season finale. - Connie LimConnie LimConnie Lim, 24, is an LA based singer/songwriter. Born in Hollywood and raised in Palos Verdes, Connie Lim grew up close to the ocean, which she claims to be a huge inspiration for her work....
recorded a video of herself singing this song for her friend's wedding.
The song has had several appearances in film and television :
- In the automotive show Pimp My RidePimp My RidePimp My Ride is a TV show produced by MTV. Each episode consists of taking one car in poor condition and restoring it and customizing it.The original United States version was hosted by rapper Xzibit...
- In a Victoria's SecretVictoria's SecretVictoria's Secret is an American retailer of women's wear, lingerie and beauty products. It is the largest segment of publicly-traded Limited Brands with sales of over US$5 billion and an operating income of $1 billion in 2006...
commercial - On The Ashlee Simpson ShowThe Ashlee Simpson ShowThe Ashlee Simpson Show is a television reality show about the life of Ashlee Simpson. The first season, taped from 2003 to mid-2004, focused on the beginnings of her career as a singer and the recording of her debut album, Autobiography...
- In the second episode of Grey's AnatomyGrey's AnatomyGrey's Anatomy is an American medical drama television series created by Shonda Rhimes. The series premiered on March 27, 2005 on ABC; since then, seven seasons have aired. The series follows the lives of interns, residents and their mentors in the fictional Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital in...
- On the trailer for The Lake HouseThe Lake HouseThe Lake House is a 2003 novel by James Patterson, a sequel to When the Wind Blows.-Plot:The Lake House tells the story of six extraordinary children, endowed with the power to fly after genetic engineering merged their DNA with that of birds, and who have to fight for their lives against...
- On the trailer for ParisParis (2008 film)Paris is a 2008 French film by Cédric Klapisch concerning a diverse group of people living in Paris. The film began shooting in November 2006 and was released in February 2008. Its UK release was in July 2008...
- In He's Just Not That into YouHe's Just Not That into You (film)He's Just Not That Into You is a 2009 American romantic comedy film directed by Ken Kwapis, based on the self-help book of the same name by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, which in turn was inspired by a line of dialogue in Sex and the City...
(2009), a major motion picture based on the self-help book - In a penultimate episode of The Vicar of DibleyThe Vicar of DibleyThe Vicar of Dibley is a British sitcom created by Richard Curtis and written for its lead actress, Dawn French, by Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, with contributions from Kit Hesketh-Harvey. It aired from 1994 to 2007...
The Handsome Stranger in 2006 - In an episode of Doctor Who ConfidentialDoctor Who ConfidentialDoctor Who Confidential is a documentary series created by the British Broadcasting Corporation to complement the revival of the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Each episode was broadcast on BBC Three on Saturdays, immediately after the broadcast of the weekly...
in 2005 - In an episode of Cold Case
- In advertisements for JourneymanJourneyman (TV series)Journeyman is a 2007 American science fiction television drama created by Kevin Falls for 20th Century Fox Television which aired on the NBC television network. It starred Kevin McKidd as Dan Vasser, a San Francisco reporter who involuntarily travels through time...
- During a video montage for the 2006 ESPY AwardsESPY AwardsAn ESPY Award is an accolade presented by the American cable television network ESPN to recognize individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performance during the calendar year preceding a given annual ceremony. The first ESPYs were awarded in 1993...
- In the Speed Skating Canada promo video for the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics2006 Winter OlympicsThe 2006 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XX Olympic Winter Games, was a winter multi-sport event which was celebrated in Turin, Italy from February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006. This marked the second time Italy hosted the Olympic Winter Games, the first being the VII Olympic Winter...
- In the first week of the semi-finals (21 February 2007) on the sixth seasonAmerican Idol (Season 6)The sixth season of American Idol premiered on the Fox Broadcasting Company as a two-night, four-hour premiere special on January 16 and January 17, and ran until May 23, 2007. Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson returned to judge once again, and Ryan Seacrest returned as host...
of American IdolAmerican IdolAmerican Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
, performed by Blake LewisBlake LewisBlake Colin Lewis is an American singer-songwriter and beatboxer who was the runner-up on the sixth season of American Idol. His major label debut album A.D.D. was released on December 4, 2007 through 19 Recordings/Arista Records. On October 30, 2007, his first single "Break Anotha" was released....
, the runner-up of the show, receiving great reviews from the judges. The song was also featured in various episodes, such as Idol Gives BackIdol Gives BackIdol Gives Back is the name of a charitable campaign that spanned two episodes of American Idol during its sixth season. A second Idol Gives Back concert and fundraiser occurred on April 9, 2008, during the seventh season of the show. Idol Gives Back was not held in 2009 due to the ongoing...
on 2 May and the video of Lewis' home-visiting in SeattleSeattle, WashingtonSeattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
on 16 May. After the finale of Idol, the song was performed by the singer on The View on 14 June 2007. - On Match of the DayMatch of the DayMatch of the Day is the BBC's main football television programme. Typically, it is shown on BBC One on Saturday evenings during the English football season, showing highlights of the day's matches in English football's top division, the Premier League...
following the 2007 fa cup final in which Chelsea beat Manchester United - On Britain's Favourite ViewWast WaterWast Water or Wastwater is a lake located in Wasdale, a valley in the western part of the Lake District National Park, England. The lake is approximately 4.6 kilometres long and 600 metres wide. It is the deepest lake in England at 79 metres , and is owned by the National Trust...
on 9 September 2007 - On S02E17 of Life (2009)
- On the trailer for the 2011 film Winnie the Pooh
- In advertisements for Danone Actimel/DanActiveActimelLaunched in Europe in 1994, Actimel is a 'probiotic' yoghurt-type drink produced by the French company Danone. It is sold in 100ml bottles, typically as an 8, 6 or 4 pack, but more recently as a 12 or 16 pack...
in France - In LOL (Laughing Out Loud)
Compilation appearances:
- The Acoustic AlbumThe Acoustic Album (compilation)The Acoustic Album is a 2-disc compilation album released by EMI/Virgin Records in July 2006 to showcase songs heard on Virgin Radio.-Track listing:Disc 1:#Jack Johnson - "Breakdown"#Corinne Bailey Rae - "Put Your Records On"...
(2006, VirginVirgin RecordsVirgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
)
Used as sample in:
- Colette Carr (We Do It) Primo
International version
Keane appear coming out of a studio and taking a taxiTaxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
. Then they come across a forest where live the "simple thing" aliens (called "Roxleys" by some fans.)http://217.154.142.24/keane/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3069http://217.154.142.24/keane/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27408. Each Roxley represents the spirit of a tree.
This international video was directed by Corin Hardy, produced by Kit Hawkins
Kit Hawkins
Kit Hawkins is an English entertainment entrepreneur and producer.Along with Adam Tudhope, he co-founded the music management company, . Clients include Keane, Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons...
for White House Pictures and shot between November 22–23, 2003. Hardy had an influence by Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke
is a 1997 epic Japanese animated historical fantasy feature film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. is not a name, but a general term in the Japanese language for a spirit or monster...
movie and created the "simple thing" aliens, based on the "kodamas" appearing on that film.
The video saga starts with an image of a backstage door shortly before Keane gets through it with Tom holding a snare
Snare
Snare may refer to:* Snare trap, a kind of trap used for capturing animals* Snare drum* SNARE , a family of proteins involved in vesicle fusion* The Snares, a group of islands approximately 200 kilometres south of New Zealand...
. They get on a British taxi cab. A little spirit (a "simple thing" alien) is sat inside the taxi. Then they arrive in a wooded area (in East Sussex, owned by an acquaintance of Corin Hardy). The "simple thing" alien remains in the cab.
They began walking through the forest, "an empty land", across a "fallen tree" and finally arrive to a stream. They are now playing the song in the stream.
Near the end of the song, the little spirits, Roxleys, appear again and get closer to Keane. Finally lights representing their hearts shine.
United States version 2 & other countries
This video was shot in 29 May 2004 in Hollywood, CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and directed by The Saline Project.
The song kicks off and Keane are playing a gig on the stage with a photography of a forest behind them. Soon, the photography becomes real and Keane are actually playing in the forest it represents.
After the chorus, the forest becomes a city, and buildings start to grow. On the last chorus, it starts raining before converting into a forest again. The forest disappears and then Keane are playing again on the stage.
Cover art
The cover art was designed by Madefire and Alex Lake, and represents maple leaves falling as on the music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
. It also relates to the themes of the B sides, "Walnut Tree" and "Snowed Under". Although neither of the b-sides appear on the Hopes and Fears album, they are relatively well known due to live performance
Concert
A concert is a live performance before an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, a choir, or a musical band...
s and soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
s.
The letters reading "KEANE" are also in the background, featuring the red leaves.
Release history
| Country | Date |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages... |
16 February 2004 |
| Europe Europe Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting... |
26 March 2004 |
| Australia Australia Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area... |
17 May 2004 |
Chart performance
The single reached the highest position on the whole "Hopes and Fears era" for a single. It was only succeeded by "Is It Any Wonder?" in 2006. It stayed for 18 weeks on the Mexican airplay chart top 10.| Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Mexico Mexico The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of... |
1 |
| Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following... |
2 |
| Argentina Argentina Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires... |
2 |
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
3 |
| US Adult Top 40 United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... |
11 |
| Dutch Top 40 Dutch Top 40 The Dutch Top 40 is a weekly music chart, which started as the "Veronica Top 40", because the offshore radio station Radio Veronica was the first to introduce it. It remained "The Veronica Top 40" until 1974, when the station was forced to stop broadcasting... |
15 |
| US Modern Rock Tracks Modern Rock Tracks Alternative Songs is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in Billboard magazine since September 10, 1988. It lists the 40 most-played songs on modern rock radio stations, most of which are alternative rock songs... |
32 |
| UK Official Download Chart UK Official Download Chart The UK Official Download Chart is compiled by The Official UK Charts Company on behalf of the music industry. The chart week runs from Sunday to Saturday, with the chart being published on a Wednesday afternoon, so as to not to clash with the release of the main UK Singles Chart... |
35 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
50 |
| Germany Germany Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate... |
55 |
| France (2010) Download Chart | 21 |