Blur

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Damon Albarn]
I look down from my window
To the island where I'm held
They listen while you're sleeping
And darkness is itself
Tomorrow, I'm disappearing
'Cause the trees are amplified
The never-ending broadcast
To which I do not aspire

[Chorus: Damon Albarn]
Kid, the mausoleum's fallen
And the perfect avenues
Will seem empty without you
The pink light that bathed the great leaders is fading
By the time your sun is rising there
Out here, it's turning blue
The silver rockets coming
And the cherry trees of Pyongyang, I'm leaving

[Verse 2: Damon Albarn]
I feel like I'm floating
Processed in Auto-Tune
The never ending roll on
To the palace of the doomed
Temperature keeps falling
Soon there will be no lights
Just a red glow, glass coffin
Watched by someone through the night
[Chorus: Damon Albarn]
Kid, the mausoleum's fallen
And the perfect avenues
Will seem empty without you
And the pink light that bathed the great leaders is fading
By the time your sun is rising there
Out here, it's turning blue
The silver rockets coming
And the cherry trees of Pyongyang, I'm leaving

[Bridge: Damon Albarn]
There will be no light
Someone through the night
Someone through the night
[Chorus: Damon Albarn & Graham Coxon]
Kid, the mausoleum's fallen
And the perfect avenues
Will seem empty without you
And the pink light that bathed the great leaders is fading
By the time your sun is rising there
(Years ago, when we used to be rivals)
Out here, it's turning blue
The silver rockets coming
(Our youths' minds and arms were bound)
And the cherry trees of Pyongyang, I'm leaving
(For our own survival)
[Outro: Damon Albarn (Mumbling)]
Compliance is over
Reality is fables, fables
Ensuring humour, time's child
Ask still, Seoul

If you're a fan of Damon Albarn's vast musical repertoire, you may be familiar with his ever-evolving songwriting style. One of his most experimental and politically charged tracks is "Pyongyang" by Blur, the British rock band's 2015 release included in their album 'The Magic Whip.'

Blur was known for producing dynamic and imaginative music that defied categorization. Despite their dissolution in 2003, the band went on to resurrect itself, pairing up with the legendary musician Brian Eno. Blur's eclectic sound was honed further by Albarn's experiences in North Korea, where he explored the nation and took inspiration for the song.

About Pyongyang

Pyongyang is a fascinating track – an electronic-infused, jittery, and edgy song that captures a sense of mystique while staying true to Albarn's unique musical style. The song opens with an atmospheric drone, panning over Albarn's plaintive vocals as he sings about the "wide, empty streets" and the "scattered leaves." The music references Albarn's time in North Korea, drawing inspiration from the people he met and places he visited to create a sonic narrative that pulses with life.

The repetitive yet hypnotic drums in Parkinson's spine sets a scene of intense urbanization and disorder, with Albarn singing about the "cigarette smoke and ash." The song paints a portrait of the nation's capital, one that's simultaneously ominous and charged with potential. It's an impressive piece of work that combines Albarn's love of the popular music of Asia with his own take on experimental electronica.

The track's name is derived from North Korea's capital, Pyongyang. It's a city that has always been shrouded in mystery, and Albarn's experiences translate the city's long-standing intrigue into an evocative, creative piece of music. Pyongyang is widely known for its propaganda-laced architecture and strict government policies, but Albarn chose to focus on the human experience of living in the city. In doing so, he created an ode to the resilience and strength of the North Korean people.

The song is an intriguing meditation on individual action within the context of a repressive culture. Whether Albarn was simply reflecting on his experiences in North Korea or making a broader political statement is up to interpretation, but there's no denying that the track's lyrics provoke thought and excitement.

Ultimately, 'Pyongyang' is a testament to Albarn's capacity for evocative, original storytelling, supported by the rest of Blur's unparalleled sonic prowess. It's a memorable track that will take you on a musical journey through the heart of North Korea's enigmatic capital, brought to vibrant life through Albarn's captivating songwriting.

• Release Date: April 27, 2015
• Artist: Blur