Empire of the Sun

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Now we are running in a pack to the place you don't know
And I want you to know that I'll always be around
Down where the summer and the late nights last forever
There's a house on the hill and we can't travel now

[Pre-Chorus]
Alice D, you're on your way up
Way up
Way up

[Chorus]
I feel both sides, babe, high and low (High and low)
If I had my way, never let you go (Never let you go)
I feel both sides, babe, high and low (High and low)
If I had my way, never let you go (Never let you go)

[Verse 2]
Let's get together and forget all the troubles and just float
I don't want you to go
I need to be closer to now

[Pre-Chorus]
Alice D, you're on your way up
Way up
Way up
[Chorus]
I feel both sides, babe, high and low (High and low)
If I had my way, never let you go (Never let you go)
I feel both sides, babe, high and low (High and low)
If I had my way, never let you go (Never let you go)

[Bridge]
Alice D is on her way home
She's been out all night again
She don't want nobody's help now
She sees stars and rocket ships

[Chorus]
I feel both sides, babe, high and low (High and low)
If I had my way, never let you go (Never let you go)
I feel both sides, babe, high and low (High and low)
If I had my way, never let you go (Never let you go)
I feel both sides, babe (I feel both sides, babe), high and low (High and low)
If I had my way, never let you go (Never let you go, never let you go)
I feel both sides, babe

Empire of the Sun, the Australian electronic music duo, released their third studio album "Two Vines" in 2016. It was preluded by the lead single, "High and Low," which, like much of their repertoire, is both spirited and poignant. "High and Low" is a tribute to youth, to the bravery and innocence that come with it, the kind of bravery that allows a wild child to blossom, and the vulnerability that tames it.

About High and Low

The lead singer of Empire of the Sun, Nick Littlemore, spoke about "High and Low" in an interview with KROQ. He noted that the song was inspired by a girl he knew as a child, named Alice D, who was a bit of a wild child herself. She was known for doing all sorts of crazy things. Littlemore further explained that the song was inspired by a particular scene in the Australian movie "The Year My Voice Broke," where a girl in the film lived a mysterious life. They wanted to craft a song that embodied the spirit of youth and the bravery that comes with it.

The melody of "High and Low" is a combination of anthemic synths and emotive lyrics, evoking nostalgia and a sense of weightlessness simultaneously. The song kicks off with a chilling percussion and an electrifying synth riff that sets the pace for the record. The lyrics also perfectly match the music, both the verses and chorus reverberate. Empire of the Sun has always focused on delivering quality content that is both thought-provoking and energizing, and "High and Low" is no exception.

The song stays true to the band's signature style, which encompasses heavy drums, symphonic melodies, and Littlemore's soaring vocals. The beat of the track drives the entire song forward while the lyrics describe Littlemore's pursuit of youthful happiness and the rush that comes with it. The lyrics ground the listener in the moment of youth, the time of our lives when we are at our most aimless, yet purposeful.

"High and Low" captures the essence of the universal teenage experience with a vivid picture of the fanatical youth. It tells a story of a time when thrill-seeking is the norm and encourages its listeners to both feedback on their sense of adventure and embrace their vulnerabilities. It reminds listeners that it's okay to be fearless. It is spacey, psychedelic, and dreamlike, providing an immersive, multi-sensory experience.

What's more, the song features an upbeat, empowering chorus that comes as a burst of energy within the music, causing an adrenaline rush. It quickly became a fan favorite, with many admiring the band's ability to blend auditory textures into an upbeat and joyful track.

The Bottom Line

The "High and Low" track stands out, with its euphoric synth sounds and deeply emotional lyrics, presenting a beautiful interpretation of the rapturous innocence of youth. The song merges the spirit of the youth and the imaginations of adults who remember the boundless excitement of teenagehood. All in all, "High and Low" is a clear standout track that will provide an immersive experience, bridging the gap between the past and the present.

• Release Date: August 24, 2016
• Artist: Empire of the Sun