Massive Attack

Lyrics

[Intro: Martina Topley-Bird]
Say it was our babel
Say it was my babel
It was my babel
Tell your people

[Verse 1: Martina Topley-Bird]
Now you know it's over
Rolling off her shoulder
You can take a ladder to the shadows
And forget
Was it how she kissed you?
And then dismissed you?
Was it purposeful and
Was it just to hook you in?

[Chorus: Martina Topley-Bird]
Hallucinating, chasing, changing, racing
Breaking, hating 'til you lost it all
Well you lost your girlfriend
She was not going
Where you were going
You were on your own

[Verse 2: Martina Topley-Bird]
He was quick to burning
He was slow to learning
Though his eyes were misted
He still kissed her when she cried
You did your best to please her
You didn't up and leave her
You befriended the harsh way it ended, now sleep tight
[Chorus: Martina Topley-Bird]
Hallucinating, chasing, changing, pacing
Bracing, breaking, till you lost it all
Would you listen to see
She led you to me
We felt it truly
As we could in love

[Outro: Martina Topley-Bird]
I wanna be the one who should've said "truth" and not "dare"
I'm running so far out of my head
This rain of heart that ripples my pain
You can never settle by thinking away, awayEmbed

With their signature blend of trip hop, electronic, and experimental sounds, Massive Attack has been a driving force in the music industry for decades. One of their standout tracks is "Babel," a collaboration with English singer-songwriter Martina Topley-Bird. Featured on their album "Heligoland," this mesmerizing song explores themes of infidelity and draws inspiration from the biblical tale of the Tower of Babel.

About Babel

"Babel" holds a special place on Massive Attack's "Heligoland" album as the second track. It stands out not only for its captivating sound but also for its collaboration with Martina Topley-Bird. Known for her work with trip hop artist Tricky, Topley-Bird brings her unique vocals and songwriting skills to create a mesmerizing atmosphere in "Babel." The song was co-written by Topley-Bird as well, showcasing her artistic contributions to the project.

Massive Attack and Martina Topley-Bird's musical connection goes back to the 90s when Topley-Bird collaborated closely with Tricky, who heavily featured on Massive Attack's first two albums, namely "Blue Lines" and "Protection." Topley-Bird's distinctive voice and captivating performances became synonymous with the trip hop genre and garnered her a dedicated following.

Describing the collaboration on "Heligoland," Massive Attack member Robert Del Naja expressed his admiration for Topley-Bird's talent, stating, "When Tricky first played us the [Maxinquaye] demos I was green with envy, to be honest. And we've always wanted to work with her. And we got the chance… She did some shows with us and we got closer and closer and closer."

Recorded around 2008, "Babel" and Topley-Bird's other contribution to "Heligoland," titled "Psyche," were a result of recording sessions hosted by Damon Albarn, the renowned British musician and frontman of bands such as Blur and Gorillaz. These dynamic recording sessions brought together creative minds and allowed for the exploration of new sounds and ideas.

The title "Babel" draws inspiration from the biblical parable of the Tower of Babel, a story in the Old Testament that serves as a cautionary tale about human arrogance and the consequences of defying higher powers. In the song, Massive Attack and Topley-Bird use these symbolic references to delve into the complexities of relationships and the struggles of fidelity.

Martina Topley-Bird describes the lyrics of "Babel" as "a teenage love story," further emphasizing the theme of infidelity discussed in the song. The lyrics, combined with Topley-Bird's haunting vocals and the atmospheric production of Massive Attack, create an intense and emotionally resonant experience for the listener.

As one listens to "Babel," the intricate layers of sound and the intertwining melodies draw them into a world of contemplation and introspection. Massive Attack's masterful production weaves together electronic beats, ethereal synths, and Topley-Bird's captivating voice to evoke a sense of both mystery and vulnerability.

With its rich musical tapestry and thought-provoking lyrics, "Babel" stands as a testament to the artistic prowess of both Massive Attack and Martina Topley-Bird. This collaboration showcases their ability to create music that not only captivates the ears but also touches the depths of the soul.

Whether you're a fan of trip hop, electronic music, or simply appreciate soul-stirring melodies, "Babel" is a song that demands to be heard. Let the haunting vocals, evocative lyrics, and mesmerizing production guide you on a captivating journey through the complexities of love and the human experience.

• Release Date: February 8, 2010
• Artist: Massive Attack