Bastille debuted in June 2011 with their 7" single, "Flaws"/"Icarus" (released on Young & Lost Club). This was then followed by their EP 'Laura Palmer' later in 2011. After adding a few more tracks online, the band received a lot of attention from indie rock fans on the web, helping secure some support slots. During the summer of 2011, they performed at a number of major UK festivals, including Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, and Blissfields.
On 27 April 2012, "Overjoyed" came out, being the debut Virgin Records single from Bastille. This was confirmed by EMI on 1 May 2012. After the video release of "Overjoyed" on YouTube, 'Q Magazine' introduced the song as its track of the day for 7 March 2012. Fans seemingly devoured the tune.
"Bad Blood" was released on Virgin Records on 20 August 2012. Following the video release of "Bad Blood" on YouTube, Bastille were named "The New Band of the Day" by writers for 'The Guardian' on 25 July 2012. In not too long, Bastille performed at the major UK Reading and Leeds Festivals in August 2012. They played an October 2012 headline tour that brought them into the spotlight alongside Emeli Sandé, with Swiss Lips supporting them.
Bastille's single "Flaws"/"Icarus" was featured in the soundtrack of the popular British Channel 4 television show 'Made in Chelsea'. As well, "Weight of Living, Pt. II" was part of the soundtrack for FIFA 13. "Of The Night", Bastille's dual cover of both Snap!'s "Rhythm is a Dancer" and Corona's "The Rhythm of the Night", was used to advertise Dancing on Ice in the run up to its 2013 series.
Bastille played their first show outside of Europe on 3 December 2012 at Hong Kong's Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival.
Bastille's song "Oblivion" featured in the soundtrack of the television show The Vampire Diaries in the Season 4 Episode 9 titled "O Come, All Ye Faithful".
They supported Two Door Cinema Club on their UK tour throughout January/February 2013 and toured through Europe in April to promote their debut album.
The band have also released four mixtape-style EPs : "Other People's Heartache Pt 1" in 2012 (featuring covers, among others, of "Blue Jeans" by Lana del Rey, "The Rhythm of The Night" by Corona) , "Other People's Heartache Pt 2" (featuring covers, including, "Sweet Nothing" by Calvin Harris, "No Scrubs" by TLC and "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac), "VS: Other People's Heartache Pt 3" (featuring collaborations with other artists, including "Remains" with Skunk Anansie and Rag'n'Bone Man, and "bad_news" with MNEK). "Other People's Heartache (Pt. 4)" was released in 2018 (featuring more covers, one of "Wild World" by Yusuf/Cat Stevens, and an original song Grip in collaboration with Seeb, and the latest addition to this series (Pt. 5) was released in 2022 (including the song Run Into Trouble and a cover of "Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen).
Axe To Grind
Bastille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't come round here and be a slave to old ideas
Scream hallelujah, if it's a thing that helps you breathe
Your iron rule has often had me on my knees
You better sharpen up. You better sharpen up.
Because all you have is your axe to grind, grind, grind round here
You better sharpen up. You better sharpen up.
Breaking the silence like I'm bursting at the seams
So many stifled thoughts and long forgotten dreams
Scream hallelujah, I can almost taste reprive
Your iron rule has often had me on my knees
You better sharpen up. You better sharpen up.
Because all you have is your axe to grind, grind, grind round here
You better sharpen up. You better sharpen up.
Because all you have is your axe to grind, grind, grind round here
Keep on talking to yourself 'cause no one needs to hear the words you read love
Keep on talking to yourself because you're gonna have to swing that axe round here
Keep on talking to yourself 'cause no one needs to hear the words you read love
Keep on talking to yourself because you're gonna have to swing that Axe round here
You better sharpen up. You better sharpen up.
Because all you have is your axe to grind, grind, grind round here
You better sharpen up. You better sharpen up.
Because all you have is your axe to grind, grind, grind round here
The lyrics of "Axe to Grind" by Bastille are filled with metaphors that convey the message of letting go of old opinions and ideas that are no longer valid, and move towards a new perspective. The first verse talks about old opinions that cannot be redeemed, and how it's pointless to be a slave to such archaic ideas. The writer has been on his knees because of this iron rule, and it's time to break the silence and speak up for himself. The repetition of the phrase, "You better sharpen up," signifies the need to bring about a change and leave the old ways behind.
The second verse urges us to break the silence and not be afraid to voice our opinions. The writer wants to taste relief and wants to scream "Hallelujah," which is a religious exclamation that signifies praise or thankfulness. The repetition of the phrase, "grind, grind, grind," creates an atmosphere of urgency, emphasizing the importance of the message. The chorus repeats the phrase, "keep on talking to yourself," which could be interpreted as the act of reflection and introspection. It's essential to have a dialogue with oneself, but it's equally important to understand when it's time to act upon these thoughts.
Line by Line Meaning
Long lost opinions, all the words you can't redeem
Dated opinions that have lost their value and cannot be justified.
Don't come round here and be a slave to old ideas
Don't stubbornly cling to outdated concepts.
Scream hallelujah, if it's a thing that helps you breathe
Exclaim joyfully if it brings you solace.
Your iron rule has often had me on my knees
Your dictatorial ways have oppressed and demoralized me.
You better sharpen up. You better sharpen up.
You need to improve quickly.
Because all you have is your axe to grind, grind, grind round here
You only have a single-minded, selfish agenda and nothing more.
Breaking the silence like I'm bursting at the seams
Breaking free from stifling restraint, like bursting out of clothing that has become too tight.
So many stifled thoughts and long forgotten dreams
Numerous unshared ideas and neglected aspirations.
Scream hallelujah, I can almost taste reprive
Shout with joy, anticipating liberation from the oppressive environment.
Keep on talking to yourself 'cause no one needs to hear the words you read love
Continue to converse with only yourself, because others have no interest in your impersonal ideals.
Keep on talking to yourself because you're gonna have to swing that axe round here
Keep talking to yourself because you will need to use your self-centered tactics in this circle.
You better sharpen up. You better sharpen up.
You need to improve quickly.
Because all you have is your axe to grind, grind, grind round here
You only have a single-minded, selfish agenda and nothing more.
Contributed by Nicholas O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sam
on Fake it
Has anyone translated the news captions in the music video?
Jeannie Smith
on Pompeii
I like it.