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).
Survivin'
Bastille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Killing time, flying high
As I held on tight to you, to you
Did I blow my mind on the wild side?
Singing, "Hallelujah" to 'em every night
With you, with you
And I'm not gonna lie
'Cause it feels like I've been living upside down
What can I say? I'm survivin'
Crawling out these sheets to see another day
What can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine
I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da, na, na
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Like a thunder cloud in November rain
Is the black dog out running wild again
For you, for you?
Tryna stream my way to a better life
But I daydream crash like Vanilla Sky, do you?
Do you?
'Cause I'm not gonna lie
And say I've been alright
'Cause it feels like I've been living upside down
What can I say? I'm survivin'
Crawling out these sheets to see another day
What can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine
I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ooh, yeah
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
Ba, da, da, da, da, da
So what can I say? I'm survivin'
Just crawling out these sheets to see another day
Oh what can I say? I'm survivin'
And I'm gonna be fine
I'm gonna be fine
I think I'll be fine
Bastille's "Survivin'" is an introspective and cathartic song that explores the ups and downs of life. The lyrics convey the message that life is a roller coaster ride, moving between moments of intense joy and despair. Dan Smith, the lead singer of Bastille, describes a "white-knuckle seven-year ride" where he was "killing time and flying high" while clinging on to someone he cared about deeply. He wonders if he lost his mind on the wild side, staying up late at night singing "Hallelujah" with the person. But Smith admits that it all feels like he has been living upside down, which suggests that he's been feeling disoriented and off-kilter lately.
The chorus of the song is the core message of the song. Smith declares that he is "survivin'." It's a declaration of hope that he is getting through tough times and that he will be okay. He crawls out of bed each day, ready to face whatever comes next, and is determined to be fine. The song continues with Smith grappling with the black dog (a metaphor for depression) again. He tries to make his way to a better life while daydreaming, but he falls back to reality, crash-landing like Vanilla Sky. Smith continues to acknowledge that he's not alright and that things still feel upside down, but he's survivin', and that's enough for now.
Overall, "Survivin'" is a powerful song that encourages listeners to keep going, even when life feels tough. The song speaks to the human experience of facing challenges and trying to find the strength to carry on. Its driving melody and uplifting chorus make it an anthem for anyone who has ever struggled and survived.
Line by Line Meaning
Had a great seven year, white knuckle ride
Referring to a thrilling and exciting journey that lasted seven years.
Killing time, flying high
Engaging in activities to pass the time and feeling exhilarated.
As I held on tight to you, to you
Holding on tightly to a person or thing for support during a tumultuous period.
Did I blow my mind on the wild side?
Wondering if one went too far with their experiences that led to self-destructive behavior.
Singing, "Hallelujah" to 'em every night
Expressing praise or gratitude every night in their own way.
With you, with you
Being accompanied by someone and sharing the experiences with them.
And I'm not gonna lie
Being honest about the situation and feelings.
Say I've been alright
Claiming to be okay, despite not entirely feeling that way.
'Cause it feels like I've been living upside down
Feeling like everything has been reversed, where things that were once good aren't anymore and vice versa.
What can I say? I'm survivin'
Acknowledging that they are still hanging in there, despite the challenging circumstances.
Crawling out these sheets to see another day
Getting out of bed and facing the new day ahead.
And I'm gonna be fine
Staying optimistic and positive about the future.
I think I'll be fine
Believing that everything will work out in the end.
Like a thunder cloud in November rain
Comparing one's state of mind to a thunder cloud during the rainy season, where there's a metaphorical storm inside.
Is the black dog out running wild again
Referring to a mental affliction/illness that causes distress and is resurfacing.
Tryna stream my way to a better life
Attempting to make positive changes to turn things around.
But I daydream crash like Vanilla Sky, do you?
Having dreams and hopes that come crashing down, similar to a scene in the movie Vanilla Sky.
So what can I say? I'm survivin'
Reiterating that they are still making it through despite the turbulence.
Just crawling out these sheets to see another day
Making an effort to get out of bed and face the unknown ahead.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Daniel Campbell Smith, Daniel Robin Priddy, Mark Blair Crew, Philip John Plested
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sam
on Fake it
Has anyone translated the news captions in the music video?
Jeannie Smith
on Pompeii
I like it.