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).
World Gone Mad
Bastille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not where we had wanted to be
If half the world's gone mad
The other half just don't care, you see
You don't wanna fuck with us
British to the very last
And there's nothing you can do (do) about it
No there's nothing you can do about it (about it)
When it feels (feels) like the world's gone mad (mad)
And there's nothing you can do (do) about it
No there's nothing you can do about it (about it)
So tell me what's the news
And what is it you want me to see
We're lying to ourselves
And dancing by the light of the screen
You don't wanna fuck with us
British to the very last
When it feels (feels) like the world's gone mad (mad)
And there's nothing you can do (do) about it
No there's nothing you can do about it (about it)
When it feels (feels) like the world's gone mad (mad)
And there's nothing you can do (do) about it
No there's nothing you can do about it (about it)
Another man holding a microphone
Trying to say something at all
Or finding himself on an empty road
Trying to choose which way to go
And so, you wanna make some money?
You wanna make some money
So, you wanna be somebody?
You wanna make some money
When it feels (feels) like the world's gone mad (mad)
And there's nothing you can do (do) about it
No there's nothing you can do about it (about it)
When it feels (feels) like the world's gone mad (mad)
And there's nothing you can do (do) about it
No there's nothing you can do about it (about it)
"Bastille's song World Gone Mad" is a commentary on the state of the world, particularly on how most of us are immune and indifferent to it. The song laments how this world is not what we had wished for or hoped for, but half the world is insane, while the other half doesn't care. The lead singer metaphorically states that the world is at a point where there is a 'light of screen,' where most people are caught up in the fake world portrayed on screens and have lost their sense of reality. The singer asks what the news is, but it doesn't matter because we are still lying to ourselves. Bastille's 'World Gone Mad' is a reminder that it feels like things have fallen apart, and there seems to be nothing we can do about it.
The lyrics contain metaphors, such as "dancing by the light of the screen," which is pointing to social media and the digital world we live in, where we are unconnected to reality. The phrase "British to the very last" means the band is, in essence, trying to represent their country, which becomes a metaphor for the song - depicting the madness of the world as represented in the song. Another interesting lyric finds a man trying to say something with a microphone, but he finds himself on an empty road, unable to choose which way to go. This means that our world is flooded with people who have opinions, but some don't have the courage to express them.
Line by Line Meaning
So this is where we are
We have arrived at this moment in time and space.
It's not where we had wanted to be
This is not the ideal destination we had in mind for ourselves.
If half the world's gone mad
If a significant portion of the world is behaving in a crazy manner.
The other half just don't care, you see
The other half is apathetic towards it and is not bothered by the madness.
You don't wanna fuck with us
You don't want to pick a fight with us.
British to the very last
We are fiercely patriotic and loyal to our British heritage.
When it feels (feels) like the world's gone mad (mad)
During the moments when the world seems to be in a state of chaos.
And there's nothing you can do (do) about it
There is nothing that can be done to change the situation.
No there's nothing you can do about it (about it)
The situation is beyond one's control.
So tell me what's the news
Please inform me of the current events.
And what is it you want me to see
What message are you trying to convey to me?
We're lying to ourselves
We are deceiving ourselves and ignoring the truth.
And dancing by the light of the screen
We are engrossed in the digital world and ignoring the real world around us.
Another man holding a microphone
Another individual using their voice to express themselves.
Trying to say something at all
Attempting to convey a message, even if it's difficult or unpopular.
Or finding himself on an empty road
Feeling lost or directionless.
Trying to choose which way to go
Faced with a decision on which path to take forward.
And so, you wanna make some money?
Are you interested in earning some cash?
You wanna make some money
Do you have a desire to earn financial wealth?
So, you wanna be somebody?
Do you harbor aspirations of becoming someone important or famous?
When it feels (feels) like the world's gone mad (mad)
During the moments when the world seems to be in a state of chaos.
And there's nothing you can do (do) about it
There is nothing that can be done to change the situation.
No there's nothing you can do about it (about it)
The situation is beyond one's control.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Daniel Campbell Smith, Mark Blair Crew
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bnataliavelezg4960
Lyrics.
So this is where we are
It's not where we had wanted to be
If half the world's gone mad
The other half just don't care, you see
You don't want to f**k with us
Breed ash to the very last
When it feels like the world's gone mad
And there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can do about it
When it feels like the world's gone mad
And there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can do about it
So tell me what's the news
And what is it you want me to see?
We're lying to ourselves
And dancing by the light of the screen
You don't want to f**k with us
Brithish to the very last
When it feels like the world's gone mad
And there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can do about it
When it feels like the world's gone mad
And there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can do about it
Another man holding a microphone
Trying to say something at all
Or finding himself on an empty road
Trying to choose which way to go
And so, you want to make some money?
You want to make some money
So, you want to be somebody?
You want to make some money
When it feels like the world's gone mad
And there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can do about it
When it feels like the world's gone mad
And there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can do about it
Bastille - World gone mad
@Halexos
I don't think Bastille has ever disappointed me with a song. Fantastic work.
@singingintherain4750
True, though Imagine Dragons has disappointed me, but still love them. Anyhow, Bastille is amazing!!
@oneandonly3924
fabian webstars I don't understand Imagine Dragons like one song will be terrible but their next one would be amazing like where was your talent in that other song
@mallorielouann546
@fabian webstars huh. I don't think Imagine Dragons have ever disappointed me. Their have been songs where I listen to them for the first time and I think they're okay, but I've always ended up listening to them over and over again. Then I always end up falling in love with every one. But yes, Bastille is amazing. The 2 best bands in my opinion.
@novas2905
@fabian webstars I'd have to agree with you. I absolutely adored their first 2 albums (literally listened to therm on repeat for WEEKS) but their newer songs just don't grab my attention at all, maybe because they're too pop-y or maybe it's because they get played to hell, but I just don't like them as much anymore. They used to be my 3 favorite band (after bastille and the Script) but now, meh...
@kylehorton2310
@Mallorie Louann idk the script is pretty damn good and u cant forget coldplay
@kittym374
His voice is UNREAL and even better in person. So much talent - mad respect for this band.
@TrystynTheCartoonAndMore
Saw these fellows in Bozeman,Mt. in 2020.Out of the 20+ concerts i have seen since 1976 by far the Best.Love these Brits...
@yesikanarvaez5027
This songs hits ya somewhere in the deep part of your head knowing it speaks volumes
@vanessahoops6830
Yesika Narvaez I so agree