It was rumored to be about George W. Bush being elected president of U.S.A., but the band has denied this, with lead singer Kele Okereke telling press it was partially about himself.
There are two videos for the song. A European video was produced, filmed in black and white, featuring shaky and fuzzy shots. But in the U.S., the video for "The Pioneers" was edited and used as the video for "Helicopter".
"Helicopter" is featured in several video games (FIFA 06, Burnout Revenge, Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure, Project Gotham Racing 3 and as a playable track in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero: On Tour). Portions of the song have also been used in television shows (Malcolm in the Middle, The Friday Night Project) and films (Grandma's Boy, Yes Man and the surfing film Campaign 2).
Helicopter
Bloc Party Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Empty
Running on
Bravado
As if to say, as if to say
As if to say he doesn't like chocolate
He's born a liar, he'll die a liar
Some things will never be different
Stop being
So American
There's a time and there's a place
So James Dean
So blue jeans
Gonna save the world, he's gonna
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Three out of five, three out of five (it's not enough)
Six out of ten
Better luck next time
Just like his dad, just like his dad (the same mistakes)
Some things will never be different
Hungry and dumb, hungry and dumb (so wait in line)
Queuing up for some more junk food
It's not my fault, it's not my fault (just this once)
They're getting so much younger
Why can't you be
More European?
Bastard child of guilt and shame
Bury your head
In the sand
I'm thinking six, six, six
I'm thinking six
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough, it's not enough)
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough, it's not enough)
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough)
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough)
The song "Helicopter" by Bloc Party contains lyrics that are open to interpretation but seem to reflect the singer's sentiment towards American culture and society. The line "Stop being so American" can be seen as a criticism towards the American mindset of bravado and confidence, and the singer suggests that there is a time and place for such behavior. The lines "Hungry and dumb, hungry and dumb" seem to be a commentary on consumerism and fast food culture.
The chorus of the song repeats the question "Are you hoping for a miracle?" which can be seen as a reflection on the current state of the world and the frustration that things are not changing fast enough. The mention of James Dean and blue jeans can also be seen as a nod to American icons but with a sense of irony.
Overall, the lyrics of "Helicopter" can be interpreted as a critique of American culture and consumerism, with a sense of frustration at the lack of progress and change.
Line by Line Meaning
North to South
From one end to the other
Empty
Without substance or meaning
Running on
Continuing with
Bravado
False confidence or bravery
As if to say, as if to say
Expressing something without actually saying it
As if to say he doesn't like chocolate
Implying or hinting that he doesn't like something
He's born a liar, he'll die a liar
Someone who has always been and will always be a liar
Some things will never be different
Some things will always remain the same
Stop being
Quit doing
So American
Like an American stereotype
There's a time and there's a place
The appropriate time and setting to do something
So James Dean
Like the iconic actor James Dean
So blue jeans
Like the classic apparel item
Gonna save the world, he's gonna
Going to make a difference in the world
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Do you wish for a miraculous outcome?
Three out of five, three out of five (it's not enough)
A not-good-enough percentage
Six out of ten
A mediocre rating
Better luck next time
Hopefully more success in the future
Just like his dad, just like his dad (the same mistakes)
Repeating the errors of your predecessor
Hungry and dumb, hungry and dumb (so wait in line)
Those who are both hungry and foolish deserve what they get
Queuing up for some more junk food
Waiting in line for unhealthy, low-quality food
It's not my fault, it's not my fault (just this once)
Denying responsibility for something
They're getting so much younger
Seemingly, people are getting younger and younger
Why can't you be
Why aren't you
More European?
More like someone from Europe
Bastard child of guilt and shame
A product of negative feelings and actions
Bury your head
Avoiding reality or responsibility
In the sand
Ignoring something
I'm thinking six, six, six
I'm contemplating the number '666,' typically associated with the Devil
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough, it's not enough)
Even if you wish for a miracle, it may not be sufficient
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough, it's not enough)
Wishing for improbable success may be futile
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough)
A miracle alone may not be adequate to solve a problem
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough)
Simply hoping for a miracle may not be sufficient to achieve a goal
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes, Kele Okereke, Matt Tong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LOLMAN9538
Featured in:
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Guitar Hero: On Tour
Project Gotham Racing 3
Burnout Revenge
Burnout Legends
Colin McRae Dirt 2
Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure
Yes Man
Charlie St. Cloud
Grandma's Boy
Malcolm in the Middle
Reverb
@meganburton5253
North to south
Empty
Running on
Bravado
As if to say, as if to say
As if to say, he doesn't like chocolate
He's born a liar, he'll die a liar
Some things will never be different
Stop being so American
There's a time and there's a place
So James Dean
So blue jeans
Gonna save the world
He's gonna
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Three out of five, three out of five (it's not enough)
Six out of ten
Better luck next time
Just like his Dad, just like his Dad (the same mistakes)
Some things will never be different
Hungry and dumb, hungry and dumb (so wait in line)
Queuing up for some more junk food
It's not my fault, it's not my fault (just this once)
They're getting so much younger
Why can't you be more European
Bastard child of guilt and shame
Bury your head in the sand
I'm thinking six, six, six
I'm thinking six
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
It's not enough.
@alejandroramirez5987
If someone wants lyrics, here is:
North to South
Empty
Running on
Bravado
As if to say, as if to say
As if to say he doesn't like chocolate
He's born a liar, he'll die a liar
Some things will never be different
Stop being so American
There's a time and there's a place
So James Dean
So blue jeans
Gonna save the world, he's gonna
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Three out of five, three out of five (it's not enough)
Six out of ten
Better luck next time
Just like his dad, just like his dad (the same mistakes)
Some things will never be different
Hungry and dumb, hungry and dumb (so wait in line)
Queuing up for some more junk food
It's not my fault, it's not my fault (just this once)
They're getting so much younger
Why can't you be more European?
Bastard child of guilt and shame
Bury your head in the sand
I'm thinking six, six, six
I'm thinking six
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle?
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough, it's not enough)
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough, it's not enough)
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough, it's not enough)
Are you hoping for a miracle? (it's not enough, it's not enough)
@icareinthesea
When you don't have the pixels, you fill with talent.
@tony1019
This needs more likes 🤌🤌
@JohnDoe-xx8pe
Wooo
@raidson
bro, to think there is a HD video of this...
@Skoopyghost
It could be nerves, but their live performances are lack luster to me.
@MyDumbFace
@@tony1019 couldn't agree more❤
@brunorodriguez8496
Video Quality: 16p
Music Quality: 4k
@kezsler8350
8k
@sammybaker6872
In a few years, this comment will be so dated...
@monstermunch4956
Your photo is cracking me up and also freaking me out