Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997) saw another stylistic shift, influenced by the lo-fi styles of American indie rock groups, and became their third UK chart-topping album. Its single "Song 2" brought the band mainstream success in the US for the first time. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. Their seventh album, Think Tank (2003), continued their experimentation with electronic sounds and was also shaped by Albarn's growing interest in hip hop and world music, featuring more minimal guitar work. Coxon left the band during early recording sessions for Think Tank, and Blur disbanded for several years after the end of the album's associated tour, with the members engaged in other projects.
In 2009, Blur reunited with Coxon back in the band and embarked on a European reunion tour. In the following years, they released several singles and compilations and toured internationally. In 2012, they received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their eighth album, The Magic Whip (2015), was the sixth consecutive Blur studio album to top the British chart. The group have largely been on hiatus since the Magic Whip tour, but have announced plans to reunite in 2023 for various live dates.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
Studio albums
Leisure (1991)
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
Parklife (1994)
The Great Escape (1995)
Blur (1997)
13 (1999)
Think Tank (2003)
The Magic Whip (2015)
The Ballad of Darren (2023)
Swallows in the Heatwave
Blur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to contribute
To natural selection
Buy myself a razor
Watch swallows in the heatwave
Meet the rebel leaders
They're coming cause they need us
I don't have a history
For religion
Goin' out to get one
Get into the Volvo
Drive into the mountains
Watch swallows in the heatwave
The lyrics of Blur’s song Swallows in the Heatwave seem to hint at the singer's desire to find purpose and embrace a new identity. The opening lines "I want to contribute to natural selection" suggest that he wants to become a part of something bigger or more significant. The next line "Buy myself a razor" can be viewed as a reference to the desire for self-improvement, perhaps as part of the quest for this new identity.
The next stanza "Meet the rebel leaders, they're coming cause they need us" hints at the possibility that this newfound purpose is connected to a cause, perhaps a political or social movement that needs people to come together to effect change. The riff of "Ooo oo oo ooooo" reinforces the idea of something momentous or exciting happening.
The second part of the song describes a journey, also in search of purpose. "I don't have a history for religion" hints that the journey is spiritual or philosophical in nature. The singer then says he is "going out to get one" and drives into the mountains, which suggests a retreat or quest for spiritual enlightenment. The final line, "watch swallows in the heatwave" suggests that in finding some meaning or purpose, the beauty of nature is not overlooked.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to contribute
I have a desire to make a positive impact
To natural selection
To the process where the best-adapted individuals survive
Buy myself a razor
Purchase a sharp tool to change my physical appearance
Watch swallows in the heatwave
Observe the tiny birds while experiencing the summer heat
Meet the rebel leaders
Interact with those who lead unconventional movements
They're coming cause they need us
They are approaching us as they require our help
Ooo oo oo ooooo
Non-lyrical part of the song with no specific meaning
I don't have a history
I lack a background or family lineage
For religion
No religious affiliation or belief system
Goin' out to get one
Attempting to find a religious affiliation
Get into the Volvo
Enter into the vehicle brand named Volvo
Drive into the mountains
Head towards mountainous regions
Watch swallows in the heatwave
Observe the tiny birds while experiencing the summer heat
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVEN ALEXANDER JAMES, DAVID ROWNTREE, DAMON ALBARN, GRAHAM COXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind