Talk
Coldplay Lyrics

The lyrics to Coldplay's song "Talk" are about the anxiety that comes with facing an uncertain future, and the desire to connect with others who can help make sense of it all. The singer is reaching out to his brother, who represents someone he can trust and depend on, but he has been unable to make contact. He feels lost and incomplete, like a puzzle missing a piece, and struggles to understand the language of those around him who seem to be talking past him. The chorus offers some guidance, suggesting that he can find a way forward by doing something novel or creative, whether it be climbing a ladder to the sun or writing a song nobody else has. The final call to "talk" is a plea for connection and understanding, a recognition that everyone is searching for answers together.

One interesting fact about the song is that it was one of the first to feature the use of the Ebow, a handheld electronic device that creates sustained guitar sounds. The band's guitarist, Jonny Buckland, experimented with the Ebow to create the song's distinctive opening riff. Another tidbit is that the music video features the band members in animal costumes performing in a strange laboratory, a surreal and whimsical visual accompaniment to the song's themes. Additionally, the song was produced by the legendary producer and musician Brian Eno, who had worked with the band previously on their 2000 album "Parachutes."

Another interesting fact about "Talk" is that it was originally written by the electronic band Kraftwerk, and features a prominent sample from their song "Computer Love." Coldplay's version is a reimagining that adds new lyrics and melodies, but retains the driving pulse and mechanical rhythm of the original. The lyrics themselves are also notable for their mixture of existential questioning and pop culture references, as the singer wonders where he'll be "in the future" and encourages listeners to "take a picture," "climb a ladder," or "write a song."

Musically, the song features a propulsive drum beat and swirling synthesizers, with ringing guitars and soaring vocals providing the emotional climax. The chords themselves are relatively simple, with the verses alternating between E major and A major, while the chorus switches to a more melancholy C# minor. The bridge features a descending chord progression that adds to the song's sense of yearning.

Chords: E, A, C#m.