Popular music magazine Billboard described the song as "a peppy kiss-off to an ex-love now residing on the opposite coast."
"Like the majority of previous full-length Antics, this first single from Interpol's third album, Our Love to Admire, relies more on a guitar riff than the band's killer rhythm section. It's an Antics-worthy riff, though. And what's more, Paul Banks' lyrics are, atypically, not cringe-worthy (though "you wear those shoes like a dove" certainly walks that line). His vocals sounds different as well: less reverby, possibly doubled up, and more Michael Stipe-like. Come to think of it, "'cause today my heart swings" is the kind of lyric that seems straight from the R.E.M. frontman's notebook. As for the song's title, it must be something the band employs to write catchy choruses."
— Pitchfork, commenting on the song
The single was released to radio on May 7, 2007. Q101/WKQX Chicago was the first radio station to play "The Heinrich Maneuver", doing so on 27 April 2007 at 6:12pm CDT. The song was played by Steve Lamacq of BBC Radio 1 for the first time on British radio on 7 May 2007. "The Heinrich Maneuver" was also played regularly throughout the band's tour of Canada, along with the new songs "Pioneer to the Falls" and "Mammoth". Bootleg recordings from that tour have been widely circulated on music forums and P2P networks. The single was released as a two-track CD single as well as two separate 7" vinyl singles in the UK on July 2. The song was used in an episode of MTV's The Hills and a 2012 AT&T commercial.
"The Heinrich Maneuver" peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, number 18 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, making it their first appearance in the Hot 100, and number 31 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also came in at #98 in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2007.
"The video for "The Heinrich Maneuver" was released on June 26, 2007. It is a single take of the main character, a woman in a white dress, shown in extreme slow motion applying lipstick and walking towards her demise, being hit by a bus. This overlays three other characters whose reactions to the event unfold in a mixture of speed altered motion, initially proceeding forward and then reversing. A man taking out his cellphone, a vogue lady screaming, and a waiter running to the scene. The woman featured unwittingly walks in front of a moving bus whose impact is cut short by the screen turning black as the song's outro is cut short.
The first single to be released from the album is the twisted love song/ode to Cali "The Heinrich Maneuver." Interpol is teaming up with Elias Merhige -- best known for his work with Shadow of the Vampire and the cult-classic Begotten -- to shoot the video for this single."
— excerpt from the Interpol newsletter E-mail
The Heinrich Maneuver
Interpol Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hear you're moving real fine
You wear those shoes like a dove
Now strut those shoes, we'll go roaming in the night
Well, how are things on the west coast?
You keep it moving to your soul's delight
Now I've tried the brakes
How are things the west coast?
Oh, I'd move Heaven behind those eyes
Today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
But I don't want to take your heart
And I don't want a piece of history
No, I don't want to read your thoughts anymore
My god
'Cause today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
How are things on the west coast?
Hear you're moving real fine tonight
You wear those shoes side-to-side
Ah, strut those shoes, we'll go roaming in the night
Well, how are things on the west coast?
Yeah, but you're an actress and I don't identify
Today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
Say it
But I don't want to play the part
And I don't want a taste of victory
No, I don't want to read your thoughts anymore
My God
'Cause today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
Say it
'Cause today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
Let it come
'Cause I've got a chance for a sweet, sane life
I said, I've got a dance, and you'll do just fine
Well, I've got a plan with forward in my eyes
Let it come
Well, I've got a chance for a sweet, sane life
I said, I've got a dance, it moves into the night
Well, I've got a plan with forward in my eyes
But today my heart swings
The Heinrich Maneuver by Interpol is an enigmatic song that presents listeners with the question, “How are things on the west coast?” This question is repeated throughout the song and seems to be directed at an unnamed woman who is described as an actress. The singer of the song is interested in this woman, but he is cautious about getting involved with her. He describes her as “moving real fine” and being able to “wear those shoes like a dove.” The lyrics suggest that this woman is a free spirit who is fully comfortable in her own skin and is living life on her own terms.
The singer of the song seems to be struggling with his feelings for this woman. He acknowledges that he is attracted to her, but he also recognizes that she is not looking for anything serious. He says that he doesn’t want to “take your heart” or “read your thoughts” anymore. He knows that it’s “a lonely ride” to try to have a meaningful relationship with this woman, but he cannot resist the pull of his own desires. The song ends with the singer declaring that “today my heart swings,” suggesting that he is going to take a chance on the woman and see where it leads.
Line by Line Meaning
How are things on the west coast?
Asking about someone's well-being and situation on the West Coast.
I hear you're moving real fine
I have heard that you are doing very well and progressing.
You wear those shoes like a dove
You wear your shoes gracefully and elegantly, much like a dove's gentle movements.
Now strut those shoes, we'll go roaming in the night
Walk confidently in those shoes with me, let's go out and explore the night.
You keep it moving to your soul's delight
You continuously move and live your life to satisfy your soul and its desires.
Now I've tried the brakes
I have tried to slow down and stop our relationship or progress.
I tried, but you know it's a lonely ride
I have tried to resist, but it is a lonely journey without you.
Oh, I'd move Heaven behind those eyes
I would do anything or move mountains for you, just by looking into your eyes.
But I don't want to take your heart
I do not want to deceive or break your heart.
And I don't want a piece of history
I do not want to be a part of your past or your personal history.
No, I don't want to read your thoughts anymore
I do not want to assume or understand your thoughts and feelings.
'Cause today my heart swings
My emotions are changing and fluctuating greatly today.
You wear those shoes side-to-side
You walk in perfect harmony and balance in those shoes.
Ah, strut those shoes, we'll go roaming in the night
Walk confidently and stylishly in those shoes with me, let's explore the night together.
Yeah, but you're an actress and I don't identify
You are an actress, and I do not see myself fitting with that kind of lifestyle or profession.
But I don't want to play the part
I do not want to pretend or act in any way in our relationship.
And I don't want a taste of victory
I do not want to selfishly win or succeed in this situation.
Say it
Expressing encouragement or requesting further communication.
'Cause today my heart swings
My emotions are changing and fluctuating greatly today.
Let it come
Let the future or any new development between us come naturally.
I've got a chance for a sweet, sane life
I have an opportunity for a peaceful and happy life.
I said, I've got a dance, and you'll do just fine
I have a plan or vision, and you will fit perfectly in it.
Well, I've got a plan with forward in my eyes
I have a clear and progressive plan for the future.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Carlos Andres Dengler, Daniel Alexander Kessler, Paul Julian Banks, Samuel J Fogarino
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Garyllaz
How are things on the west coast?
I hear you're moving real fine
You wear those shoes like a dove
Now strut those shoes, we'll go roaming in the night
Well, how are things on the west coast?
You keep it moving to your soul's delight
Now I've tried the brakes
I tried, but you know it's a lonely ride
How are things the west coast?
Oh, I'd move Heaven behind those eyes
Today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
But I don't want to take your heart
And I don't want a piece of history
No, I don't want to read your thoughts anymore
My god
'Cause today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
How are things on the west coast?
Hear you're moving real fine tonight
You wear those shoes side-to-side
Ah, strut those shoes, we'll go roaming in the night
Well, how are things on the west coast?
Yeah, but you're an actress and I don't identify
Today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
Say it
But I don't want to play the part
And I don't want a taste of victory
No, I don't want to read your thoughts anymore
My God
'Cause today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
Say it
'Cause today my heart swings
Yeah, today my heart swings
Let it come
'Cause I've got a chance for a sweet, sane life
I said, I've got a dance, and you'll do just fine
Well, I've got a plan with forward in my eyes
Let it come
Well, I've got a chance for a sweet, sane life
I said, I've got a dance, it moves into the night
Well, I've got a plan with forward in my eyes
But today my heart swings
@patriciahenrique9591
Had a car accident while listening to this song. I believe it kept me alive. Always loved this song.
@elijahfinch3349
if you like Interpol you should check out Lonely Gimmick - Pessimistic Weather, it gives me strong interpol vibes and is a cool unknown gem
@salmiakki_
@@elijahfinch3349 Omfg, no it doesn't, you're not a real person, You're a bot replying to every comment on here trying to promote some shitty music.
@zetoaraujo7546
funny
@SpectrogrammaticWarpClown
@@elijahfinch3349 Thanks for the recommendation. Your friend doesn't sound like Interpol, but I don't regret listening to that song.
@enrique7934
Cool story bro.
@antonialeopard
Interpol songs are like shy strangers...the more you listen to them/get to know them they end up being the most interesting people/songs you've ever listened to
@dylanheinrich
Dude I fucking agree
@harmendolce
Yesssssssss
@sangria-margarita
You worded it well.