The song's music video marked the directorial debut of the band's lead singer, Ricky Wilson and was co-directed by prolific video director Scott Lyon. It tells of the success of William Green, a juggler who has a unique skill for balancing tennis balls on his face, and the impact that he has made on the public. The band appears throughout as extras, notably donning glasses and facial hair, but during Green's climatic performance, they appear as themselves.
Modern Way
Kaiser Chiefs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was grey and I want it
There's no point in sitting
Going crazy on my own
Do you know what
I was put here in the world for
Could you tell me
In three words or more
[Bridge]
It's the only way of getting out of here
It's the only way of getting out of here
Take a lesson
From the ones who have been there
My brain is not damaged
But in need of some repair
Hold on to the basics
But we can't change all our tactics
There's no point in sitting
Going crazy on your own
[Bridge]
[Chorus]
This is the modern way
Faking it everyday
Taking it as they come
We're not the only ones
Is that what we used to say
That this is the modern way?
I know where I'm going
I know we are in the knowing
I will stop at nothing
Just to get what I want
[Bridge]
[Chorus: x2]
The Kaiser Chiefs’ song “Modern Way” is a playful take on the frustrations that come with modern life. The opening lyrics, “I know cause I’ve seen it, it was grey and I want it,” sets the tone for the song. The singer wants more than what is currently being offered to them, and they know this because they’ve already seen a glimpse of it. The song emphasizes the idea that the only way to truly get what you want out of life is to take action and not just sit around going crazy on your own.
The bridge of the song is particularly important. Its repetition is a reminder that we can’t stay stuck in one place forever, whether physically or mentally. It's referring to the idea of needing to take risks and try new things in order to move forward. The chorus of the song points out the hypocrisy of "faking it every day," as we pretend to have it all together. The song suggests that we need to be aware that we are not alone in our feelings of frustration with the modern world we live in.
Line by Line Meaning
I know cause I've seen it
I have personal experience that gives me insight into this situation
It was grey and I want it
Even though it might seem dull or lackluster, I desire it anyways
There's no point in sitting
It's not productive to remain stationary and not take action
Going crazy on my own
To feel overwhelmed and at a loss with nobody to turn to for help
Do you know what
Can you provide me with insight or information about something?
I was put here in the world for
What is my purpose or reason for existing in this world?
Could you tell me
I am curious and seeking answers; can you help me understand?
It's the only way of getting out of here
The only way to escape or leave this situation is by doing this
Take a lesson
Learn from the experiences of others
From the ones who have been there
Gain insight from those who have gone through similar experiences
My brain is not damaged
I do not have any cognitive impairments
But in need of some repair
However, my mental state could use some improvement or restoration
Hold on to the basics
Remember to cling to the foundational or fundamental principles and values
But we can't change all our tactics
Although we may need to adjust or modify our methods, we cannot completely abandon our strategies
This is the modern way
This is the current or popular way of doing things
Faking it everyday
Pretending or putting on an act in order to fit in or conform to societal norms
Taking it as they come
Dealing with situations as they arise without much planning or preparation
We're not the only ones
We are not alone in this experience or struggle
That this is the modern way?
Is this really the best or only way to navigate life in the modern world?
I know where I'm going
I have a clear direction and purpose for my life
I know we are in the knowing
I am aware or informed about our current situation or circumstances
I will stop at nothing
I am determined to achieve my goals and will overcome any obstacles in my way
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW ROBERT WHITE, CHARLES RICHARD WILSON, JAMES RIX, NICHOLAS BAINES, NICHOLAS HODGSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jamesbrittles3357
I know 'cos I've seen it
It was great and I want it
There's no point in sitting
Going crazy on my own
Do you know what
I was put here in this world for
Could you tell me
In three words or more
It's the only way of getting out of here
It's the only way of getting out of here
Take a lesson
>From the ones who have been there
My brain is not damaged
But in need of some repair
Hold on to the basics
But we can change all our tactics
There's no point in sitting
Going crazy on my own
It's the only way of getting out of here
It's the only way of getting out of here
This is the modern way
Of faking it everyday
And taking it as we come
And we're not the only ones
Is that what we used to say
This is the modern way
I know where I'm going
And that we are in the knowing
And I will stop at nothing
Just to get what I want
It's the only way of getting out of here
It's the only way of getting out of here
This is the modern way
Of faking it everyday
And taking it as we come
And we're not the only ones
Is that what we used to say
This is the modern way
This is the modern way
Of faking it everyday
And taking it as we come
And we're not the only ones
Is that what we used to say
This is the modern way
@DemonKitty666_
As a KC fan of 16 years, I honestly never get tired of my boys from Leeds! They do Yorkshire proud. I don't plan on stopping listening to them anytime soon
@PanasonicTooth
As an Aussie there's a few English/Scottish bands from that era that always stood out as genius to me when I'd hear them on triple J (national broadcaster). Kaiser Chiefs, Maximo Park and The Futureheads come to mind.
@jagdeepkaul1261
they just announcded 2024 tickets, planning on seeing them kinda of, i'm in two minds though... I wish i knew the setlist for 2024
@aeniala6385
saaame KC forever! :D
@RANDOMJOE90
Has to be the most intimate eye contact I've ever experienced
@BauhausBarbie
Nope not for me. Patrick Stump in the music video for Grand Theft Autumn by Fall Out Boy
@mateusfernandes8418
Blur - The universal
@goawayimsleeping3472
Watch Oh My God by Kaiser Chiefs.
@ala0284
No surprises - Radiohead
@zeneden
Cutting Crew - (I Just) Died In Your Arms