^ people who've never seen St. Paul's or don't otherwise know what it looks like

December 15, 2010 - submitted by Brad Scott, United States of America

 

Q. Do you remember when Coldplay was featured on 60 Minutes? Chris played a few notes of Christmas Lights for the interviewer (forgot his name). Why are the lyrics on the release of Christmas Lights different than the ones that Chris sings on the 60 Minutes clip from many months ago?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Songs can sometimes go through many changes before the final track is recorded - even then they can be modified for live shows - Talk is an example of trying out different intros and lyrical changes. Obviously this isn't a blueprint but in the case of the version of Christmas Lights played on 60 minutes, that was then a work in progress.

December 15, 2010 - submitted by Gretchen, United States of America

 

Q. Hello, Oracle!

 

I have two questions: 1) Is Oxford Street a real street and if so can you tell us about it and why someone would 'take their feet' there if they were feeling troubled? And 2) Are you tired of answering questions about Christmas Lights yet?!

 

I suppose that was technically 3 questions, so forgive me for that! ;)

 

Merry early Christmas, Oracle!

 

Gretchen

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Oxford Street is most likely the busiest shopping street in London and home to many large chains and department stores. It's pretty famous for its Christmas displays in shop windows and the lights that adorn the street. It's not necessarily somewhere you'd take your troubled self, in fact it's probably best avoided unless you want to be jostled around a fair bit - it's insanely populated most days let alone during the run up to Christmas. It can be synonymous with Christmas and I always see the lyric as referring to where one would have once gone to buy your loved one a gift.

I'm actually enjoying answering questions about the song Gretchen and there's plenty more in the Oracle's bank...

December 16, 2010 - submitted by Emilda, Malaysia

 

Q. How are you Oracle? I have questions for you; it's all about the Christmas Lights video:

1. When was the video was filmed?

2. Are those fireworks real?

3. Are they filming outdoors or indoors?

 

thanks so much!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

You may know where it was filmed as I have previously mentioned it and we now have the interview with Mat up on this website but recording took place on Thursday 25th Novemeber, less than one week before it was aired for the first time.

The fireworks weren't set off that night and so aren't "real" in terms of being live.

The entire filming took place outdoors on a specially designed set and of course a boat.

December 16, 2010 - submitted by Jens, Denmark

 

Q. Hello omniscient Oracle!

Hope you're having a great day.

 

I know this is a pretty irrelevant question, but I'm just asking it anyway. :)

 

In the new Christmas Lights video, who's hand is it that puts the pickup on the record in the very beginning?

 

Cheers

 

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's a popular question Jens although the answer is not very exciting - no offence to the owner of the hand. It was a member of the filming crew so no-one we collectively know and love.

I just asked The Oracle if we're going to see someday a recorded-version of Don Quixote.

I want to know when the boat q and a questions will be released.

December 17, 2010 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

It's week four of our new weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday (with the question asker's permission) we open up a question to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I'll post a selection of the best answers, alongside my own reply.

As it's Christmas next week I've chosen a frivolous question for our consideration.

So, if you'd like to join in, please email your response to the following question to [email protected] before 23rd December.

 

If you were to bring back one musical artist/band that has passed away, who would it be and why?

I have to say it'd be a treat to have John Lennon back. Kaley

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected].

December 17, 2010 - submitted by Elle, United Kingdom

 

Q. Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #4

"How do you know you are doing what you're meant to be doing? Or how do you know that you are where you're supposed to be?"

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

A very profound question from Elle this week that had me looking back to when I first discovered the answer for myself.

I could give the most simple of answers - "you just do" - but thought it may help if I tell you how I know.

I once had a good job that I enjoyed but it didn't fulfill me so I left to follow a dream. After many years of pursuing that dream (and getting somewhere) I realized that it wasn't truly what I was meant to be doing; there were factors that seemed stacked against my succeeding. I changed direction and tried out new things until I finally arrived in a place better than complacency; contentment. The fact that I now go to sleep at night and wake up each morning feeling happy with my life and the decisions I made is telling me I am doing what I'm meant to and am where I should be. Above all that though, I also know that if at any time that position changes, I can do something about it.

Over to you...

 

One of life's largest blessings is the fact that life is unpredictable and confusing. If we didn't question where we are in life and our life's purpose, we wouldn't strive to make it better. That being said, I've always looked at my life like this: Am I happy? If I am, then I'm doing something right. If I'm not, then I try to decide if, where I am, I can become happy later. If the answer is yes, then I stick with it for a while. If it's a no, I try something else. Life wouldn't be so precious if we weren't supposed to be happy with our decisions and lives. So try to decide whether you are or could potentially be happy with who you are and where you are. Good luck. :) Erin

 

To be absolutely honest you can never be 100% sure if what you're doing is "right". However, you have to trust yourself on this one. Go with your "gut feeling" and it may help to stop and evaluate your surroundings, actions and the actions of others. No matter what you do there is always a consequence (this could be good or bad), but you just have to look at what these consequences might be and choose the best way to go. If there is something that you want to do then I advise you do it, as long as you're not doing it half-heartedly. There may be times when you just don't know what to do. In this sort of situation you may have to take a risk and there's a high chance that it won't go well. But even if it doesn't that doesn't mean that all is lost. When this happens you just have to pick yourself back up and keep on going or even start again because you know what, it probably will get better in the long run and it might not be as big of a deal as it you think it is.

Em, Australia

 

I do believe that there is a time when you do realize that you are doing what you are meant to do. You will just know. You will love what you do and do it without second guessing yourself. However, for some people, it may take a long time for you to realize where you are to be and what you are to be doing. Life is a never ending process of learning a self-discovery. That is one of the wonderful things about it. You may feel at one point in your life that you are doing what you were meant to be or where you are meant but as you grow emotionally as well as mentally you may need to move on from that point in your life. Enjoy the moment.

Kathy, USA

 

I believe you know whether you're doing what you're meant to be doing or supposed to be doing when you recognize that you are choosing it. Once you acknowledge that, you acknowledge you then have the power to keep choosing it, or to choose something else; your desire to do one or the other will indicate whether or not you are where you are meant to be on your path of life.

Good luck!

Aurelle, USA

You know you are doing what you are meant to be doing :

- when you realize that doing that "thing" is becoming your lifestyle and you are never getting fed up from doing it.

- when you always find time for practicing it and make excuses to people for overdoing it.

- when you identify yourself with that "thing".

- when you never let any obstacle hinder or stop you from continuing to do that "thing".

Best Regards. Dima, Lebanon

 

In general what works for me is what I call my "Reality Check". Asking myself on a regular basis "Am I a happy person?" I don't mean the ecstatic, over the moon kind of happy, but am I satisfied with what I am doing, the places I go to and most important the people I am with. Do they still inspire me, do I still inspire them?

What happened to my wishes, longings and plans? Am I still working on them? Is that leading somewhere or do I need to put in more effort? Or are they no longer important or realistic?

If the answers to those questions give me an overall good feeling, I know I am on the right track. If there are doubts I have to figure out what I can do to change that. And if I can't change it: accept this and stop complaining or take a new direction.

Hope I helped a little, love from Mar, the Netherlands

 

Thanks to everyone who contributed this week, we had lots of positivity flooding in.

Click to read this week's Team Oracle question, and to send us your answer.

December 17, 2010 - submitted by Elle, United Kingdom[/color][/b]

 

Q. Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION - #4

"How do you know you are doing what you're meant to be doing? Or how do you know that you are where you're supposed to be?"

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

A very profound question from Elle this week that had me looking back to when I first discovered the answer for myself.

I could give the most simple of answers - "you just do" - but thought it may help if I tell you how I know.

I once had a good job that I enjoyed but it didn't fulfill me so I left to follow a dream. After many years of pursuing that dream (and getting somewhere) I realized that it wasn't truly what I was meant to be doing; there were factors that seemed stacked against my succeeding. I changed direction and tried out new things until I finally arrived in a place better than complacency; contentment. The fact that I now go to sleep at night and wake up each morning feeling happy with my life and the decisions I made is telling me I am doing what I'm meant to and am where I should be. Above all that though, I also know that if at any time that position changes, I can do something about it.

Over to you...

 

You know you are doing what you are meant to be doing :

- when you realize that doing that "thing" is becoming your lifestyle and you are never getting fed up from doing it.

- when you always find time for practicing it and make excuses to people for overdoing it.

- when you identify yourself with that "thing".

- when you never let any obstacle hinder or stop you from continuing to do that "thing".

Best Regards. Dima, Lebanon[/i]

 

 

:wacky:

^ cool!

i'm sorry i should have been more clear that's not me, i'm just excited because lots of question are getting answered from here:dance:

^ sorry for getting your name wrong!

it was my fault:shame:

No it wasn't! I was just assuming it was you :)

i'm stupidly hoping that if people at coldplay HQ saw how many fans they have here they might come or something that's why i;m counting...:facepalm::shame:

i'm hopeless:embarrassed:

December 20, 2010 - submitted by Kris, United Kingdom

 

Q. I was at the Liverpool show last night and what a show it was, amazing! Once the show was over I went to buy a t-shirt with the band and Simon Pegg on the front, but they had sold out of my size (medium). Is there any way that you could possibly get one for me? I will send the money via paypal or via the post, I just really desperate for one of these shirts!

 

Kind Regards

 

Kris

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Apart from telling you that any we may have left over we will make available for purchase, I can't tell you which sizes. Keep an eye on the shop though I'm sure we'll announce it if/when we do have them.

December 20, 2010 - submitted by Eliana, Argentina

 

Q. Hello Oracle.

I wanted to know, why Peter threw bananas to the crowd last night?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Peter Kay basically took a tin of chocolates and some bananas from the dressing room and started throwing them into the crowd. Being a comedian he was doing it all for fun. Luckily he threw the bananas quite gently so they didn't impact in anyone's face!

December 20, 2010 - submitted by Kelby, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

In one of the pics from one of the hidden gigs it show the boys in a huddle. What were they talking about or doing?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

That's their pre-gig huddle that they do before every show. The tradition started in their early years. What they say doesn't change much as it's all about having a great gig and it revs them up before they perform. I've witnessed many of them I'd say it's a perfect way to start a show - as one.

December 21, 2010 - submitted by Valeria, Mexico

 

Q. Dear Oracle:

 

Can you tell me who are the 3 Elvises that appear on the Christmas Lights video?

 

p.s. Merry Christmas

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'll assume that you mean the live version that was posted today? Anchorman did reveal who they were during the live blog from the show on Sunday night but from left to right we have Phil Harvey, Steve Strange (the band's live booking agent) and Anthony Martin (Chris' dad). Last night in Newcastle there were only 2 Elvises; brilliantly portrayed by Ant & Dec.

As previously answered the official video features Phil Harvey, Simon Pegg & Tim Crompton.

December 21, 2010 - submitted by Natalie, Belgium

 

Q. Hi Oracle,

 

Who did Chris shoutout to during Christmas Lights at the Liverpool Gig? He did sneak something into the lyrics...

 

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I awoke to an email this morning from Roadie #42 explaining in case anyone asked about the change in lyrics. Natalie you were the first one to ask closely followed by Eva in the Netherlands...

Chris shouted "Phythers" and then sings "How I always loved you Phythers and I always will".

Phythers is the nickname of Mark Phythian, recording Engineer who worked alongside Producer Ken Nelson on the first three records.

They first met Mark at Parr St. Studios in Liverpool and always loved working with him.

Chris spotted him in the balcony during the song and was visibly thrilled to see him.

December 23, 2010 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

 

Q. Hi, will you be on some Christmas holidays during this festive days until new year or longer?

If so, it's a pity not to get your responses but still enjoy your days off and all the best for 2011!

Helmut

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Well as you may have noticed Helmut I'm very late responding today (it's 00.15 here in the U.K) because today was my first day off - hurray! Over the next two weeks I shall be here when the mood takes me as sporadic as that may be but hopefully it will keep you tuning in to find out whether I bothered!

In case you're interested my first day off involved visiting the The Museum of Everything followed by dinner and cinema to see a rubbish film - don't ask!

December 23, 2010 - submitted by Valentina, Colombia

 

Q. Hi there Oracle :)

 

I want to know, I'm not sure in which Crisis concert was that... the guy proposing to her girlfriend, who was him? Simon Pegg??

 

Thank you so much

 

And have a merry Christmas :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Oh gosh no Valentina, Simon Pegg is already happily married and that gentleman in the photo, although called Simon, is not him.

December 23, 2010 - submitted by Helmut, Austria[/color][/b]

 

Q. Hi, will you be on some Christmas holidays during this festive days until new year or longer?

If so, it's a pity not to get your responses but still enjoy your days off and all the best for 2011!

Helmut

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Well as you may have noticed Helmut I'm very late responding today (it's 00.15 here in the U.K) because today was my first day off - hurray! Over the next two weeks I shall be here when the mood takes me as sporadic as that may be but hopefully it will keep you tuning in to find out whether I bothered!

In case you're interested my first day off involved visiting the The Museum of Everything followed by dinner and cinema to see a rubbish film - don't ask!

 

 

Cool! The Museum of Everything is fantastic! :)

LOL my question got answered :p

 

http://coldplay.com/oracledetail.php?id=1831&page=0