Ask the Oracle on Coldplay.com (Now in session!)

[Tash]

January 27, 2014 - submitted by Tahj, United States of America

 

Q. Oracle I have been a fan of you the first time I heard Clocks piano ballad, which,actually was about when the song was first released if I can recall. If I met Chris Martin in person I would ask him this question I'm asking you and that would be, what inspired you to make the song Clocks.

Tahj.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Clocks isn't what I'd call a ballad, Tahj. I remember back in 2002 Chris mentioned that Clocks was inspired by Muse and their piano driven music of the time.

In 2008 The Independent newspaper spotlighted Clocks in its Story of the Song feature which will tell you more.

[Tash]

January 27, 2014 - submitted by Chris, United States of America

 

Q. I saw that the next edition of Q magazine will feature an article on Coldplay's triumphant return. Is there big news coming?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The new Q magazine (issue 332 March 2014) has the headline "COLDPLAY - Q gets inside their triumphant return" on the cover. I can see why it is slightly misleading as it's referring to a past return, not a future one.

There's a small feature about the Under 1 Roof gig from December. I suppose as it was the band's first live appearance in quite a while, it was billed as a return.

[Coeurli]

"Slightly misleading" ?! :angry: It was downright trolling, that's what it was :angry:

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Tahj asked what was the inspiration to write Clocks. Find out here: <a href="http://t.co/blw7GJAdql">http://t.co/blw7GJAdql</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/427921443263758336">January 27, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Chris asked about the band's "triumphant return" here: <a href="http://t.co/43GtIDpLNZ">http://t.co/43GtIDpLNZ</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/427921696826224641">January 27, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[TraceOddity]

"Slightly misleading" ?! :angry: It was downright trolling, that's what it was :angry:

 

Yup. This.:(:nod:

[Tash]

January 28, 2014 - submitted by Ben, New Zealand

 

Q. Hello!

My question is about

(and others) of Sparks: Guy is sitting down. I've looked up a few videos of the song played live in that time era and Guy is always sitting cross-legged on staged. Is there a reason why? Although sitting down with a bass is slightly easier than standing up, I can't think of any reason why he would be sitting.

What's your opinion on this?

Big thank you!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Sparks is an acoustic song so I can't think of any reason why Guy would be standing either apart from it's "usual". I personally never saw Guy sit on the stage in those days.

I can only actually see two videos of Sparks from this time where Guy is sitting down. As both were in Australia, perhaps it was heat or jet lag?

The clip you sent was from Australian TV on a very small stage. The intimate setting lends itself to a cross-legged performance. The other one I found was the polar opposite. The Big Day Out was in front of a large crowd on a huge stage. As I've mentioned before, it was a stifling hot day and they were under the sun.

Back then the focus was very much on the songs rather than the performance so curious as it may be, I'm afraid there's no story. Nice little video find though!

[Tash]

January 28, 2014 - submitted by George, United States of America

 

Q. Hi Oracle, I just saw a video of Coldplay playing Animals Live. I noticed Chris didn't have any shoes on??? What's that about?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I chose this question for the simple reason that it amazes me how two people from different parts of the world can send in a question around the same time that both feature questions about videos that lead me to reply with clips from the same Big Day Out performance. How mad is that?!?

You see, the question I previously answered about me seeing another live video of Sparks with Guy sitting down was

. It also shows Chris with no shoes on.

If you were watching Animals live, I'm thinking it may have been like

from the same day.

Spooky eh?

 

Anyway, that means the answer to this question is: it was hot there back in 2001.

[Tash]

January 28, 2014 - submitted by Brisa, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle,

I was always wondering what was said in the end of the song Yes and I just figure it out. Is Chris just saying random stuff or is he saying something? Please reply! I really want to know what it says :)

Thank You Oracle!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I can't help think you're confusing what's the end of Yes with what is in fact a hidden track - Chinese Sleep Chant.

We haven't published lyrics to that song.

[Tash]

January 29, 2014 - submitted by Ayesha, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

It's that time of year again where I must search and search for scholarships and fellowships to help finance my higher education. They have the capacity to put me on track of the career choices I am bent on pursuing. This year I feel more confident being a college junior and having an excellent internship under my belt. However, I am not good at "selling" myself in my personal statements, and they are probably the most important parts of the applications. I've had to work two jobs for the past three years to help pay for college, so these scholarships could help me ease some financial stress off my shoulders. As I am somewhat lacking in imaginative writing skills, I am a bit worried about my chances. Do you have any advice on how to talk about myself and my potential under an imposed word limit while remaining honest and "myself" so to speak?

 

Many thanks,

Ayesha

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

If you're so bent on your career choice, you will need to show confidence. Self-deprecation and humility aren't the way forward when you want to get ahead. I know it worked for Chris to a degree but in your case, you have to prove you want that place and are deserving of it more than someone else.

See this as your one shot - after all you only get one chance to make a first impression.

The key is to strike a balance as you don't want to be over confident - cockiness isn't attractive!

Here's what I suggest. Ask employers, colleagues, family, friends, peers & teachers if they're willing to say one positive thing about you. Compile these and work out a strategy of how to work them into your application.

Good luck.

[Tash]

January 29, 2014 - submitted by Aaron, United States of America

 

Q. Does the band ever experience stage fright or get nervous?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The band don't have stage fright - that can be pretty debilitating as an extreme anxiety. They do get nerves but not before every performance - for example, the Paralympics Closing Ceremony was a big deal so they were nervous. That was more about getting it right and nothing going wrong than the size of audiences though.

Generally the band get adrenalin rushes and excitement about playing live and it takes a while to come down from that after a show.

[Tash]

January 29, 2014 - submitted by Michael, United States of America

 

Q. Hey, so I was listening to Chris' interview with Howard Stern and he joking came up with a song called Play the Game by Howard's request. Now, that song was good and I could see millions of people liking it if Chris developed it more. So my question is why doesn't the band release more b-side songs that their true fans would absolutely love? I would love to know so please get back to me.

 

Have a good one.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Quality control, Michael! Are you SURE you think that was good? Chris was just mucking about. I'll be honest & say I disagree. Chris is more than capable of writing brilliant songs so I'm hoping he leaves those fun / off the cuff ones where they are.

Now... B-Sides on the whole are on the decline due to the practical non-existence of the physical single. Coldplay aren't the only band not to have a plethora of B-sides from their most recent album. It's just a sign of the times but hopefully we will see more of them again in the future.

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a> needs you! Mindy's feeling alienated by her friends. Could u help? Please send replies before midnight: : <a href="http://t.co/ltPH6daTxv">http://t.co/ltPH6daTxv</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/428838647966597120">January 30, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Q, shoes, sitting down, Yes, impromptu songs & stage fright all featured this week. Ask yours here: <a href="http://t.co/eRAGJLYI6i">http://t.co/eRAGJLYI6i</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/428843993997119488">January 30, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>12 hrs left to answer <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>. Can you help Mindy who's feeling left out? Please reply before midnight: <a href="http://t.co/RK8IU2l9b9">http://t.co/RK8IU2l9b9</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/428860500374728704">January 30, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/syangzom10">@syangzom10</a> For over THREE years! Team Oracle has been running since 19 November 2010 in fact.</p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/428863131800977408">January 30, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

January 30, 2014 - submitted by Matias, Argentina

 

Q. I just saw a picture in which Chris kisses Jonny. Is it real?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

That photo is from when Coldplay performed at the Hollywood Bowl, 2003. Someone (with too much time on their hands perhaps) has made it look like a longer kiss by editing the speed.

[Tash]

January 30, 2014 - submitted by Fred, United Kingdom

 

Q. I am a big fan of both Coldplay and Kings of Leon, so I was just wondering whether the bands are friends? And have they ever met?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Yes and yes. Chris was a late comer to KoL but as I was at one of their first UK shows back in 2002 (yes, I am showing off), he and I used to chat about them when he discovered their music. They have since become friends and I believe, mutual fans.

[Tash]

January 30, 2014 - submitted by Jessica, Australia

 

Q. Hi Oracle,

My fiance & I are getting married next August and we want to have Yellow for our first dance as a married couple.

Are there any releases that feature an acoustic version we can buy?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There are acoustic versions of the song around. The most notable being from Jo Whiley's Lunchtime Social session back in 2000. Whether you will be able to buy it remains to be seen but the track featured on Coldplay Acoustic, a promo E.P.

[Tash]

I would go for this one:

 

[video=youtube_www;aeCX8UiAIoM]www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeCX8UiAIoM

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Mindy needs our help! Join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a> now to answer Mindy who's feeling left out. Please reply here: <a href="http://t.co/RK8IU2l9b9">http://t.co/RK8IU2l9b9</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/428914332479782912">January 30, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>6 hrs left to answer <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>. Can you help Mindy who's feeling left out? Please reply before midnight, tonight: <a href="http://t.co/RK8IU2l9b9">http://t.co/RK8IU2l9b9</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/428951723076771840">January 30, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>FINAL CALL for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>. Open to all, Mindy needs help feeling part of a group. Please reply before midnight: <a href="http://t.co/ltPH6daTxv">http://t.co/ltPH6daTxv</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/429007598046568448">January 30, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

January 31, 2014 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

 

As you may know, we have a weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday we open questions of a personal nature to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I post a selection of the best answers, alongside my own reply.

 

ANYONE can join in so, if you'd like to, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 250 words, to [email protected] before midnight Thursday 6th February.

 

Have you ever been heartbroken? Because lately I have been. It all started when I broke up with my boyfriend/best friend (biggest mistake ever) a year ago and got consumed by a big depression (6 months).

His father sadly passed away in July, so I made a promise with myself that I would be strong for him and for me. Since then I feel a lot happier with myself. I love him, in the most-unbreakable-friendship way, but still, what should I do with my other feelings? Thanks. Kassandra, Mexico.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

 

The Oracle.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

Including your twitter address may result in a follow back.

[Tash]

January 31, 2014 - submitted by Mindy, Australia

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #154

I feel completely lost. My friends all like each other better than they like me. I used to be the glue, holding everyone together. Organising meet ups, a shoulder to cry on and sorting out disagreements. Now, they seek each other, looking for comfort, advice or a laugh amongst themselves. I haven't been cut out, but they simply do not care about me as much. How do you cope with a realisation like that? What changed? Confused and disappointed.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's possible you're interpreting this differently to them and you may actually be isolating yourself while they carry on as normal regardless.

Let me first say that it sounds like you should be proud of the role you have held amongst your group of friends. It's not easy being the leader and have people rely on you. Perhaps you should relish this time off from that pressure - even if it was a pressure you enjoyed. You can still offer support but perhaps they don't need as much from you just now. It doesn't mean they like you less; they're still your friends.

Friends can & do go through phases of spending time with different people within a group and therefore dynamics often change.

I know it's hard to adjust but maybe it's time to just kick back & have fun with your friends rather than worry about the serious side of what's gone before in the friendships.

Jump in and get involved rather than stay on the sidelines because they may not have noticed what's happening and how it makes you feel.

You could tell them how you feel if you're very troubled but I'd guess this will all work out for you. Put on your best smile and try not to take it personally.

Over to you.

 

“Let's ta-a-alk”! - Communication is the best medicine. Tell them you have the feeling they do not care about you as much and ask them if you did something wrong for them to become distant towards you. You have nothing to lose. If they tell you that you’re being paranoid, just explain that it’s the way you feel. If their distant behaviour is really not deliberate, they will do some soul searching and adapt their attitude. And if there actually is a problem, they may be willing to share it with you. People behave differently when they are in a group as compared to when they are alone. Try to spend time with each of them – one person at a time - to get closer with them again. I don’t know how old you are, but friendships do evolve as we grow up – particularly in teen years because it’s a period of great change. Maybe that’s a clue. But don’t let it break your heart. Take care, Helene.

 

Sometimes old friends of primary or secondary school change. They like others more or they just grow in another direction then you. Here are some possibilities:

You could let them know you still exist. Tell some jokes, be funny. Help those who have trouble, or help with homework.

If this doesn't help, I'm really afraid you are growing in another direction. Most of the time friends have the same hobbies, or like the same things. When they 'grow in another direction,' that means they like other things and other people. In that case I'm afraid you have to search other friends. Friends with the same hobbies, and who like the same music, maybe, or maybe play in the same sport club. Things like that. I know that will be hard, but it is less painful then tell them the truth. That's the third and most difficult option, which I think you shouldn't take. If you tell them you are thinking your friendship fades, and they think it isn't, they won't like that. That will surely work out in a quarrel. Or maybe in the other direction: they tell you they don't like you anymore. Hearing that really hurts.

Now I hope you know what to do, and you're prepared for the worst. I hope it doesn't come so far.

Goodluck, Isabelle.

 

A couple of days ago I missed school and a friend called me saying that everybody missed me and that the day didn't feel the same without my presence. The next day I spent it alone. Why? because they have their own lives and their own friends. Despite I understand your situation I'm afraid I have to be a bit harsh on this one. Dear, you're not the sun and they're not planets orbiting around you. There are going to be times in which the group will separate and they will spent time with other people besides you, but that doesn't mean they're letting you behind on purpose. Sometimes you just got to let them go, if they don't want to cry on your shoulder don't feel rejected or replaced, maybe YOUR shoulder is not what they need at the moment but other person's. It's not that they like each other better than they like you, it's just that maybe they share specific things with specific friends. MDLA.

 

There could be many reasons why your friends don't seem to be as close to you as they were before. They probably do still care about you, but friendships change over the years and sometimes those changes aren't easy to accept. I think you should talk to them about how you feel and tell them you feel a bit left out. They're probably not even aware their behaviour is upsetting you, Sometimes though, for whatever reason, you just grow apart and either you, your friends or both develop different interest. If that's the case, you'll have to try and focus more on the friends you still have things in common with and leave some of your old ones behind(I know it's hard). Good luck! Amanda.

 

There comes a time in your life that you have to realise having good friends is more important than what you actually do with them.

A good friend is someone who will be there for you whether it's every day, week or year to year.

Just because they now don't need your guiding influence doesn't mean that they don't care, it's because you've nurtured those friendships over years and they know where you are if they need you.

Don't feel like they don't care, and just learn to chill and enjoy time with without feeling like you need to be the centre of attention. It makes your life feel a lot more fulfilled when you know you're there whether they need you or not!

Just remember to chill, and find peace with where you are in your circle of friends! Regards, Brendon.

 

This may seem like a cliché advice, but it can really help a lot to talk to your friends about it. Maybe start with only one of them, the person you trust most and you feel will understand your position best. Ask what changed, and tell them that you've been feeling a bit excluded. It might all just be a misunderstanding, and they didn't do it intentionally or didn't realise that they hurt you.

However, if they don't really offer you any explanations or evade your questions, and you feel like you can't really rely on them anymore, it might be best to slowly start building some new friendships & detach yourself a bit from your old circle of friends. They're supposed to offer you support, if they bring you down they're doing a really poor job at being a friend.

I wish you all the best! Friederike.

 

This is our nature and they make themselves more important by slowly pushing you away, don't be the glue anymore just keep on your life, spend more times alone just trying to entertain yourself. You got music you got Coldplay then you got everything and one day they will do know your priceless value as their eternal way of love, Mash.

 

First of all,I think you should talk to your friends about it and how this whole thing is bothering you and if they still continue then MOVE ON. I know it sounds harsh but that's just life. I've been there too. They were like my really close friends. I stopped letting little things like that bother me. Made new friends and I think I've been a happier person. They came around later on but by then I didn't feel the need to be wanted by them because I had a lot of other people in my life who cared and stuck with me throughout. Also I wrote songs about it, helped me cope. Sonam.

 

Circles of friends are strange things as they seem to always be evolving in some way or another. In one way, kudos to you for making your circle of friends a little more independent, maybe too independent from you. You could always try confiding in one or two of them to see if they really have kind of cut you out, and if they really have, then at least you'll know. And if you were the glue in this circle of friends, there is nothing stopping you from being the glue in another circle of friends! Everything will work out for you! Take care, Evan, Canada.

 

Your story is heartfelt. Not sure how old you are, but you will encounter many people in your life, that you will become friends with, moving forward.

Sounds like your group of friends may be struggling with 'self esteem' and in turn 'jealousy'. This may be very difficult for you to grasp. Yes it is confusing, disappointing and I understand your loss.

As hard as it may be, just turn the other cheek, move forward, let it go and make new friends. You will encounter this situation in every stage of life. Your group of friends are knocking you down and are jealous of you. A good friend does not do that. They are in a sense bullying you and now you are not in a happy place. You sound like a very caring and endearing friend, who has great self esteem! Please don't let your group of friends destroy this part of you. Move forward and seek out friends in your life, that keep you in your 'Happy Place'. Wishing you all the best as you move forward! Jacqui.

 

Don't worry I think they just want to change of habits, or they might have personal problems and they don't want to talk about it... but if they are true friends they'll realize you're irreplaceable, that you're a pretty good person and they'll come back to you.

Love, Chariste.

 

I see that you were used to be the one that unite the friendship between your friends, became that one amazing person your friends could share their story with, and the one who always settle things with peace. But sadly you thought your friends "ditched" you after all of the things you've done to them, and all of the friendship you've lingered. However, you know what makes them happy now? You. Without you, no more friendship between them. You are not "used" to be the glue, you are. I bet all of your friends love you more than they love each others!

You're loved, and you'll always be! Joshua.

 

It's really hard if you recognize that your friends don't pay attention to you, I got this so many times and to be honest I finish with those people who only come to me when they have problems. It's maybe better that you speak to them and let them know what's on you're mind. If they don't care you know that they don't deserve you're friendship, I truly hope that they care about you and paying more attention to you! Good luck! Greets Marianne.

 

I've been through this as well with my friends. They always made up plans behind my back, talk behind my back etc. Even though we're best friends. But after a while, things changed again. You just get tired of each other if you're hanging around with each other very often. We've always been close, and now we're closer than ever.

Things will change, trust me. Maybe you just need to take a little break from each other? Or just sit down and have a long chat, talk about it. Either way. I think you need to do what you feel is the best option.

I'm 100% sure everything will be alright soon again. Much Love, Filip, Sweden.

 

Seems your friends treat you like a mom who has pacified some quarrelling kids. They forgot you were on the same level being a friend with them. Remind them, “glue” them to yourself, you could hold the others together, now try it for you. If it doesn’t work they probably first need to get over their childish behaviour. You don’t need to break with them, but I think I would take more distance and seek out for friends who are more on the same wavelength. Don’t worry, you don’t need to accept this state of things, you can change it. Best wishes. L.Q.

 

I'm so sorry about what you are going through. Sometimes I feel the same way, having my friends back when they might not have mine. What you have to do though, is not dwell on the situation. The more you think about it, the harder it will be to face. Tell your friends about how you feel, and I know that might be really hard to do, trust me I know. You don't even have to tell everyone in the group, maybe just one of your friends in that group. And if this doesn't work, find some other friends to hang out with if you are feeling lonely. It's better to be around people that make you happy than people who don't. I hope this will help! I promise you things will get better! Abby.

 

Thanks to all those who replied to this week’s question. Remember, Team Oracle is open to anyone so if you fancy replying, click to read this week's, and send us your answer.