September 27, 2012 - submitted by Josh, Argentina

 

Q. Dear Oracle...

Some time ago you asked a question about this missing line from the wonderful The World Turned Upside Down:

 

X is Y

The land, sea, rivers, trees, the stars, the sky

365 degrees

All of the surface and the underneath

????????

ah

And everything under the sun

 

You said Chris doesn't remember what he sang during the recording of the song. But my question is- How do YOU think the missing line goes? I mean, you're an English speaker, so I think it might be easier for you to figure it out than for a Spanish speaker like me, no matter how fluent I might be in English...

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'll let you into a secret... it was actually yours truly (me) who was listening to the songs and writing the lyrics back at that time. I sent The World Turned Upside Down - looking much like it does in your question - to Phil as I couldn't decipher what Chris was saying.

Both he & Chris struggled to work it out too so we just left it as is.

Quite frankly if Chris doesn't know what he's singing, there's not much hope for the rest of us!

September 27, 2012 - submitted by Kimberly, Netherlands

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

I've made a lot of photos during the London Paralympic Closing Ceremony, but you can't download them to the website. Will there come an option to download them on the website??

thank you very much!

Kimberly

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid not, the Paralympics Closing Ceremony wasn't part of the tour nor was it a Coldplay show so we don't include it in our Live Transmissions section.

September 27, 2012 - submitted by Amalie, Denmark

 

Q. Hello Oracle

 

I've got some questions. I was wondering, is Chris very clumsy? There's a lot of videos on youtube, when he's falling on stage. Has any members of the band, ever been violent injured on stage?

Many hugs from Denmark, I love Coldplay and everything about them.

- xoxo, Amalie.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Chris isn't clumsy but yes, he has taken a tumble a few times. I haven't seen him fall for a while so hopefully he's not accident prone these days. He does deliberate falls during the live shows too by the way.

 

Will came a cropper during a performance back in 2009 when he whacked the bell during Viva la Vida so hard, the end of the drumstick (beater) flew off and hit him in the face causing his nose to bleed.

Will came a cropper during a performance back in 2009 when he whacked the bell during Viva la Vida so hard, the end of the drumstick (beater) flew off and hit him in the face causing his nose to bleed.

 

 

THAT WAS IN 2009??? :o:o

i remember it like it was just yesterday...

THAT WAS IN 2009??? :o:o

i remember it like it was just yesterday...

 

:nod:

 

From Roadie #42 - Blog #65 (25 January 2009)

 

I've written a couple of times about the treatment that Will dishes out to the poor old bell on a nightly basis when touring. Well, it would appear that it's spent the Christmas break plotting revenge. Halfway through the first chorus, Will strikes the bell with an almighty clout and the soft beater breaks away from the stick flying off behind him. The balance of the stick is now completely off and Will smacks himself in the face with it. The camera cuts briefly to Will to show a small pool of blood gathering just beside his nose. He's damn lucky not to have removed an eye live on television.

In typical Champion style, he steams ever onwards, refusing to be swerved from course. He throws the errant stick over his shoulder and grabs another without dropping a single beat.

:nod:

 

From Roadie #42 - Blog #65 (25 January 2009)

 

I've written a couple of times about the treatment that Will dishes out to the poor old bell on a nightly basis when touring. Well, it would appear that it's spent the Christmas break plotting revenge. Halfway through the first chorus, Will strikes the bell with an almighty clout and the soft beater breaks away from the stick flying off behind him. The balance of the stick is now completely off and Will smacks himself in the face with it. The camera cuts briefly to Will to show a small pool of blood gathering just beside his nose. He's damn lucky not to have removed an eye live on television.

In typical Champion style, he steams ever onwards, refusing to be swerved from course. He throws the errant stick over his shoulder and grabs another without dropping a single beat.

 

 

Didn't Chris hit himself near the eyebrow playing the bell one handed?? He also got burned on stage as well:thinking:

:nod:

 

From Roadie #42 - Blog #65 (25 January 2009)

 

I've written a couple of times about the treatment that Will dishes out to the poor old bell on a nightly basis when touring. Well, it would appear that it's spent the Christmas break plotting revenge. Halfway through the first chorus, Will strikes the bell with an almighty clout and the soft beater breaks away from the stick flying off behind him. The balance of the stick is now completely off and Will smacks himself in the face with it. The camera cuts briefly to Will to show a small pool of blood gathering just beside his nose. He's damn lucky not to have removed an eye live on television.

In typical Champion style, he steams ever onwards, refusing to be swerved from course. He throws the errant stick over his shoulder and grabs another without dropping a single beat.

Like a boss :charming::nod:

:nod:

 

From Roadie #42 - Blog #65 (25 January 2009)

 

I've written a couple of times about the treatment that Will dishes out to the poor old bell on a nightly basis when touring. Well, it would appear that it's spent the Christmas break plotting revenge. Halfway through the first chorus, Will strikes the bell with an almighty clout and the soft beater breaks away from the stick flying off behind him. The balance of the stick is now completely off and Will smacks himself in the face with it. The camera cuts briefly to Will to show a small pool of blood gathering just beside his nose. He's damn lucky not to have removed an eye live on television.

In typical Champion style, he steams ever onwards, refusing to be swerved from course. He throws the errant stick over his shoulder and grabs another without dropping a single beat.

 

 

Like a baaws. :D

:nod:

 

From Roadie #42 - Blog #65 (25 January 2009)

 

I've written a couple of times about the treatment that Will dishes out to the poor old bell on a nightly basis when touring. Well, it would appear that it's spent the Christmas break plotting revenge. Halfway through the first chorus, Will strikes the bell with an almighty clout and the soft beater breaks away from the stick flying off behind him. The balance of the stick is now completely off and Will smacks himself in the face with it. The camera cuts briefly to Will to show a small pool of blood gathering just beside his nose. He's damn lucky not to have removed an eye live on television.

In typical Champion style, he steams ever onwards, refusing to be swerved from course. He throws the errant stick over his shoulder and grabs another without dropping a single beat.

 

I remember this! But it really does seem like only last year,lol.

 

Who Da Champion?:D

September 28, 2012 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

When I answer questions of a personal nature, Coldplay.com readers often get in touch with their own thoughts. So, we now have a 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.

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 4th October.

 

I'm currently 16 and there is a girl I've liked on and off since I was about 14. We had both liked each other for a while but she drifted away. She's now had a boyfriend for almost 10 months. Recently she came to me and told me that I should play guitar and she should sing at a school event. I was very open to it but then she said that she and her boyfriend are both going to sing it. The lyrics are about being deeply in love with each other.

If I accompany them for an event that would potentially bring them closer together am I betraying my own feelings? This is really tough for me to explain and I hope I'm getting my point across. I just want advice on if it's worth doing this for my friend and crush and possibly bring her and her boyfriend to a whole new level, or should I back out and hope one day I'll have my chance with her. I'm so conflicted with this I don't even know if I'm making sense. Please give me some advice just to get my own thoughts straight so I can decide.

Thank you.

Keith USA

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

September 28, 2012 - submitted by Grace, United States of America

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #89

I've got a problem. I have an amazing boyfriend whom I love to the ends of the Earth, but he was this awful habit of pushing his bitterness upon me. He is easily angered, and blames it upon huge fact that he "has no life". He'll often become angry at me for things beyond my control, and when I try to soothe him it only makes him more angry. It drives me crazy with worry, anger, and sadness. I want him to be happy but I forgive him again and again and he apologizes again and again but he just doesn't change. How can I help him become happy and fulfilled without him pulling me down as well?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid I honestly doubt you can, Grace. I apologize that this week I may seem uncaring or intolerant to your boyfriend's situation; it's because I was in the exact same position for years and it was truly draining and exhausting especially since I was happy other than the strain of trying to fix someone.

I did everything and anything. I drew up a list of things to try. I suggested routes out of the situation. Everything I thought of looked like a winner but would have meant I was going to suffer. I was willing to sacrifice such a lot to make them as happy and fulfilled as I was.

I was told that I was the only good thing in their life and rather than get wrapped up in the romanticism of that statement, I felt nothing but pressure. It was one heck of a burden to carry in fact.

We can't always fix the people we love. For me, it was a little like sticking a plaster over something that really needed surgery!

It's unfair of your boyfriend to put that pressure on you too but the more you do for him and the more you forgive him, the more he will do it. Tough love may work but you need to be strong and realise that you come first - by looking after yourself you may actually be helping him to look after himself.

Only he can do it so please offer support by all means but do not attempt to be his solution. I can tell you from experience it doesn't work.

Don't take it personally but you are enabling him and it might be making the situation worse for you both. There are many things he can do and whether you decide to suggest them and help is up to you but as you say, you are being dragged down with him and that isn't good for you.

I know relationships are about commitment and compromise but it doesn't sound like there's any pay off for you at all. Perhaps some time apart will help because he really needs to sort himself out.

I wish you luck.

Over to you...

 

You mention that he's "amazing", and it seems to me your relationship is healthy. Why don't you talk to him about his anger issues? Be a little strategic about it: ask him when he's in a good mood, and in the kindest possible manner. It's very likely he doesn't grasp the extent to which it makes you "crazy with worry, anger, and sadness". It's probably not the case that he's angry with you, but frustrated with his current situation (job, boss, money, social life) that has nothing to do with you, and just needs some place to vent. That, by itself is a huge indication that he trusts you with his innermost feelings, and has nobody else to confide in.

Perhaps you also have a bad habit that he dislikes, and hides from you. Talk it over. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect relationship. Everyone has his/her own irreparable faults, and compromise and acceptance go a long way towards sustaining relationships. Hope this helps. Hasan.

 

Do something to make him happy, something that he likes to do. It will make him feel comfortable and as though you really love him. Or when ever he seems sad hug him and talk to him, tell him his life means more to you than what he thinks, the problem could be much bigger or much smaller than what you think. If he just wants space leave him alone for a bit, he will sort thing out for himself eventually. Remember if your really in love with him don't be afraid to tell him how you fell, he might not realise that he is hurting you that much. If he doesn't stop up setting both himself and you, find someone else, you shouldn't have to put up with someone that's going to upset you that much!!! What ever happens I hope you guys work it out and make a better life for both of you guys. Grace.

 

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you and your boyfriend are having. I know it can be difficult for many people to face what's really making them angry and they can project their anger onto the people they are closest to. It seems that the two of you have been going in a circle of blame and anger then forgiveness,then back to anger and nothing is being resolved. I'm sure there are many positive traits about your guy and you obviously care for and love him. I'm sure it would be difficult for both of you but perhaps the best thing is for you to take a break from the relationship and insist that he get some professional help to look inside himself and really see why he is feeling so unhappy and dissatisfied. I'm sure you have his best interest at heart but there's only so much you can do for him and you need to take care of yourself too. Good Luck, Eleanor.

 

I know exactly what you are going through, sometimes people just can't seem to be wanting happiness in there life, no matter what you do to make him happy. You need to remind him that you love him but his behaviour makes you miserable, that he needs to old still and not dive into his bitterness if he wants to happily be with you. Try to understand why he feels so frustrated and angry, there's gotta be a real reason that troubles him. Try to avoid every arguments by being joyfull and wicked, that fighting is a waste of time, that you don't need to fight to prove your love to each other. Show him how simple life can be if he just stops being frustrated and angry, simply enjoy life and love, the best way to love and to be loved is to be yourself and to enjoy every moments.

He may need to be reassured, be soft and understanding, imagine the torture he is doing to himself every time he pushes his bitterness upon you, I'm sure he means well, he is just lost into his anger.

Just be patient and loving, Charlene from Paris.

 

That is a really tough situation to be in. I think you shouldn't take too real seriously when he pushes his bitterness upon you. Try to make him think about things 'lightly' and focus on spending time together a living a healthy life. And not about things that cause anger. Natalie.

 

I am sure you have heard the phrase "life is what you make it " and it is perhaps interesting this phrase is never "life is what someone else does for you " . We are all inherently responsible for our own happiness and our own fulfillment in life. No one can or should be allowed to drag us down with them, it's all well and good to do all we can to help someone depressed. But there comes a time when ultimately they will determine their own course . It may sound selfish but you need to ask yourself what this persons bitterness is doing to you . I would recommend you get out and enjoy life and you need to remember that if someone has no life or they say those words. It's no fault of yours . Don't accept blame for someone else's lack of motivation to change, you need to speak frankly to this person about how he is making you feel and how it affects you. Do what you can to help but understand they may need something much more than you can provide. Suggest a professional counsellor who may get to the root of the bitterness. In the meantime, enjoy your life and good things will happen. Take care, Laurie.

 

Both of you should write a list of all the strengths in your relationship, and another list of everything that needs attention. Compare each other's lists and talk to him about what concerns you and what you want. It is also important that you understand that he is the only person who can change himself. You can help him along but he will not change until he is ready. In the mean time, plan a fun trip with him and see if that helps him escape and lighten his mood. If he still continues to drain your happiness and well-being, it might be time to reconsider where you stand in his life and in yours. Remember, your fulfillment and happiness is just as important as his! Best of luck, Blake.

 

I'm sorry to break it to you, but it is possible that your boyfriend may have a touch of Narcissism that has bloomed a tad bit beyond the healthy flower that all of us possess. Becoming angry about things beyond another's control is one hint, and not being soothable is another. You could wait until he hits his later years when he may mellow out naturally, but he's your boyfriend not your husband so I think that's ill advised. You can chose to accept the barking sometimes biting dog that you know and love and find, with some help, where his behavior is completely not about you. That IS truly a bunch of work, and you have to be seriously into diving into a journey to find peace no matter what storm swirls around you. Or, you can see that today's behavior is a strong predictor for the future, and decide that a life of "worry, anger, and sadness" just isn't your best played hand for this life. Bitter pill, bitter life. He's not going to change without some intervention - if he's willing, and often Narcissists are not. Best to you Grace. J.

 

This 'amazing' guy of yours doesn't sound very amazing to me.

At least he doesn't seem to know how to behave in an amazing way, so much is clear.

You ask of the Oracle what to do, and yet, you have already done a wise thing.

That is sharing your thoughts with other people.

Which is a good and smart thing to do.

To be quite honest with you, I don't like your amazing boyfriend for a second. Greetings from Rames.

 

It seems like your boyfriend may be struggling with things beyond your control. If you love him so much, all you really can do is just be patient and continue to be there for him. Give him some time to cool off, maybe he will find his own way back. But if that doesn’t work after a while, let him know where you stand. Let him know that you want to help in any way you can, but that he needs to be more considerate and not take his frustration out on you. A relationship is a two-way street - both sides need to be invested for it to work, and maybe he needs to be reminded of that. Finally, I just want to say that I find it admirable how you’re still by his side, supporting him. He’s very lucky to have you. Hope everything works out! I wish you all the best. Medina.

 

It seems like love is blinding you, and his desire to not take responsibility is blinding him. If you really want to be happy, you should let him know that the way he treats you is not okay, nor is it healthy for your relationship. I know it's painful, but if he can't love you the way you should be and change for you, you should let him go. This is a destructive relationship that will hold you back if nothing changes. Best wishes.

 

I think, from what you have said, you are handling your situation really well, but does your boyfriend think so? Does he know the trauma that he is putting you through? Remember though, you have not done anything wrong, he just loves you and knows that you will forgive him! I would definitely try speaking to him about the problem! He should be able to understand, and maybe eventually you can resolve this issue.

All the best, Lynsey.

 

Truth be told, one can only be happy if one wants to be happy. In this case, no matter how much you try to make your boyfriend happy, if he himself does not want to be happy - all your efforts are put to waste. Instead, you’re like his punching bag. While it would be hard to make the best decision, you’ll have to think about what makes you happy. If being in this relationship only makes you even more angry, sad and bitter despite trying so hard, something (or someone) needs to make the change. And for the better too. In everything we do, always make sure to take care of ourselves first. Then only we can make others happy. It won’t be easy but in long run, whatever you decide from here on will make the difference in the future. Good luck!- Dian, Malaysia.

 

Thanks to all our responders. Remember, Team Oracle is open to anyone so if you fancy replying, click to read this week's, and send us your answer.

October 1, 2012 - submitted by Grace, Australia

 

Q. Hi, i was wondering if Guy was still in the band Apparatjik and if Chris is still in the band Kinski.

Thanks :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Guy is still a part of - rather than "in" - Apparatjik.

Chris on the other hand is not and never was in the band Kinski. Chris Martin yes, but not our Chris Martin.

October 1, 2012 - submitted by Rachel, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi, I was just wondering where the painting that was on the Viva La Vida (or death & all his friends) album's cover is now? I heard it was in the Nouve museum in Paris, is this true? :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Ah, not quite..

Viva's cover is of the painting Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix and it is in Paris but at the Musee du Louvre.

October 2, 2012 - submitted by Rutger, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hey Oracle!

 

I think I know the lyrics in The World Turned Upside Down because I am always singing along with it. I think it is:

 

"Searching your mellow and outsings your key, ah"

 

Maybe it's wrong, but that's what I think it is ;)

 

cheers,

 

Rutger

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid that many people wrote in with the same suggestion as you Rutger but as you were the first... it is not that.

It would appear that people seem to think that lyric websites know better than Chris! Trust me, I listened to that song hundreds of times trying to figure it out which is why I decided to ask the man himself.

The thing is, sometimes Chris sings random or nonsensical things during the writing process. Some of those did remain in recorded songs as could be the case here.

October 2, 2012 - submitted by Paula, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

I keep discovering old Coldplay songs on Youtube that are not recorded on any CD, like Sleeping Sun, and such. Could you please post a list of all these songs? That'd be wonderful!

Thank you!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid I am not going to list them all as there are hundreds but there shouldn't be any songs on YouTube that can't be found on a CD. In fact, Sleeping Sun can - it was a track on the Talk single.

Here is a list of all our recordings.

October 3, 2012 - submitted by Pau, Argentina

 

Q. Hello there! :D

 

My question is simple as well as the answer I suppose.

After Glastonbury 2011 Will and Chris were interviewed and if I'm not wrong it was made very clear that Will doesn't own a drum set. I mean, one to practice at home (?)

Did he already buy one?

Love

Pau

 

PS: Besides he's a terrific drummer, a master!, I don't think he needs practicing when they have 180 shows each year uh? Top of all (his awesomeness) he's my favourite but please don't tell him what am I saying. GO TELL HIM! ;D

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Will did say that he doesn't own his own drum kit but he wasn't intending to buy one so he still doesn't have one. If he wants to play or practise etc. he can just go to the studio...

October 3, 2012 - submitted by Jameson, United States of America

 

Q. G'day, Oracle!

 

Just a quick question for you: there's a shot in the Paradise music video at 1:41 where elephant Chris is walking across empty train tracks. There is a very similar shot in the The Scientist music video at 2:00.

 

Do you know if the music video director's intent was to paying homage to the past vid with the shot in Paradise? Just curious, is all.

 

Thanks for your time! Hope you're having a good one!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Nope, no homage; just coincidence.

October 3, 2012 - submitted by Jeanette , United States of America

 

Q. Hi Oracle :)

Did Chris ever feature in a rap song? Like in the chorus of it. I heard this song the other day with Kanye West (I think) and it sounded just like Chris during the chorus (and the piano part maybe..?) So I was just wondering if it really was him.

Thanks!

-Jeanette

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The song you heard was

and is indeed Kanye featuring Chris on vocals / piano.

Chris also features on Jay Z's Beach Chair.

Here[/url] is a list of all our recordings.

Looking at this reminds me of how that Art History project went kaput. :|

Looking at this reminds me of how that Art History project went kaput. :|

 

It's almost two years ago since the last one (link) : (

link[/url]) : (

 

2 years? Man, time flies :shocked2:

I really liked the Art History project actually :sad:

link[/url]) : (

And the funny (?) thing is, that one isn't even linked on the Recordings page (the first two are).

October 4, 2012 - submitted by Rocio, Guatemala

 

Q. Hi

 

I have two questions:

 

1. Could you tell me whose idea was to record Homecoming (Kanye West ft Chris Martin)? I love that song...

 

And 2. How can I practice my English? I need to practice speaking and writing but I would like to practice with someone that lives in London, I have gone to academies but I doubt they can help me more. I've reached the top, any suggestions?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Coldplay were performing for a BBC Radio 2 show at Abbey Road Studios back in February (the day before Valentine's Day), 2006. Kanye was also in the studio at the time.

There was an impromptu jamming session with Chris and that's where Homecoming came from.

 

I am wary of suggesting how best to practise your English.

Maybe you could look for someone on a forum (coldplaying.com for example) and ask someone if they're happy to set up a Skype or webchat of some kind so you can speak in English.

Stay safe!

October 4, 2012 - submitted by Beate, Germany

 

Q. Dear Oracle

At the Hannover live blog Chris was hiding behind a bottle of a famous German beer (Becks) and I saw other older picture of the Coldplay members with that beer. Is this their favourite German beer? I like it too

Best wishes for all Beate, Germany.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

That photo wasn't really about the beer; it was about who was on the label on the bottle.

 

You see, Beck’s have launched the Beck’s Art Label - their beer-bottles have labels by artists rather than beer-labels.

One of those artists is Anton Corbijn who has collaborated with Coldplay on various things including music videos and the

project.

 

The venues decide which beer to put in the dressing rooms and I recall in Leipzig there were a couple of German beers.

Chris didn't drink that by the way...

Maybe you could look for someone on a forum (coldplaying.com for example) and ask someone if they're happy to set up a Skype or webchat of some kind so you can speak in English.

 

Shout-out! :wacko: