Devastating in its Simplicity

[Our Escape]

I was once told a story about Picaso that goes a little like this:

 

___________________________________________________________

 

A critic once went to meet Picaso in his studio, upon entering she looked around the room unimpressed by his work. It was not until she was about to leave that she came across a simple drawing on the floor no more than a few lines and squiggles scrawled on a piece of paper, it had clearly taken no more than a minute, she picked it up staring at it. She was overcome by its beauty, its majesty, its simplicity... she stood there devastated, overwhelmed by the piece. When she asked Picaso how long it had taken him he replied "All of my life."

 

___________________________________________________________

 

This is what we must keep in mind when listening to UiF, it is not meant to be a complex story... it is about that moment that one simple moment when your realize its over. Be it throwing away a picture or erasing a name, when things end its usually not with a bang its with one simple gesture... wars end when papers are signed, days end when the sun sets. If this song had complex lyrics it would defeat the whole purpose of the song, and I think if you have experienced this phenomenon when you realize something is over throughout the smallest of actions then you understand this weight of this song.

 

Also, as far as we know, this is the last song that Chris wrote... and if like Picaso he feels as if this was his masterpiece, a culmination of all his lives work then maybe thats why he feels like its their last album.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[Prospector]

Haven't listen to the song yet, I'll wait until 24 October, but that was a wise choice of words.

[pnapsty]

You sir are a wise man

[ticking_clocks]

This was such a good read, and it inspires even more appreciation in me for the simple and amazing song.

[Kiame]

Thank you.

 

Some people on this forum are just full of nonsense. You don't need to defend the song. People have already made up their minds as to whether they hate MX material or not. They complain because Paradise's music is too complex. They complain because Up In Flames' is too simple. They complain because the band doesn't play indie rock music anymore. They complain because Chris doesn't write angst filled lyrics anymore. They complain because Rihanna is on the album, and despite them not even hearing the song, they hate it - because Rihanna is soooo mainstream and is therefore not worthy to be on the album. They complain because Hurts Like Heaven has distorted, auto tuned backing vocals and willingly assume that the whole song on the record is going to sound like that. They complain because Every Teardrop is a Waterfall has imagery they don't like. They love to complain.

 

But what annoys me most of all is the fact they complain because Coldplay are following their own artistic desires. They fail to understand that all great art is left up to to the vision of the artist - not the consumer. So because they don't like the direction Coldplay are taking, they started yelling "Sellouts!" or "Corruption!" or "mainstream!". Three things they should know by now that the boys would never, ever do. They blame Chris, fame, Brian Eno, fashion and even Gwyneth. They then cite they are fans of Radiohead, as it is some elitist badge of good taste, to make sure everyone understands that they are the ones who are the judge of good music.

 

Yes, you're completely right about Up in Flames. It's obviously about the realisation of something ending and the feeling that it brings. It's such a strong feeling it can only be explained so simply. Attempting to write complex lyrics with this theme would sound contrived. It reminds me of Fix You - another incredibly simple song from a lyrical perspective, but it's simplicity is what makes it carry such a strong message. The analogies Chris makes in the song are painfully simple - and that is what makes the song so raw. It sounds like a rough draft, it sound like someone has just scratched it out on paper in a feeling of incredible loss. It's beautiful.

 

And I feel the same way about Up in Flames. I've given up trying to defend Coldplay's music. I honestly believe the haters aren't thinking thoroughly enough about the material. Once you make the decision to give up your free time by writing shit about someone else's music on an internet message board and desperately try to convince others to feel the same - you give up the ability to change your mind. You just get entrenched in the view you chose to hold because you like to feel like a victim or that you've been wronged.

[Batman]

 

Just my 2 cents.

They're worth a fortune!

 

A very nice and convincing post :)

[lifeincoldplaycolor]

Thank you.

 

Some people on this forum are just full of nonsense. You don't need to defend the song. People have already made up their minds as to whether they hate MX material or not. They complain because Paradise's music is too complex. They complain because Up In Flames' is too simple. They complain because the band doesn't play indie rock music anymore. They complain because Chris doesn't write angst filled lyrics anymore. They complain because Rihanna is on the album, and despite them not even hearing the song, they hate it - because Rihanna is soooo mainstream and is therefore not worthy to be on the album. They complain because Hurts Like Heaven has distorted, auto tuned backing vocals and willingly assume that the whole song on the record is going to sound like that. They complain because Every Teardrop is a Waterfall has imagery they don't like. They love to complain.

 

But what annoys me most of all is the fact they complain because Coldplay are following their own artistic desires. They fail to understand that all great art is left up to to the vision of the artist - not the consumer. So because they don't like the direction Coldplay are taking, they started yelling "Sellouts!" or "Corruption!" or "mainstream!". Three things they should know by now that the boys would never, ever do. They blame Chris, fame, Brian Eno, fashion and even Gwyneth. They then cite they are fans of Radiohead, as it is some elitist badge of good taste, to make sure everyone understands that they are the ones who are the judge of good music.

 

Yes, you're completely right about Up in Flames. It's obviously about the realisation of something ending and the feeling that it brings. It's such a strong feeling it can only be explained so simply. Attempting to write complex lyrics with this theme would sound contrived. It reminds me of Fix You - another incredibly simple song from a lyrical perspective, but it's simplicity is what makes it carry such a strong message. The analogies Chris makes in the song are painfully simple - and that is what makes the song so raw. It sounds like a rough draft, it sound like someone has just scratched it out on paper in a feeling of incredible loss. It's beautiful.

 

And I feel the same way about Up in Flames. I've given up trying to defend Coldplay's music. I honestly believe the haters aren't thinking thoroughly enough about the material. Once you make the decision to give up your free time by writing shit about someone else's music on an internet message board and desperately try to convince others to feel the same - you give up the ability to change your mind. You just get entrenched in the view you chose to hold because you like to feel like a victim or that you've been wronged.

 

well let me tell you something art is a common sense and something people understand and share, it is meant to be for the people not for artists.....and it doesn't matter if you take a new direction just make it be creative so your argument is invalid and Up in Flames sucks

[Cleggy]

I think this was indeed the last thing that Chris wrote. That's probably where the lyrics 'it's over' came from. He was referring to the album being completed due to the last song being written,

[Batman]

well let me tell you something art is a common sense and something people understand and share, it is meant to be for the people not for artists.....and it doesn't matter if you take a new direction just make it be creative so your argument is invalid and Up in Flames sucks

'The hell are you talking about? Don't you think music is art as well? And what do you mean with common sense? Have you ever been in an abstract art museum in front of a plain blue picture that is 5x6 meters in diameter? How's that common sense?

[BenSpeirs]

Major props to the OP and to Kiame, I don't think it could be put any better than that.

 

Up In Flames is a beautiful composition and I know that by listening to a mediocre quality video; it's worrying how breathtaking the studio version is going to sound if I'm honest!

[Kiame]

well let me tell you something art is a common sense and something people understand and share, it is meant to be for the people not for artists.....and it doesn't matter if you take a new direction just make it be creative so your argument is invalid and Up in Flames sucks

 

 

That's about the amount of depth your post has. You don't seem to be very intelligent.

[WeddingDom]

Nice post :)

 

Today I was crying while listening to this song, so simple so awesome :dazzled:

[Our Escape]

 

That's about the amount of depth your post has. You don't seem to be very intelligent.

 

My god... that picture it changes everything. This song is now officially about bread... no not just bread, toast... BREAD going UP IN FLAMES and turning into TOAST!

[lifeincoldplaycolor]

 

That's about the amount of depth your post has. You don't seem to be very intelligent.

 

i'm sorry for being stupid,if i offended you please visit this and accept my apologies.

Edit:link removed

[Samuel_94]

I was once told a story about Picaso that goes a little like this:

 

___________________________________________________________

 

A critic once went to meet Picaso in his studio, upon entering she looked around the room unimpressed by his work. It was not until she was about to leave that she came across a simple drawing on the floor no more than a few lines and squiggles scrawled on a piece of paper, it had clearly taken no more than a minute, she picked it up staring at it. She was overcome by its beauty, its majesty, its simplicity... she stood there devastated, overwhelmed by the piece. When she asked Picaso how long it had taken him he replied "All of my life."

 

___________________________________________________________

 

This is what we must keep in mind when listening to UiF, it is not meant to be a complex story... it is about that moment that one simple moment when your realize its over. Be it throwing away a picture or erasing a name, when things end its usually not with a bang its with one simple gesture... wars end when papers are signed, days end when the sun sets. If this song had complex lyrics it would defeat the whole purpose of the song, and I think if you have experienced this phenomenon when you realize something is over throughout the smallest of actions then you understand this weight of this song.

 

Also, as far as we know, this is the last song that Chris wrote... and if like Picaso he feels as if this was his masterpiece, a culmination of all his lives work then maybe thats why he feels like its their last album.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

This is a very very valid point. I agree wholeheartedly. The only bad thing is about he being his best work so it will be the end of them. I think they all love music so much that the urge will always be there and they will never split up!!!!

[ColdplayingfromKansas]

I was once told a story about Picaso that goes a little like this:

 

___________________________________________________________

 

A critic once went to meet Picaso in his studio, upon entering she looked around the room unimpressed by his work. It was not until she was about to leave that she came across a simple drawing on the floor no more than a few lines and squiggles scrawled on a piece of paper, it had clearly taken no more than a minute, she picked it up staring at it. She was overcome by its beauty, its majesty, its simplicity... she stood there devastated, overwhelmed by the piece. When she asked Picaso how long it had taken him he replied "All of my life."

 

___________________________________________________________

 

This is what we must keep in mind when listening to UiF, it is not meant to be a complex story... it is about that moment that one simple moment when your realize its over. Be it throwing away a picture or erasing a name, when things end its usually not with a bang its with one simple gesture... wars end when papers are signed, days end when the sun sets. If this song had complex lyrics it would defeat the whole purpose of the song, and I think if you have experienced this phenomenon when you realize something is over throughout the smallest of actions then you understand this weight of this song.

 

Also, as far as we know, this is the last song that Chris wrote... and if like Picaso he feels as if this was his masterpiece, a culmination of all his lives work then maybe thats why he feels like its their last album.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

THIS.

 

Thank you.

 

Some people on this forum are just full of nonsense. You don't need to defend the song. People have already made up their minds as to whether they hate MX material or not. They complain because Paradise's music is too complex. They complain because Up In Flames' is too simple. They complain because the band doesn't play indie rock music anymore. They complain because Chris doesn't write angst filled lyrics anymore. They complain because Rihanna is on the album, and despite them not even hearing the song, they hate it - because Rihanna is soooo mainstream and is therefore not worthy to be on the album. They complain because Hurts Like Heaven has distorted, auto tuned backing vocals and willingly assume that the whole song on the record is going to sound like that. They complain because Every Teardrop is a Waterfall has imagery they don't like. They love to complain.

 

But what annoys me most of all is the fact they complain because Coldplay are following their own artistic desires. They fail to understand that all great art is left up to to the vision of the artist - not the consumer. So because they don't like the direction Coldplay are taking, they started yelling "Sellouts!" or "Corruption!" or "mainstream!". Three things they should know by now that the boys would never, ever do. They blame Chris, fame, Brian Eno, fashion and even Gwyneth. They then cite they are fans of Radiohead, as it is some elitist badge of good taste, to make sure everyone understands that they are the ones who are the judge of good music.

 

Yes, you're completely right about Up in Flames. It's obviously about the realisation of something ending and the feeling that it brings. It's such a strong feeling it can only be explained so simply. Attempting to write complex lyrics with this theme would sound contrived. It reminds me of Fix You - another incredibly simple song from a lyrical perspective, but it's simplicity is what makes it carry such a strong message. The analogies Chris makes in the song are painfully simple - and that is what makes the song so raw. It sounds like a rough draft, it sound like someone has just scratched it out on paper in a feeling of incredible loss. It's beautiful.

 

And I feel the same way about Up in Flames. I've given up trying to defend Coldplay's music. I honestly believe the haters aren't thinking thoroughly enough about the material. Once you make the decision to give up your free time by writing shit about someone else's music on an internet message board and desperately try to convince others to feel the same - you give up the ability to change your mind. You just get entrenched in the view you chose to hold because you like to feel like a victim or that you've been wronged.

 

 

AND THIS.

 

Now I haven't been here on the forums long enough to know if people always go this crazy over an album release, but from what I've read I honestly do not know how Chris can call us the best fans in the world. First, we criticize for the lyrics being shallow, for the synths that drown out the sounds of a piano pedal being pushed to the floor, or the twang of a guitar string being plucked. We complain that Coldplay has turned their backs on their roots and become just another sell-out pop group that no one will remember in five years' time.

 

Then we criticize for the simplicity. There's not enough there. It's boring. Too little guitar work. The bass drum is too loud.

 

And then the collaborations. Yes, I understand why people would be upset about the Rihanna collaborations or the sampling from Peter Allen and (supposedly) Leonard Cohen, but to say the song sucks or that Coldplay don't know what they're doing before they're heard the song just isn't right. I know people's tempers can get heated--especially at this point when all we can do is sit and wait either for a leak or October 24th--but I feel it's gotten a little out of control at this point.

 

Coldplay have never disappointed us, guys. They pour every bit of themselves into making records for us: the fans. They aren't going to stop doing that just because their style has changed.

 

All I can say is: Don't panic, and don't lose your trust.

 

 

My apologies for the long post.

[DukeNewcomb]

It's funny cause up in flames took them like 2 weeks :P

[chuck kottke]

Not all is lost - the remnants of the fire resurrected as a flower wagon. :daisy:

[viva la justin]

Thank you.

 

Some people on this forum are just full of nonsense. You don't need to defend the song. People have already made up their minds as to whether they hate MX material or not. They complain because Paradise's music is too complex. They complain because Up In Flames' is too simple. They complain because the band doesn't play indie rock music anymore. They complain because Chris doesn't write angst filled lyrics anymore. They complain because Rihanna is on the album, and despite them not even hearing the song, they hate it - because Rihanna is soooo mainstream and is therefore not worthy to be on the album. They complain because Hurts Like Heaven has distorted, auto tuned backing vocals and willingly assume that the whole song on the record is going to sound like that. They complain because Every Teardrop is a Waterfall has imagery they don't like. They love to complain.

 

But what annoys me most of all is the fact they complain because Coldplay are following their own artistic desires. They fail to understand that all great art is left up to to the vision of the artist - not the consumer. So because they don't like the direction Coldplay are taking, they started yelling "Sellouts!" or "Corruption!" or "mainstream!". Three things they should know by now that the boys would never, ever do. They blame Chris, fame, Brian Eno, fashion and even Gwyneth. They then cite they are fans of Radiohead, as it is some elitist badge of good taste, to make sure everyone understands that they are the ones who are the judge of good music.

 

Yes, you're completely right about Up in Flames. It's obviously about the realisation of something ending and the feeling that it brings. It's such a strong feeling it can only be explained so simply. Attempting to write complex lyrics with this theme would sound contrived. It reminds me of Fix You - another incredibly simple song from a lyrical perspective, but it's simplicity is what makes it carry such a strong message. The analogies Chris makes in the song are painfully simple - and that is what makes the song so raw. It sounds like a rough draft, it sound like someone has just scratched it out on paper in a feeling of incredible loss. It's beautiful.

 

And I feel the same way about Up in Flames. I've given up trying to defend Coldplay's music. I honestly believe the haters aren't thinking thoroughly enough about the material. Once you make the decision to give up your free time by writing shit about someone else's music on an internet message board and desperately try to convince others to feel the same - you give up the ability to change your mind. You just get entrenched in the view you chose to hold because you like to feel like a victim or that you've been wronged.

 

My god, I couldn't agree more. Wow.

[Major_Love]

Some people on this forum are just full of nonsense. You don't need to defend the song. People have already made up their minds as to whether they hate MX material or not. They complain because Paradise's music is too complex. They complain because Up In Flames' is too simple. They complain because the band doesn't play indie rock music anymore. They complain because Chris doesn't write angst filled lyrics anymore. They complain because Rihanna is on the album, and despite them not even hearing the song, they hate it - because Rihanna is soooo mainstream and is therefore not worthy to be on the album. They complain because Hurts Like Heaven has distorted, auto tuned backing vocals and willingly assume that the whole song on the record is going to sound like that. They complain because Every Teardrop is a Waterfall has imagery they don't like. They love to complain.

 

But what annoys me most of all is the fact they complain because Coldplay are following their own artistic desires. They fail to understand that all great art is left up to to the vision of the artist - not the consumer. So because they don't like the direction Coldplay are taking, they started yelling "Sellouts!" or "Corruption!" or "mainstream!". Three things they should know by now that the boys would never, ever do. They blame Chris, fame, Brian Eno, fashion and even Gwyneth. They then cite they are fans of Radiohead, as it is some elitist badge of good taste, to make sure everyone understands that they are the ones who are the judge of good music.

 

Yes, you're completely right about Up in Flames. It's obviously about the realisation of something ending and the feeling that it brings. It's such a strong feeling it can only be explained so simply. Attempting to write complex lyrics with this theme would sound contrived. It reminds me of Fix You - another incredibly simple song from a lyrical perspective, but it's simplicity is what makes it carry such a strong message. The analogies Chris makes in the song are painfully simple - and that is what makes the song so raw. It sounds like a rough draft, it sound like someone has just scratched it out on paper in a feeling of incredible loss. It's beautiful.

 

And I feel the same way about Up in Flames. I've given up trying to defend Coldplay's music. I honestly believe the haters aren't thinking thoroughly enough about the material. Once you make the decision to give up your free time by writing shit about someone else's music on an internet message board and desperately try to convince others to feel the same - you give up the ability to change your mind. You just get entrenched in the view you chose to hold because you like to feel like a victim or that you've been wronged.

 

Big thanks to you! Thats exactly what I said some days ago but you express it 1000 times better.

 

It feels so depressing to see the way HOW they critizise the band. They lost all respect. Don't get me wrong: Its not the point that they don't like the songs. Its just the missing respect for the four guys who gave everything to make a great record. Naturally, if you break with all boundaries in music there will always a part which won't like this new touch but even if you don't like the song you can accept it in a way and respect the band's spirit.

[Kiame]

i'm sorry for being stupid,if i offended you please visit this and accept my apologies

 

Lol, fuck off troll.

[JackZ]

While this is a great story about how something simple can be beautiful and how even the smallest things we do can equate from the sum of our life experiences, it has nothing to do with the arguments about Up In Flames. People who like it are devastated by its simplicity, those who do not find it boring. It's not going to change their mind to say, "Well, it's supposed to sound like that," because they know that, and still don't like it.

 

I haven;t listened so I have no opinion.