flisolow

Chris Martin has stated in many interviews that this album was inspired by both graffiti in New York City during the 1970s and the White Rose Movement under Nazi Germany. He mentioned that he's fascinated by those who decide to resist against tyrannical forms of oppression. This song is a reflection of that. It depicts a Nazi/Big Brother kind of government or form of control that has, "one eye watching you." The hearing them climbing the stairs part may have references to the White Rose Movement in which the students were on the second floor when they dispersed the pamphlets and were soon after captured by the Gestapo. Research the White Rose movement and focus on oppresive governments and you'll have your meaning.