You Are a Tourist

Death Cab for Cutie

About You Are a Tourist

"You Are a Tourist" is a song by American band Death Cab for Cutie, the first single from their seventh album Codes and Keys, released on 29 March 2011. The single topped the US Billboard Alternative Songs, Adult Alternative Songs, and Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles charts, as well as reaching number three on the US Billboard Rock Songs chart. "You Are a Tourist" is Death Cab for Cutie's first (and currently only) number one alternative hit, and their highest charting single on the US alternative chart to date.  


Year:
2011
4:46
85 
#1

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(This... Fire... Grows... High...)
(This... Fire... Grows... High...)
(This... Fire... Grows... High...)
(This... Fire... Grows... High...)

When there's a burning in your heart
An endless fury in your heart
Build it bigger than the sun
Let it grow
Let it grow
And there's a burning in your heart
Don't be alarmed

(This... Fire... Grows... High...)

When there's a doubt in your mind
'Cause you think it all the time
Framin' rights into wrongs
Move along
Move along
When there's a doubt within your mind

When there's a burning in your heart
And you think it'll burst apart
Oh, there's nothing to fear
Save the tears
Save the tears

When there's a burning in your heart

And if you feel just like a tourist in the city you were born
Then, it's time to go
And you find your destination with so many different places to call home
'Cause when you find yourself a villain,
In the story you have written
It's plain to see
That sometimes the best intentions
Are in need of redemption
Would you agree
If so, please show me

(This... Fire... Grows... High...)
(This... Fire... Grows... High...)

When there's a burning in your heart,
When there's a burning in your heart, (This... Fire... Grows... High...)
When there's a burning in your heart, (This... Fire... Grows... High...)
(This... Fire... Grows... High...)
When there's a burning in your heart, (This... Fire... Grows... High...)
(This... Fire... Grows... High...)
When there's a burning in your heart.

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Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie is an American alternative rock band formed in Bellingham, Washington in 1997. The band consists of Ben Gibbard (vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Walla (guitar, production, keyboards), Nick Harmer (bass) and Jason McGerr (drums). Death Cab for Cutie's music has been labeled as indie rock, indie pop, emo, and alternative rock, and is noted for its use of unconventional instruments as well as Gibbard's unique lyrical style. The band has released seven studio albums, five EPs, and one demo to date. The group takes its name from a song by The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band featured in The Beatles' 1967 film, Magical Mystery Tour. more »

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Written by: BENJAMIN GIBBARD

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Release Information
"You Are a Tourist" is the lead single from Death Cab for Cutie’s seventh studio album, "Codes and Keys," which was released in 2011.
Song's Success
The song reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in the US. This achievement marked the first time the band ever had a number one single on the chart.
Unique Music Video
The music video for "You Are a Tourist" was broadcasted live on the internet, making it the first-ever live, scripted, one-take music video to be aired as such. The video was directed by Tim Nackashi and was broadcast on April 5, 2011.
Song's Genre
The song infuses elements of indie rock, alternative rock, and pop, showcasing Death Cab's distinctive musical style and evolution.
Lyrical Significance
Lyrics penned by the band's lead singer, Ben Gibbard, presents an explorative theme. This song is about finding oneself and looking for something meaningful in life, a thematic departure from their earlier works which tended to focus more on lost love and heartbreak.
Band Members' Role
In the making of "You Are a Tourist," Ben Gibbard not only contributed vocals, but also played the guitar. The bass guitar was entrusted to Nick Harmer, the drums to Jason McGerr, while the keyboards and guitar were handled by Chris Walla.
Public Reception
The single received widespread acclaim both from fans and critics. They praised the song’s lyrical depth and distinct sound, citing it as proof of the band’s continuous growth and development in their music career.
Live Performances
"You Are a Tourist" is regularly performed at the band's live shows and has become one of the fan-favorites due to its engaging and anthemic nature.
Awards and Recognition
Despite its commercial success, "You Are a Tourist" didn't receive any notable awards; however, it contributed significantly to the overall success of the "Codes and Keys" album which bagged the band a Grammy nomination in the Best Alternative Music category in 2012.

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    "You Are a Tourist Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/23286319/Death+Cab+for+Cutie/You+Are+a+Tourist>.

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