Set the Fire to the Third Bar

Snow Patrol

About Set the Fire to the Third Bar

"Set the Fire to the Third Bar" is a song from Snow Patrol's fourth album, Eyes Open, featuring Martha Wainwright on vocals. The song was released as a single on 13 November 2006.


Year:
2013
125 
#1

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I find the map and draw a straight line
Over rivers, farms, and state lines
The distance from 'here' to where you'd be
It's only finger-lengths that I see
I touch the place where I'd find your face
My fingers in creases of distant dark places

I hang my coat up in the first bar
There is no peace that I've found so far
The laughter penetrates my silence
As drunken men find flaws in science

Their words mostly noises
Ghosts with just voices
Your words in my memory
Are like music to me

I'm miles from where you are
I lay down on the cold ground
And I pray that something picks me up
And sets me down in your warm arms

After I have traveled so far
We'd set the fire to the third bar
We'd share each other like an island
Until exhausted, close our eyelids
And dreaming, pick up from
The last place we left off
Your soft skin is weeping
A joy you can't keep in

I'm miles from where you are
I lay down on the cold ground
And I pray that something picks me up
And sets me down in your warm arms

I'm miles from where you are
I lay down on the cold ground
And I pray that something picks me up
And sets me down in your warm arms

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Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol are a British alternative rock band formed at the University of Dundee in 1994. The group comprises Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Jonny Quinn (drums), Nathan Connolly (guitar, backing vocals), Paul Wilson (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Tom Simpson (keyboards). (piano, guitar, backing vocals). Initially an indie rock band, their first three records, the EP Starfighter Pilot (1997), and the studio albums Songs for Polarbears (1998) and When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up (2001), were commercially unsuccessful and were released by the independent labels Electric Honey and Jeepster respectively. The band then signed on to the major record label Polydor Records in 2002. more »

7 fans

Written by: Nathan Connolly, Gary Lightbody, Jonny Quinn, Tom Simpson, Paul Wilson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Set the Fire to the Third Bar" was written by the Snow Patrol band members Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Jonny Quinn, and Tom Simpson.
Guest Vocalist
The song features soul singer Martha Wainwright, who provides the female vocals. It is one of the rare moments Snow Patrol chose to collaborate with another artist for a duet.
Album Appearance
The song is a track from Snow Patrol's fourth studio album, "Eyes Open," released in May 2006.
Chart Success
"Set the Fire to the Third Bar" achieved significant commercial success by reaching number 18 in the UK Singles Chart.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Paul McGuigan, features lead singer Gary Lightbody and Martha Wainwright as two lovers trying to find each other in a crowded shopping mall.
Live Performances
On many occasions during live performances, Miriam Kaufmann has taken over the duties of singing Martha Wainwright's part.
Song Meaning
The song lyrics refers to the difficulty of maintaining a long-distance relationship. The "third bar" referred to in the title is the third bar of a heater, implying a letdown or disappointment.
Soundtrack Popularity
The song has been used in various TV shows and movies. For example, it is featured in the "I Am Number Four" film soundtrack and episodes of TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Gavin & Stacey."
Awards
"Set the Fire to the Third Bar" was nominated for the Best Song Musically and Lyrically category at the Ivor Novello Awards in 2007.
Significant Recognition
The song is considered one of Snow Patrol's most popular and enduring hits, continuing to receive radio play and stream well on digital platforms even years after its initial release.

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