The Stairs

INXS

About The Stairs

"The Stairs" is the fifth single by INXS taken from their album X. It was only ever released in The Netherlands to coincide with the release of the Live Baby Live album and as such is an extremely rare and valuable collectors item. The song was written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence as part of the sessions for the X album in 1990. Michael Hutchence explained in an interview with Newsday in February 1991, that "'The Stairs' is the most ambitious song I've ever written". The tune is about singular city life: "Building to building / street to street ...". Andrew Farris spoke about the track in an interview with Spin in 1990, explaining that the song "deals with people in highly urbanized environments not communicating. We should have town squares like they used to have where people go to these little socially instituted environments where it's fashionable. Personally, I don't think fashion and trends are really going to solve the world's problems." The song was used by CBS-TV over the closing credits at the end of their broadcast coverage of the 1994 Winter Olympics. 


Year:
2013
4:56
289 
#1

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In a room above a busy street
The echoes of a life
The fragments and the accidents
Separated by incidents

Listen to by the walls
We share the same spaces
Repeated in the corridors
Performing the same movements

Storey to storey
Building to building
Street to street
We pass each other

Storey to storey
Building to building
Street to street
We pass each other

Listen to by the walls
We share the same spaces
Repeated in the corridors
Performing the same movements

The nature of your tragedy
Is chained around your neck
Do you lead or are you lead?
Are you sure that you don't care?

There are reasons here to give your life
And follow in your way
The passion lives to keep your faith
Though all are different, all are great

Climbing as we fall
We dare to hold on to our fate
And steal away our destiny
To catch ourselves with quiet grace

Storey to storey
Building to building
Street to street
We pass each other on the stairs

Listen to by the walls
We share the same spaces
Repeated in the corridors
Performing the same movements

Storey to storey
Building to building
Street to street
We pass each other on the stairs

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INXS

INXS (pronounced "in excess", In-XS) were an Australian rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. Mainstays were Garry Gary Beers on bass guitar, Andrew Farriss on guitar and keyboards, Jon Farriss on drums, Tim Farriss on lead guitar and Kirk Pengilly on guitar and saxophone. For 20 years, INXS were fronted by Michael Hutchence on lead vocals, whose "sultry good looks" and magnetic stage presence made him the focal point of the band. Initially known for their New Wave/ska/pop style, they later developed a harder pub rock style, including funk and dance elements. more »

4 fans

Written by: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE, ANDREW FARRISS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Genre
"The Stairs" is a rock song. INXS is known for their fusion of rock, new wave, and dance music styles.
Album Overview
The song is a track from the album "X," which was released by INXS in 1990. The album signified the band's transition into the 90s.
Songwriting Collaboration
The song was written by members of INXS, including the late Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss.
Hidden Depths
"The Stairs" is often overlooked in favor of the album's more commercially successful singles like "Suicide Blonde," but it provides deep insight into Hutchence's songwriting capabilities.
Not a Single
Interestingly, despite its popularity among fans, "The Stairs" was never released as a single.
Live Performances
"The Stairs" was regularly performed during INXS' live concerts, becoming a fan favorite.
Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics of "The Stairs" are known for their poetic and thought-provoking nature, dealing with themes of ambition, change, and uncertainty.
Documented Performance
One memorable performance of "The Stairs" took place at Wembley Stadium in 1991 and was recorded for the "Live Baby Live" album.
Vocal Performance
The song is hailed for showcasing Michael Hutchence's intense and passionate vocal performance.
Track Length
"The Stairs" is one of the longer tracks on the "X" album, with a runtime of 4 minutes and 56 seconds.
Rare Video
There's a rarely seen video filmed by the band for "The Stairs," which was included as a bonus on their "Live Baby Live" DVD.
Album Success
The "X" album saw considerable success globally, even if "The Stairs" was not released as a single, it contributed to the overall reputation and appreciation of the album.
Enduring Legacy
Notably, despite being nearly three decades old, "The Stairs" continues to resonate with INXS audiences today, affirming the band's enduring legacy.

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