Take Back the City

Snow Patrol

About Take Back the City

"Take Back the City" is a song from alternative rock band Snow Patrol's fifth album A Hundred Million Suns. It was released as the lead single from the album on different dates in October 2008, depending on the region. The lyrics were written by Gary Lightbody and the music was composed by Snow Patrol. The song has positive lyrics, and is about Lightbody's love for Belfast. The song has been officially remixed once, by Lillica Libertine, and it appeared as a b-side to the single. The single received mixed reviews, and was generally not considered Snow Patrol's return to form. Critics were generally displeased with how similar the song sounded to the songs on the band's previous album Eyes Open, when the band was claiming that the new album was a departure from their earlier work. The lyrics, though, were praised for their depth. The single was quite successful in the charts, charting in the Top 5 in Ireland and Top 10 in the UK. The single also appeared in the Top 40 in a further five countries. Furthermore, it topped the Triple A chart in the United States, a feat which would later be achieved by "Crack the Shutters". 


Year:
2008
4:40
121 

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Take back the city for yourself tonight
Or I'll take back the city for me
Take back the city for yourself tonight
Whoa

God knows you put your life into it's hands
And it's both cradled you and crushed
But now it's time to make your own demands
Whoa

All these years later and it's killing me
Your broken records in words
Ten thousand craters where it all should be
Whoa

No need to put your words into my mouth
Don't need convincing at all
I love this place enough to know I have no doubts
Whoa

It's a mess, it's a start
It's a flawed work of art
Your city, your a call
Every crack, every wall
Pick a side, pick a fight
Get your epitaph right
You can sing, 'til you drop
Cause the fun just never stops

I love this city tonight
I love this city always
It bears it's teeth like a light
And spits me out after day's
But we're all gluttons for it
We know what's wrong and it's right
For every time it's been hit
Take back the city tonight

Tell me you never wanted more than this
And I will stop talking now
One perfect partner, one eternal kiss
Whoa

Take back the city for yourself tonight
Or I'll take back the city for me
Take back the city for yourself tonight
Whoa

It's a mess, it's a start
It's a flawed work of art
Your city, your call
Every crack, every wall
Pick a side, pick a fight
Get your epitaph right
You can sing, 'til you drop
Cause the fun just never stops

I love this city tonight
I love this city always
It bears it's teeth like a light
And spits me out after day's
But we're all gluttons for it
We know what's wrong and it's right
For every time it's been hit
Take back the city tonight

I love this city tonight
I love this city always
It bears it's teeth like a light
And spits me out after day's
But we're all gluttons for it
We know what's wrong and it's right
For every time it's been hit
Take back the city tonight

I love this city tonight
I love this city always

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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: Gary Lightbody, Jonathan Graham Quinn, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album Release
"Take Back The City" is one of the major tracks from Snow Patrol's fifth album, "A Hundred Million Suns," released in 2008.
Chart Performance
The song performed quite well on music charts worldwide. It reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in the U.S.
Visuals
A stylish music video directed by Alex Courtes accompanies the song.
Influences
The song’s lead singer, Gary Lightbody, mentions that the track is a love song to Belfast, his hometown in Northern Ireland.
Song Meaning
"Take Back the City" is about embracing your roots and acknowledging the beauty in where you come from, despite its flaws.
Guitar Work
The song stands out in Snow Patrol's discography for its pronounced guitar work and an overwritten lyric structure.
Lyrics writing
Lead vocalist Gary Lightbody wrote the lyrics, known for his powerful and sensitive lyricism.
Live Performance
"Take Back the City" quickly became a popular song among audiences during the band's live shows due to its uplifting and energetic tone.
Positive Reviews
The song received many positive reviews from music critics, with many applauding its strong guitar rifts and impactful lyrics about city life.
Band’s Transition
The song marked a transition for Snow Patrol, as they moved from small indie band to a more mainstream rock band with this release.
Hit Single
"Take Back the City" was the first single released from the album, helping to build anticipation and propel sales for "A Hundred Million Suns."

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