Lyrics of Intros & Narrators — Bastille
Album: (Ampersand) &
Song Info
- Album: “&” (Ampersand)
- Release Date: July 26, 2024
- Producers: Dan Smith & Mark Crew
- Mastering Engineer: Emily Lazar
- Genre: UK Pop, Acoustic
- Featured Musicians: Charlie Barnes (Bass Guitar), James Earp (Guitar)
- Background Vocals: Moira Mack & Bim Amoako-Gyampah
Top 8 Songs Similar to "Intros & Narrators" by Bastille
1. "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel
Bastille’s protagonist is a self-described “unreliable narrator,” which brings to mind the introspective voice in "The Sound of Silence." Both songs explore themes of alienation and the human tendency to withdraw from chaotic worlds. While Bastille emphasizes detachment from the “main character” role, Simon & Garfunkel’s speaker addresses the comfort and isolation found in silence, making both songs relatable explorations of internal worlds.Hello darkness, my old friend
2. "Talking to the Moon" by Bruno Mars
Bastille's refrain of “take a walk with me through these lives” echoes the yearning in Bruno Mars's "Talking to the Moon," where Bruno’s voice almost acts as his own unreliable narrator. Both tracks address feelings of disconnection—Mars through the loneliness of reaching out to the moon, Bastille through observing life from the sidelines. While Bruno's tune takes on a romantic longing, Bastille’s lyrics feel more existential, turning the narrator’s lens inward.3. "Everybody’s Changing" by Keane
In this mid-2000s anthem of self-doubt, Keane’s protagonist feels left behind by a world in constant flux, much like Bastille’s narrator who feels more comfortable as a background character. The resignation in “Everybody’s Changing” speaks to the existential musings in "Intros & Narrators," with both characters seeming to view life from the periphery. Dan Smith’s lyrics here expand on that feeling, viewing life as a series of stories better told by someone else.4. "The Stranger" by Billy Joel
The reflective nature of "The Stranger" aligns with Bastille’s exploration of self and the masks people wear. Joel’s narrator considers the versions of himself he’s hidden, a theme that Bastille amplifies through the idea of an “unreliable narrator” who guides listeners but warns of his own flawed perspective. Where Billy Joel ponders identity in relationships, Bastille applies it to storytelling, reminding us that all narrators are unreliable in their own way.5. "Vienna" by Billy Joel
Bastille’s lyrical journey through various “lives” resonates with the message of patience and observation in Billy Joel’s "Vienna." In "Intros & Narrators," the protagonist watches life from the sidelines, much like in "Vienna," where Joel’s lyrics urge the listener to embrace life without rushing or seeking fame. Both songs remind listeners that everyone’s journey unfolds in due time, and it’s okay to observe life rather than dominate the spotlight.
6. "Lost in the Supermarket" by The Clash
In "Lost in the Supermarket," the narrator feels detached from the bustling world around him. Bastille’s track, with its reflective, meta-narrative on observing life rather than actively engaging, complements The Clash’s sense of disconnection. Both songs question societal values and the role of the self within a larger, often alienating world, capturing the feeling of “getting lost” in life’s expectations.7. "We Are All Made of Stars" by Moby
Moby’s "We Are All Made of Stars" captures a detached perspective of humanity, exploring the many paths and choices people make. Bastille’s “intros and narrators” concept taps into that cosmic, almost omniscient observer role, presenting the narrator as an unreliable yet oddly comforting guide through different perspectives. Both Moby and Bastille emphasize the interconnectedness of personal stories while reminding listeners that everyone’s journey is unique.
8. "The Book of Love" by Peter Gabriel
This track, with its exploration of the complexity of love and life, aligns with Bastille’s anthology approach to storytelling in "Intros & Narrators." Peter Gabriel’s voice serves as a “narrator” of love’s many facets, whereas Bastille’s lyrics expand to consider love, betrayal, and existential musings. The sentimentality of “The Book of Love” complements Bastille’s reflective tone, where every story is both personal and universal, despite the narrator’s self-professed “unreliability.”Lyrics
Intros & Narrators by Bastille
Aye, aye, aye-aye, aye, aye, aye-aye
Ayy, oh-ayy
This repeated phrase sets a rhythmic and atmospheric introduction, giving a sense of familiarity or chant-like quality.
[Verse 1]
I never wanted to be main character
The speaker reflects on preferring to stay out of the spotlight, distancing themselves from the pressure or attention of a lead role.
Pretty f**ked up there in the light
This line suggests discomfort with visibility or fame, hinting at the strain of being exposed or scrutinized.
I'd rather sit at the kitchen table, and
The kitchen table symbolizes a safe, ordinary place where one can be at ease, away from the “stage” of life.
Just start to hitchhike
“Hitchhike” conveys a sense of freedom and movement, perhaps wishing to drift or follow someone else’s journey rather than directing their own.
[Pre-Chorus]
Maybe to me, other stories are more interesting, and
The narrator expresses a preference for observing other lives and narratives, finding them richer or more captivating than their own.
Maybe to me, they’re a mirror back on everything
This implies that other people's stories reflect parts of themselves, serving as a lens for self-understanding or introspection.
So much bigger, bolder, braver than I'll ever be, mh-hm
The narrator sees others as embodying qualities they feel they lack, admiring courage and intensity they don't feel capable of.
[Chorus]
So take a walk with me through these lives
This invitation to journey through different stories implies a desire to share varied perspectives or identities.
I'm your friend, your lover, and your traitor
The narrator’s multifaceted roles signify complexity and contradiction, indicating they may play conflicting parts in various stories.
Take a walk with me through my mind
This suggests an invitation to explore the narrator’s inner thoughts and fantasies, despite their admitted unreliability.
But I'm an unreliable narrator
The self-awareness of being "unreliable" shows a willingness to admit biases, limitations, or distortions in their storytelling.
[Post-Chorus]
(Aye, aye, aye-aye, aye, aye, aye-aye)
(Ayy, oh-ayy) I'm your unreliable narrator
The repeated phrase reinforces the narrator’s identity, almost like a signature or refrain marking their perspective.
[Verse 2]
There ain't no God up above, just these hounds of love
This line could indicate skepticism or the replacement of divine purpose with love or primal emotions, creating a sense of grounded or secular spirituality.
We've heard every story before
This suggests a weariness or cynicism, implying that most narratives follow familiar patterns or themes.
Genius minds, all these fights just to live a life
This line points to the struggles and efforts of human existence, framed as almost redundant or endlessly repeated by “genius minds.”
What's the motive? And what we're here for?
The narrator questions the meaning or purpose of existence, probing into existential uncertainties about life’s objectives.
[Pre-Chorus]
David talked about the daily trenches of adult life, but
This likely references David Foster Wallace, who often explored the mundane struggles and complexities of adulthood.
I'm still hypnotised by the voices inside my mind
The narrator confesses to being captivated by their inner thoughts or ideas, potentially distracting them from reality.
When I should sit down, shut up
There's a sense of self-restraint here, as if acknowledging a need to quiet down and listen to others instead of being consumed by their own thoughts.
Listen, just listen, be humble 'round these stories
There’s a call for humility and openness to the lives and experiences of others, highlighting the importance of attentiveness.
[Chorus]
Take a walk with me through these lives
I'm your friend, your lover, and your traitor
Again, the narrator acknowledges complex roles they may play in the listener’s life, from supportive to deceitful.
Take a walk with me through my mind
But I'm an unreliable narrator
Reiterating that though they’re guiding through their mind, they might not present a fully truthful or consistent picture.
[Post-Chorus]
(Aye, aye, aye-aye, aye, aye, aye-aye)
(Ayy, oh-ayy) I'm your unreliable narrator
(Aye, aye, aye-aye, aye, aye, aye-aye) Can you trust me? Do you trust me?
This questioning of trust adds an intimate but uneasy layer, inviting doubt about the authenticity of the narrative.
[Bridge]
So the cliché says, "History repeats itself"
This line alludes to the repetitive nature of human stories and patterns, a familiar notion in storytelling.
Well, here we go again
The narrator signals a return to familiar cycles, suggesting a resigned or ironic attitude toward these repeating themes.
Yeah, the cliché says, "History repeats itself"
Well, here we go again
Reiterating this idea reinforces the inevitability of repeating past experiences or mistakes, adding to the song’s existential tone.
[Chorus]
Take a walk with me through these lives
I'm your friend, your lover, and your traitor
Take a walk with me through my mind
Never lay your trust in the narrator
The final chorus brings closure, cautioning against fully believing in the narrator’s portrayal, emphasizing their unreliable nature.
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