Meaning and Lyrics of Pompeii by Bastille
Song Lyrics meaning of Pompeii by Bastille
About Bastille
Bastille, a British indie pop band formed in 2010, has carved a distinctive niche in the modern music landscape with their evocative sound and poignant lyrics. Fronted by the enigmatic Dan Smith, whose plaintive vocals are a hallmark of their music, the group also includes members Kyle Simmons, Will Farquarson, and Chris “Woody” Wood.
Initially a solo project for Smith, Bastille expanded into a full-fledged band, quickly gaining traction in the UK music scene. The group’s breakthrough came with their debut album, “Bad Blood“, released in 2013. This album launched Bastille into international stardom, largely fueled by the phenomenal success of their hit single “Pompeii“.
“Pompeii“, with its infectious chant-like chorus and lush production, became an anthem of the early 2010s, amassing millions of streams and charting highly worldwide. Its thematic exploration of disaster and rebirth set the tone for much of Bastille’s subsequent work, which often delves into existential and emotional territories while maintaining a radio-friendly appeal.
Since then, Bastille has continued to evolve, experimenting with different sounds while maintaining their core identity. Follow-up albums like “Wild World” (2016) and “Doom Days” (2019) showcased the band’s ability to meld introspective lyrics with expansive sonic landscapes. Their live performances, known for their energy and Smith’s dynamic presence, have cemented them as a formidable act on the festival circuit.
In addition to their albums, Bastille is known for their impactful mixtapes and collaborations, reflecting their versatility and eagerness to push musical boundaries. As they continue to innovate and engage with global audiences, Bastille remains a pivotal force in contemporary music, balancing mainstream success with artistic integrity.
Initially a solo project for Smith, Bastille expanded into a full-fledged band, quickly gaining traction in the UK music scene. The group’s breakthrough came with their debut album, “Bad Blood“, released in 2013. This album launched Bastille into international stardom, largely fueled by the phenomenal success of their hit single “Pompeii“.
“Pompeii“, with its infectious chant-like chorus and lush production, became an anthem of the early 2010s, amassing millions of streams and charting highly worldwide. Its thematic exploration of disaster and rebirth set the tone for much of Bastille’s subsequent work, which often delves into existential and emotional territories while maintaining a radio-friendly appeal.
Since then, Bastille has continued to evolve, experimenting with different sounds while maintaining their core identity. Follow-up albums like “Wild World” (2016) and “Doom Days” (2019) showcased the band’s ability to meld introspective lyrics with expansive sonic landscapes. Their live performances, known for their energy and Smith’s dynamic presence, have cemented them as a formidable act on the festival circuit.
In addition to their albums, Bastille is known for their impactful mixtapes and collaborations, reflecting their versatility and eagerness to push musical boundaries. As they continue to innovate and engage with global audiences, Bastille remains a pivotal force in contemporary music, balancing mainstream success with artistic integrity.
Meaning of Pompeii by Bastille
“Pompeii” by Bastille is a song that explores themes of introspection, realization, and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a city in turmoil, metaphorically representing personal struggles and emotional upheaval.
The repetitive “Eh, eheu, eheu” in the intro sets a somber and reflective tone for the song, evoking a sense of lamentation and mourning. This repetition creates a haunting and melancholic atmosphere, setting the stage for the introspective journey that follows.
The first verse speaks of being left to one’s own devices, with time slipping away without any tangible accomplishments. This could suggest a feeling of isolation or being adrift in life, unsure of one’s purpose or direction.
The pre-chorus describes walls tumbling down in a beloved city, symbolizing the collapse of something significant or cherished. The imagery of grey clouds and darkness descending from above adds to the sense of foreboding and impending doom, reflecting a time of crisis or upheaval.
The chorus poses introspective questions about perception and resilience. The idea of closing one’s eyes and almost feeling like nothing has changed or that one has been through similar situations before suggests a cycle of struggle and resilience. The repeated refrain “How am I gonna be an optimist about this?” underscores the challenge of staying positive in difficult circumstances.
The second verse delves deeper into personal struggles and vices that lead to feeling lost and trapped. The imagery of dust settling around the individuals emphasizes a sense of stagnation or resignation in the face of adversity.
The bridge poses a question about where to start addressing challenges, whether by confronting past mistakes or by dealing with the current state of ruin. The repetition of the question reinforces the need for introspection and acknowledgment of the past before moving forward.
The outro, much like the intro, maintains the mournful tone of the song, circling back to the sense of lament and reflection on the challenges faced.
Overall, “Pompeii” by Bastille is a poignant exploration of resilience, introspection, and finding hope in the midst of chaos and adversity. The repetition of certain phrases and motifs throughout the song creates a sense of cyclical struggle and the need for self-reflection in overcoming personal challenges.
The repetitive “Eh, eheu, eheu” in the intro sets a somber and reflective tone for the song, evoking a sense of lamentation and mourning. This repetition creates a haunting and melancholic atmosphere, setting the stage for the introspective journey that follows.
The first verse speaks of being left to one’s own devices, with time slipping away without any tangible accomplishments. This could suggest a feeling of isolation or being adrift in life, unsure of one’s purpose or direction.
The pre-chorus describes walls tumbling down in a beloved city, symbolizing the collapse of something significant or cherished. The imagery of grey clouds and darkness descending from above adds to the sense of foreboding and impending doom, reflecting a time of crisis or upheaval.
The chorus poses introspective questions about perception and resilience. The idea of closing one’s eyes and almost feeling like nothing has changed or that one has been through similar situations before suggests a cycle of struggle and resilience. The repeated refrain “How am I gonna be an optimist about this?” underscores the challenge of staying positive in difficult circumstances.
The second verse delves deeper into personal struggles and vices that lead to feeling lost and trapped. The imagery of dust settling around the individuals emphasizes a sense of stagnation or resignation in the face of adversity.
The bridge poses a question about where to start addressing challenges, whether by confronting past mistakes or by dealing with the current state of ruin. The repetition of the question reinforces the need for introspection and acknowledgment of the past before moving forward.
The outro, much like the intro, maintains the mournful tone of the song, circling back to the sense of lament and reflection on the challenges faced.
Overall, “Pompeii” by Bastille is a poignant exploration of resilience, introspection, and finding hope in the midst of chaos and adversity. The repetition of certain phrases and motifs throughout the song creates a sense of cyclical struggle and the need for self-reflection in overcoming personal challenges.
Lyrics of Pompeii by Bastille
Directed by Jesse John Jenkins
Intro
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Verse 1
I was left to my own devices
Many days fell away with nothing to show
Pre-Chorus
And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above
Chorus
But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like you've been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
Verse 2
We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settled around us
Pre-Chorus
And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above
Chorus
But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like you've been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
Post-Chorus
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Bridge
Oh, where do we begin, the rubble or our sins?
Oh-oh, where do we begin, the rubble or our sins?
And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love (Oh, where do we begin, the rubble or our sins?)
Grey clouds roll over the hills bringing darkness from above (Oh, where do we begin, the rubble or our sins?)
Chorus
But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like you've been here before?
Oh, how am I going to be an optimist about this?
How am I going to be an optimist about this?
If you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
Outro
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Intro
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Verse 1
I was left to my own devices
Many days fell away with nothing to show
Pre-Chorus
And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above
Chorus
But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like you've been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
Verse 2
We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settled around us
Pre-Chorus
And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above
Chorus
But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like you've been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
Post-Chorus
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Bridge
Oh, where do we begin, the rubble or our sins?
Oh-oh, where do we begin, the rubble or our sins?
And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love (Oh, where do we begin, the rubble or our sins?)
Grey clouds roll over the hills bringing darkness from above (Oh, where do we begin, the rubble or our sins?)
Chorus
But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like you've been here before?
Oh, how am I going to be an optimist about this?
How am I going to be an optimist about this?
If you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?
Outro
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Eh, eheu, eheu
Discography Bastille
Bad Blood X - 10th Anniversary Edition
Release: 2023-07-14
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: 👏👏
MTV Unplugged
Release: 2023-04-28
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: 👏
Give Me The Future + Dreams Of The Past
Release: 2022-08-26
Label: EMI
Popularity: 👏
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