Themes/Motifs in Mylo Xyloto

Brent · 10-10-2011, 08:21 PM

One of the things I love about Coldplay is their ability to write a beautifully cohesive album that really rallies upon a theme: Viva la Vida was wound around revolution (both personal and political), X&Y contained ruminations about Chris' personal life and deepest concerns.

These themes are uplifted, too, by repetitive motifs like Chris' obsession with gravity and his feet not touching the ground (like Viva's "Now My Feet Won't Touch the Ground"). This is reflected in his lyrical content from Parachutes until now.

I think we know enough about MX by now that we can start discussing this.

One thing I've noticed is the motif of "starting over" or being reborn. According to the Q Mag's track-by-track, for example, Up With the Birds contains the lyrics:

The birds, they sang at break of day/Start again, I hear them say
Sounds great to me!

And in Us Against the World Chris sings:

Morning comes bursting the clouds, again
(As in, a new day is born)

then later:

If we could float away/fly up to the surface and just start again

I think there's a lot of potential to hear this kind of stuff in LP5, both on the surface and far below it. This is by far my favorite part of the release of a new Coldplay album!

Thoughts?

ashleyMN28 · 10-10-2011, 08:30 PM

I agree. There is an energy to this album that seems to revolve around starting over or improving things. I also like that there is an antagonistic moment with Major Minus. That within that song we hear an opposite of the "starting over" concept. It gives the story contrast. Im anxious to hear how the rest of the album ties into the story we already know.

RazorEye · 10-10-2011, 09:23 PM

Call me crazy, but I think that Mylo Xyloto is a continuation of the rebellion theme in Viva. The album itself is inspired by Anti-Nazi movements, and of course, Graffiti, the urban way of expressing yourself.

Viva wasn't a story, but Mylo is, so Side A (The first 7 tracks ending with ETIAW) is the story of the rebellion in Viva, mentioned in "Us Against the World" and especially in "Charlie Brown", with MMIX/ETIAW being the celebration song of their victory.
Unfortunately, Side B (The last 7 beginning with MM) is the story of how it all fell apart under the consequences of the leaders' selfish actions, as mentioned in "Princess Of China" and "Up In Flames". Should I assume that "Mylo Xyloto" himself is the person that drives the rebels apart, that would mean Mylo Xyloto is an outsider. An "Alien", metaphorically speaking. If that's true, "Major Minus" could be about how he was watching the leaders' every move, and "U.F.O." could be about how he came to the new republic and drove the rebellion against the rebellion (i hope that makes sense

). Grafitti, the urban way of expressing yourself, is a major theme to Side B, the thoughts and hatrid of the people in the original resistance, spreading their influence onto the walls of the city.

So, Anti-Nazi Movements and possibly even Viva itself inspired Side A's tracks, while Grafitti inspired Side B.

That's my theory.

Teco · 10-10-2011, 09:26 PM

Chris really obsessed with gravity.

No more keeping my feet on the ground
LIT II
Now my feet won't touch the ground
Gravity
Solid ground

Things are always lost (or not lost), coming undone and missing.

But btw the UATW lyrics goes "Oh morning come bursting the clouds, AMEN" I supose.

Samuel_94 · 10-10-2011, 09:37 PM

Yes, I agree, 'starting again' seems to crop up in numerous tracks!

Brent · 10-10-2011, 09:38 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Teco;5010929

But btw the UATW lyrics goes "Oh morning come bursting the clouds, AMEN" I supose.

Oh, yeah. I knew that.

Samuel_94 · 10-10-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by RazorEye;5010916
Call me crazy, but I think that Mylo Xyloto is a continuation of the rebellion theme in Viva. The album itself is inspired by Anti-Nazi movements, and of course, Graffiti, the urban way of expressing yourself.

Viva wasn't a story, but Mylo is, so Side A (The first 7 tracks ending with ETIAW) is the story of the rebellion in Viva, mentioned in "Us Against the World" and especially in "Charlie Brown", with MMIX/ETIAW being the celebration song of their victory.
Unfortunately, Side B (The last 7 beginning with MM) is the story of how it all fell apart under the consequences of the leaders' selfish actions, as mentioned in "Princess Of China" and "Up In Flames". Should I assume that "Mylo Xyloto" himself is the person that drives the rebels apart, that would mean Mylo Xyloto is an outsider. An "Alien", metaphorically speaking. If that's true, "Major Minus" could be about how he was watching the leaders' every move, and "U.F.O." could be about how he came to the new republic and drove the rebellion against the rebellion (i hope that makes sense ). Grafitti, the urban way of expressing yourself, is a major theme to Side B, the thoughts and hatrid of the people in the original resistance, spreading their influence onto the walls of the city.

So, Anti-Nazi Movements and possibly even Viva itself inspired Side A's tracks, while Grafitti inspired Side B.

That's my theory.

Thats a good alternative view point. I guess it comes down to we interpret it individually. I dont think there is a right or wrong interpretation. Obviously, the bands interpretation is the original and we have/will create our own ideas and thoughts!

ashleyMN28 · 10-10-2011, 09:48 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Samuel_94;5011003
Thats a good alternative view point. I guess it comes down to we interpret it individually. I dont think there is a right or wrong interpretation. Obviously, the bands interpretation is the original and we have/will create our own ideas and thoughts!

well put! Bet thats what the band wants everyone to do

Samuel_94 · 10-10-2011, 09:53 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by ashleyMN28;5011026
well put! Bet thats what the band wants everyone to do

I think its great!

Blockflote · 10-10-2011, 10:13 PM

Also, on Major Minus: "its jus-ust-us against the world"
That motif about a boy and girl together fighting is more latent within it.

Brent · 10-10-2011, 10:23 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blockflote;5011083
Also, on Major Minus: "its jus-ust-us against the world"
That motif about a boy and girl together fighting is more latent within it.

Love it!

I think the bit in ETIAW "from underneath the rubble sing a rebel song" kind of expands on that too.

DavidB5 · 10-10-2011, 11:20 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by RazorEye;5010916
Call me crazy, but I think that Mylo Xyloto is a continuation of the rebellion theme in Viva. The album itself is inspired by Anti-Nazi movements, and of course, Graffiti, the urban way of expressing yourself.

Viva wasn't a story, but Mylo is, so Side A (The first 7 tracks ending with ETIAW) is the story of the rebellion in Viva, mentioned in "Us Against the World" and especially in "Charlie Brown", with MMIX/ETIAW being the celebration song of their victory.
Unfortunately, Side B (The last 7 beginning with MM) is the story of how it all fell apart under the consequences of the leaders' selfish actions, as mentioned in "Princess Of China" and "Up In Flames". Should I assume that "Mylo Xyloto" himself is the person that drives the rebels apart, that would mean Mylo Xyloto is an outsider. An "Alien", metaphorically speaking. If that's true, "Major Minus" could be about how he was watching the leaders' every move, and "U.F.O." could be about how he came to the new republic and drove the rebellion against the rebellion (i hope that makes sense ). Grafitti, the urban way of expressing yourself, is a major theme to Side B, the thoughts and hatrid of the people in the original resistance, spreading their influence onto the walls of the city.

So, Anti-Nazi Movements and possibly even Viva itself inspired Side A's tracks, while Grafitti inspired Side B.

That's my theory.

That, and I think they send for help in AHT and receive the answer in DLIBYH, then win the final victory in UWTB.

ColdplayingfromKansas · 10-10-2011, 11:23 PM

I agree. It also seems that they've taken some of the rebellion elements from Viva and incorporated them into MX.

Brent · 11-10-2011, 01:59 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by ColdplayingfromKansas;5011235
I agree. It also seems that they've taken some of the rebellion elements from Viva and incorporated them into MX.

Clearly, Chris is obsessed with:

1. Gravity
2. Rebellion
3. Asking people if they are okay at concerts

aschall · 11-10-2011, 02:41 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Baw8cc;5011476
Clearly, Chris is obsessed with:

1. Gravity
2. Rebellion
3. Asking people if they are okay at concerts

and Jay-Z

10-10-2011, 08:21 PM	#1
Brent Rudy Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 12,102 My Mood: Location: St. Louis, MO Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 204 Thanked 371 Times in 231 Posts	Themes/Motifs in Mylo Xyloto One of the things I love about Coldplay is their ability to write a beautifully cohesive album that really rallies upon a theme: Viva la Vida was wound around revolution (both personal and political), X&Y contained ruminations about Chris' personal life and deepest concerns. These themes are uplifted, too, by repetitive motifs like Chris' obsession with gravity and his feet not touching the ground (like Viva's "Now My Feet Won't Touch the Ground"). This is reflected in his lyrical content from Parachutes until now. I think we know enough about MX by now that we can start discussing this. One thing I've noticed is the motif of "starting over" or being reborn. According to the Q Mag's track-by-track, for example, Up With the Birds contains the lyrics: The birds, they sang at break of day/Start again, I hear them say Sounds great to me! And in Us Against the World Chris sings: Morning comes bursting the clouds, again (As in, a new day is born) then later: If we could float away/fly up to the surface and just start again I think there's a lot of potential to hear this kind of stuff in LP5, both on the surface and far below it. This is by far my favorite part of the release of a new Coldplay album! Thoughts? __________________ 2-3-2003 - St. Louis, MO - 5-6-2005 - Chicago, IL - 9-17-2005 - St. Louis, MO - 2-26-2006 - Dallas, TX - 3-31-2006 - Chicago, IL - 6-23-2008 - New York City (MSG!) - 11-13-2008 - Kansas City, MO - 7-24-2009 - St. Louis, MO - 8-5-2011 - LOLLAPALOOZA (Chicago, IL) 6-22-2012 - Dallas, TX 7-28-2012 - Chicago, IL Quote: Originally Posted by Wyrd Brent "A name normaly given to the most caring, warm people in the world, these people will make you feel beautiful and always keep you smiling. Sexy 'almost mighty fine' beasts. Its near imposible to not fall in love with a Brent."

10-10-2011, 09:38 PM	#6
Brent Rudy Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 12,102 My Mood: Location: St. Louis, MO Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 204 Thanked 371 Times in 231 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Teco;5010929 But btw the UATW lyrics goes "Oh morning come bursting the clouds, AMEN" I supose. Oh, yeah. I knew that. __________________ 2-3-2003 - St. Louis, MO - 5-6-2005 - Chicago, IL - 9-17-2005 - St. Louis, MO - 2-26-2006 - Dallas, TX - 3-31-2006 - Chicago, IL - 6-23-2008 - New York City (MSG!) - 11-13-2008 - Kansas City, MO - 7-24-2009 - St. Louis, MO - 8-5-2011 - LOLLAPALOOZA (Chicago, IL) 6-22-2012 - Dallas, TX 7-28-2012 - Chicago, IL Quote: Originally Posted by Wyrd Brent "A name normaly given to the most caring, warm people in the world, these people will make you feel beautiful and always keep you smiling. Sexy 'almost mighty fine' beasts. Its near imposible to not fall in love with a Brent."

10-10-2011, 09:42 PM	#7
Samuel_94 Car Kid Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 3,297 My Mood: Location: Violet Hill Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by RazorEye;5010916 Call me crazy, but I think that Mylo Xyloto is a continuation of the rebellion theme in Viva. The album itself is inspired by Anti-Nazi movements, and of course, Graffiti, the urban way of expressing yourself. Viva wasn't a story, but Mylo is, so Side A (The first 7 tracks ending with ETIAW) is the story of the rebellion in Viva, mentioned in "Us Against the World" and especially in "Charlie Brown", with MMIX/ETIAW being the celebration song of their victory. Unfortunately, Side B (The last 7 beginning with MM) is the story of how it all fell apart under the consequences of the leaders' selfish actions, as mentioned in "Princess Of China" and "Up In Flames". Should I assume that "Mylo Xyloto" himself is the person that drives the rebels apart, that would mean Mylo Xyloto is an outsider. An "Alien", metaphorically speaking. If that's true, "Major Minus" could be about how he was watching the leaders' every move, and "U.F.O." could be about how he came to the new republic and drove the rebellion against the rebellion (i hope that makes sense ). Grafitti, the urban way of expressing yourself, is a major theme to Side B, the thoughts and hatrid of the people in the original resistance, spreading their influence onto the walls of the city. So, Anti-Nazi Movements and possibly even Viva itself inspired Side A's tracks, while Grafitti inspired Side B. That's my theory. Thats a good alternative view point. I guess it comes down to we interpret it individually. I dont think there is a right or wrong interpretation. Obviously, the bands interpretation is the original and we have/will create our own ideas and thoughts!

10-10-2011, 09:48 PM	#8
ashleyMN28 Resident sangria lover Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 961 My Mood: Location: Ohio,formerly beautiful Minnesota Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 8 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Samuel_94;5011003 Thats a good alternative view point. I guess it comes down to we interpret it individually. I dont think there is a right or wrong interpretation. Obviously, the bands interpretation is the original and we have/will create our own ideas and thoughts! well put! Bet thats what the band wants everyone to do

10-10-2011, 09:53 PM	#9
Samuel_94 Car Kid Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 3,297 My Mood: Location: Violet Hill Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by ashleyMN28;5011026 well put! Bet thats what the band wants everyone to do I think its great!

10-10-2011, 08:30 PM	#2
ashleyMN28 Resident sangria lover Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 961 My Mood: Location: Ohio,formerly beautiful Minnesota Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 8 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	I agree. There is an energy to this album that seems to revolve around starting over or improving things. I also like that there is an antagonistic moment with Major Minus. That within that song we hear an opposite of the "starting over" concept. It gives the story contrast. Im anxious to hear how the rest of the album ties into the story we already know.

10-10-2011, 09:23 PM	#3
RazorEye Up In Flaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 4,951 My Mood: Location: In the gap between the two trapezes. Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 50 Thanked 61 Times in 25 Posts	Call me crazy, but I think that Mylo Xyloto is a continuation of the rebellion theme in Viva. The album itself is inspired by Anti-Nazi movements, and of course, Graffiti, the urban way of expressing yourself. Viva wasn't a story, but Mylo is, so Side A (The first 7 tracks ending with ETIAW) is the story of the rebellion in Viva, mentioned in "Us Against the World" and especially in "Charlie Brown", with MMIX/ETIAW being the celebration song of their victory. Unfortunately, Side B (The last 7 beginning with MM) is the story of how it all fell apart under the consequences of the leaders' selfish actions, as mentioned in "Princess Of China" and "Up In Flames". Should I assume that "Mylo Xyloto" himself is the person that drives the rebels apart, that would mean Mylo Xyloto is an outsider. An "Alien", metaphorically speaking. If that's true, "Major Minus" could be about how he was watching the leaders' every move, and "U.F.O." could be about how he came to the new republic and drove the rebellion against the rebellion (i hope that makes sense ). Grafitti, the urban way of expressing yourself, is a major theme to Side B, the thoughts and hatrid of the people in the original resistance, spreading their influence onto the walls of the city. So, Anti-Nazi Movements and possibly even Viva itself inspired Side A's tracks, while Grafitti inspired Side B. That's my theory.

10-10-2011, 09:26 PM	#4
Teco F you're gonna go, go now Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 457 My Mood: Location: Curitiba Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 3 Thanked 10 Times in 5 Posts	Chris really obsessed with gravity. No more keeping my feet on the ground LIT II Now my feet won't touch the ground Gravity Solid ground Things are always lost (or not lost), coming undone and missing. But btw the UATW lyrics goes "Oh morning come bursting the clouds, AMEN" I supose.

10-10-2011, 09:37 PM	#5
Samuel_94 Car Kid Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 3,297 My Mood: Location: Violet Hill Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Yes, I agree, 'starting again' seems to crop up in numerous tracks!

10-10-2011, 10:13 PM	#10
Blockflote Glowing in the dark. Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 230 My Mood: Location: Panama Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 19 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Also, on Major Minus: "its jus-ust-us against the world" That motif about a boy and girl together fighting is more latent within it. __________________ : Quote: When Chris and Jonny were asked about their transition to pop they responded: "We're just making what we want to make. We were making what we wanted to make back in 1999, and we're doing the same thing now. Yellow is probably our most pop song, and that's on our first record. Maybe. We don't want to keep making the same record, so some people like one record, some people like another record. Our first priority is to make something that sounds cool. We don't worry about what genre it fits into."

10-10-2011, 10:23 PM	#11
Brent Rudy Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 12,102 My Mood: Location: St. Louis, MO Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 204 Thanked 371 Times in 231 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Blockflote;5011083 Also, on Major Minus: "its jus-ust-us against the world" That motif about a boy and girl together fighting is more latent within it. Love it! I think the bit in ETIAW "from underneath the rubble sing a rebel song" kind of expands on that too. __________________ 2-3-2003 - St. Louis, MO - 5-6-2005 - Chicago, IL - 9-17-2005 - St. Louis, MO - 2-26-2006 - Dallas, TX - 3-31-2006 - Chicago, IL - 6-23-2008 - New York City (MSG!) - 11-13-2008 - Kansas City, MO - 7-24-2009 - St. Louis, MO - 8-5-2011 - LOLLAPALOOZA (Chicago, IL) 6-22-2012 - Dallas, TX 7-28-2012 - Chicago, IL Quote: Originally Posted by Wyrd Brent "A name normaly given to the most caring, warm people in the world, these people will make you feel beautiful and always keep you smiling. Sexy 'almost mighty fine' beasts. Its near imposible to not fall in love with a Brent."

10-10-2011, 11:20 PM	#12
DavidB5 Start again Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 324 My Mood: Location: Blue Heaven Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by RazorEye;5010916 Call me crazy, but I think that Mylo Xyloto is a continuation of the rebellion theme in Viva. The album itself is inspired by Anti-Nazi movements, and of course, Graffiti, the urban way of expressing yourself. Viva wasn't a story, but Mylo is, so Side A (The first 7 tracks ending with ETIAW) is the story of the rebellion in Viva, mentioned in "Us Against the World" and especially in "Charlie Brown", with MMIX/ETIAW being the celebration song of their victory. Unfortunately, Side B (The last 7 beginning with MM) is the story of how it all fell apart under the consequences of the leaders' selfish actions, as mentioned in "Princess Of China" and "Up In Flames". Should I assume that "Mylo Xyloto" himself is the person that drives the rebels apart, that would mean Mylo Xyloto is an outsider. An "Alien", metaphorically speaking. If that's true, "Major Minus" could be about how he was watching the leaders' every move, and "U.F.O." could be about how he came to the new republic and drove the rebellion against the rebellion (i hope that makes sense ). Grafitti, the urban way of expressing yourself, is a major theme to Side B, the thoughts and hatrid of the people in the original resistance, spreading their influence onto the walls of the city. So, Anti-Nazi Movements and possibly even Viva itself inspired Side A's tracks, while Grafitti inspired Side B. That's my theory. That, and I think they send for help in AHT and receive the answer in DLIBYH, then win the final victory in UWTB.

10-10-2011, 11:23 PM	#13
ColdplayingfromKansas All those clumsy things Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 8,860 Location: Kansas Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 2 Thanked 14 Times in 9 Posts	I agree. It also seems that they've taken some of the rebellion elements from Viva and incorporated them into MX. __________________ Quote: Originally Posted by editor42;5233602 now I just do weird things in the middle of the street

11-10-2011, 01:59 AM	#14
Brent Rudy Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 12,102 My Mood: Location: St. Louis, MO Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 204 Thanked 371 Times in 231 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by ColdplayingfromKansas;5011235 I agree. It also seems that they've taken some of the rebellion elements from Viva and incorporated them into MX. Clearly, Chris is obsessed with: 1. Gravity 2. Rebellion 3. Asking people if they are okay at concerts __________________ 2-3-2003 - St. Louis, MO - 5-6-2005 - Chicago, IL - 9-17-2005 - St. Louis, MO - 2-26-2006 - Dallas, TX - 3-31-2006 - Chicago, IL - 6-23-2008 - New York City (MSG!) - 11-13-2008 - Kansas City, MO - 7-24-2009 - St. Louis, MO - 8-5-2011 - LOLLAPALOOZA (Chicago, IL) 6-22-2012 - Dallas, TX 7-28-2012 - Chicago, IL Quote: Originally Posted by Wyrd Brent "A name normaly given to the most caring, warm people in the world, these people will make you feel beautiful and always keep you smiling. Sexy 'almost mighty fine' beasts. Its near imposible to not fall in love with a Brent."

11-10-2011, 02:41 AM	#15
aschall Eat, Sleep, Coldplay Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,329 My Mood: Location: San Diego, California Gender: Country: Seen CP: 2 times Fav. CP album: VLVODAAHF Fav. CP song: The Scientist Fav. CP member: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 51 Thanked 74 Times in 55 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Baw8cc;5011476 Clearly, Chris is obsessed with: 1. Gravity 2. Rebellion 3. Asking people if they are okay at concerts and Jay-Z