Would you be, my little quarantine?
When I first heard this it blew my tiny mind. That word ‘quarantine’ in a song? Really? Did I actually hear that??? You see, I wake up to Radio 1 (forever and always). It’s in my DNA so, hey ho, what’s a girl to do. And through the fog of sleep my brain just snagged on that one word. It seemed extraordinary considering the wider situation. And when I listened again (conscious) it wasn’t just one word – they were using this kind of ‘pandemic vocabulary’ throughout the whole track. WTF? It didn’t seem possible for such a slick pop song to have been turned around in the few weeks we’d been behind closed doors? But the internet tells me that’s exactly what happened. Yes girl. I think over the coming months we’ll be bombarded with music written about what we’ve gone through (are still going through) – it’s already happening – but this was my first instance of hearing a completely new lyrical perspective reflecting a forever changed world. It’s really clever. It does what all great pop songs do – tackles something devastating and wraps it up in a bow. It’s not maudlin or earnest. It’s jaunty and it tricks you into thinking you’re on safe ground. Ostensibly about the relationship between two people, I’m definitely hearing a subtext about the contract between those in power and the rest of us. ‘In a world where you can just lie to me’. Come on.
I don’t know much about 21 Pilots – I guess they’re not really meant for me – but I am aware they’re huge with a certain (youthful) demographic AND without ever having been a fan per se I’ve always been a little bit intrigued cause the singles are weird and interesting. So I’m into it that they wrote this and made an unapologetic pop song. In lockdown no less. Plus, it’s totally giving me first album Phoenix vibes. (If I Ever Feel Better shortlisted for this project btw).
Hmmm. This routine is a bit trickier. Not the dancing itself – just the order of the different sections. It assumes a familiarity with the song not everyone will have…but no matter! I’ll be shouting random instructions to guide us through. Fun. I love this dance. Choreographing to brand new stuff is a THRILL.
Watch on YouTube here
Disclaimer: These are not virtuoso performances. Just me, in an attic, grappling with an iPhone, creaky floorboards and a bad haircut. The sound is a bit ropey and the elements make numerous uninvited appearances! No left or right instructions – do whatever feels most natural to you…mirror me or flip it and use the same arms and legs as I do. Dancers’ choice. The routines are as simple or as complex as want them to be…and remember, repetition is key. Happy dancing!
For Gracie. She’s in fashion.
Previously: Bedsitter. Soft Cell
Up next: Single Life. Cameo…
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