Pompeii

Bastille's hit song 'Pompeii' is a masterful blend of catchy pop melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The song, which was released in 2013, quickly became a global sensation, known for its anthemic chorus and the unique blend of indie pop and rock elements that characterize Bastille's sound. The band, fronted by lead vocalist Dan Smith, often incorporates historical and literary references into their music, and 'Pompeii' is no exception. The song's title itself is a reference to the ancient Roman city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption, serving as a metaphor for sudden and catastrophic change.

The lyrics of 'Pompeii' speak to the experience of upheaval and the sense of disorientation that follows. The opening lines, 'I was left to my own devices / Many days fell away with nothing to show,' suggest a period of isolation and stagnation. The repeated imagery of walls tumbling down in the city that the narrator loves could symbolize the collapse of personal, social, or even political structures. The grey clouds and darkness that roll over the hills further paint a picture of impending doom and the overshadowing of hope. Yet, the chorus introduces a contrasting idea, questioning whether closing one's eyes to the chaos might make it feel as if nothing has changed, highlighting a human tendency to deny or escape from reality.

The song's bridge, 'Oh where do we begin? / The rubble or our sins?' poses a rhetorical question about the starting point for recovery and reflection after a downfall. It suggests a need to confront both the external damage ('the rubble') and the internal faults ('our sins') that may have contributed to the disaster. The repeated question, 'How am I gonna be an optimist about this?' serves as a central theme of the song, expressing the struggle to maintain hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. 'Pompeii' ultimately resonates with listeners because of its universal theme of resilience and the search for optimism amidst the ruins of the past.