The 1975’s About You: A Gothic and Orchestral Ballad That Continues the Story of Robbers

25th November, 2023

The 1975, known for their eclectic and often genre-defying music, captivated audiences with their track, About You, released on October 14, 2022. It is the penultimate song included in their fifth studio album Being Funny in a Foreign Language. This song, a gothic and orchestral ballad, is not just a mere addition to their discography but a continuation of a story that began with their earlier hit, Robbers. In this article, we delve into the intricate layers of About You, exploring its lyrics, themes, and the band’s unique artistic journey.

The Connection Between Robbers and About You

About You is a musical sequel to Robbers, a track from The 1975’s self-titled debut album. The lyrics of About You resonate with the themes of love, memory, and longing that were so poignantly expressed in Robbers. Matty Healy’s evocative lyrics, “I know a place / It’s somewhere I go when I need to remember your face,” immediately draw listeners into a reflective and deeply personal space. The song is a musical continuation of the band’s 2013 single Robbers, which was about a doomed romance inspired by the movie True Romance.

The Lyrical Landscape of About You

The lyrics of About You are a tapestry of emotion and memory. The chorus, “Do you think I have forgotten? / About you?” is a haunting echo of past love and lingering connection. The interplay of voices between Matty Healy and Carly Holt in the bridge adds a layer of complexity, suggesting a dialogue of reminiscence and loss. Carly Holt, the wife of The 1975’s lead guitarist Adam Hann, sings from the perspective of the narrator’s ex-lover, expressing her regret and nostalgia.

The Artistic Evolution of The 1975

The 1975 has always been a band that defies easy categorization. Their popularity stems from their ability to evolve and experiment with different musical styles. About You is a testament to this artistic journey, showcasing their ability to blend gothic elements with orchestral grandeur, creating a sound that is both unique and deeply resonant with their audience. The song is produced by George Daniel, Matty Healy, and Warren Ellis. Warren Ellis is best known as the violinist for the Australian post-rock band Dirty Three and as a frequent collaborator with singer-songwriter Nick Cave. He added the strings and the gothic atmosphere to the song, making it sound like a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds track.

The Story Behind the Band’s Name

The name The 1975 itself has an intriguing backstory. A scribbling found in a used book, dated June 1, 1975, inspired the name. This anecdote reflects the band’s fascination with the past and its influence on the present, a theme that is vividly explored in their music, including About You.

The Cultural Impact of The 1975

The 1975’s popularity can be attributed to their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Their songs often address themes of love, identity, and the human experience, resonating with a wide audience. About You continues this tradition, offering a poignant exploration of memory and longing. The song has over 1.7 million views on YouTube and over 2 million streams on Spotify.

Conclusion

The 1975 About You is not just a song; it’s a journey through the complexities of love and memory. Its gothic and orchestral elements, combined with deeply personal lyrics, create a musical experience that is both haunting and beautiful. As The 1975 continues to evolve and explore new artistic territories, they remind us of the power of music to connect, to evoke, and to tell stories that resonate across time and space.

The 1975 About You Lyrics

Verse 1: Matty Healy
I know a place
It’s somewhere I go when I need to remember your face
We get married in our heads
Something to do while we try to recall how we met

Chorus: Matty Healy
Do you think I have forgotten?
Do you think I have forgotten?
Do you think I have forgotten
About you?

Verse 2: Matty Healy, Carly Holt
You and I (Don’t let go)
We’re alive (Don’t let go)
With nothing to do, I could lay and just look in your eyes
Wait (Don’t let go)
And pretend (Don’t let go, oh)
Hold on and hope that we’ll find our way back in the end (In the end)

Chorus: Matty Healy
Do you think I havе forgotten?
Do you think I have forgotten?
Do you think I havе forgotten
About you?
Do you think I have forgotten?
Do you think I have forgotten?
Do you think I have forgotten
About you?

Bridge: Carly Holt, Matty Healy
And there was something about you that now I can’t remember
It’s the same damn thing that made my heart surrender
And I’ll miss you on a train, I’ll miss you in the mornin’
I never know what to think about
I think about youDon’t let go
About youDon’t let go

Outro: Matty Healy, Carly Holt
Do you think I have forgotten
About you?
About you (Don’t let go, oh)
About you
About you
Do you think I have forgotten
About you?
About you (Don’t let go)

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