Introduction

Something Just Like This, a harmonious collaboration between The Chainsmokers and Coldplay, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, blending electronic and pop music to create a global sensation.

In this article, we delve deeper into the story behind this musical masterpiece, exploring its origins, lyrics, creation process, and the profound impact it has had on audiences worldwide.

The Collaboration and Release

The journey of Something Just Like This began with the fusion of contrasting musical styles of British rock band Coldplay and American DJ duo The Chainsmokers. This union resulted in a symphony that resonates with a diverse audience. The song was officially released on February 22, 2017, following a surprise performance at the BRIT Awards by both bands.

However, the anticipation was built a month prior, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin teasing it in a tweet and Spotify displaying a banner advertisement teasing the song on their main page on February 21, 2017.

Creation Process

The creation of Something Just Like This was a harmonious and spontaneous process. The song, for the most part, was conceived during the first meeting with Chris Martin.

The chords that everyone loved were found, and Martin plugged a mic into the PA in the studio and freestyled for an hour, resulting in a song written in a stream of consciousness. This unique approach to songwriting showcased a balance between the identities of The Chainsmokers and Coldplay, making the song a dream come true for both bands.

Lyrics and Theme

The song explores themes of love and self-acceptance, emphasising a relationship that doesn’t need to be superhumanly perfect. The lyrics, co-written by Will Champion, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Andrew Taggart, and Chris Martin, reflect a desire for an ordinary love, a love everyone deserves. The song’s protagonist expresses a longing for a love that is real and attainable, rather than something out of a fairy tale or mythology.

Lyrics Breakdown

In the first verse, Chris Martin references well-known figures from literature and pop culture, such as Achilles, Hercules, Spider-Man, and Batman. These characters are often associated with heroism, strength, and superhuman abilities. By mentioning them, Martin highlights the grandeur and larger-than-life nature of these figures. However, the verse concludes with a poignant realisation that he doesn’t see himself as one of these heroes. This sets the tone for the song, emphasising the theme of seeking genuine, relatable love over fantastical ideals.

The pre-chorus introduces a conversation between Martin and a significant other. She asks him about his desires and the extent of his willingness to take risks in love. Martin’s response is heartfelt; he’s not seeking someone with extraordinary abilities or a fairytale romance. Instead, he yearns for a genuine connection, someone he can turn to and share intimate moments with. The repetition of “I want something just like this” underscores his desire for authenticity in a relationship.

The chorus is a melodic expression of Martin’s longing for simple, genuine love. The repetitive “Doo-doo-doo” serves as a catchy, rhythmic backdrop, emphasising the song’s central message. The repetition of the line “I want something just like this” reinforces the theme of seeking real, unpretentious love.

The bridge serves as a musical interlude, reiterating the song’s central theme. The repetition of the chorus’s melody and the line “Oh, I want something just like this” drives home Martin’s yearning for genuine connection.

Impact and Reception

Something Just Like This received widespread acclaim and broke records, with the official lyric video racking up over 9 million views in just its first 24 hours of availability on YouTube, setting a new all-time record. The song achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and receiving numerous awards and nominations, including being certified 8x platinum by the RIAA on October 15th, 2020.

Artwork

The cover art, created by James Zwadlo, the creative director of The Chainsmokers and the artist behind Impossible Brief, depicts a boy in an improvised superhero costume standing in front of the night sky with a halo around him.

Zwadlo, who has provided artwork for many of The Chainsmokers’ singles, EPs, and tours, posted the entire behind-the-scenes material of the creation in an entry on his website and uploaded a behind-the-scenes video of the cover art’s creation to Vimeo on April 7.

Conclusion

Something Just Like This is a timeless piece that explores the complexities of love and the human desire for authenticity. The collaboration between The Chainsmokers and Coldplay has resulted in a musical gem that combines poignant lyrics with a captivating melody, endearing it to audiences worldwide and leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

Something Just Like This Lyrics

Verse 1
I’ve been reading books of old
The legends and the myths
Achilles and his gold
Hercules and his gifts
Spider-Man’s control
And Batman with his fists
And clearly I don’t see myself upon that list

Pre-Chorus
But she said, “Where d’you wanna go?
How much you wanna risk?”
I’m not looking for somebody
With some superhuman gifts
Some superhero
Some fairytale bliss
Just something I can turn to
Somebody I can kiss
I want something just like this

Chorus
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo, doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Oh, I want something just like this
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo, doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Oh, I want something just like this
I want something just like this

Verse 2
I’ve been reading books of old
The legends and the myths
The testaments they told
The moon and its eclipse
And Superman unrolls
A suit before he lifts
But I’m not the kind of person that it fits

Pre-Chorus
She said, “Whered ‘you wanna go?
How much you wanna risk?”
I’m not looking for somebody
With some superhuman gifts
Some superhero
Some fairytale bliss
Just something I can turn to
Somebody I can miss

Chorus
I want something just like this
I want something just like this

Bridge
Oh, I want something just like this
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo, doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Oh, I want something just like this
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo, doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo

Pre-Chorus
Where d’you wanna go?
How much you wanna risk?
I’m not looking for somebody
With some superhuman gifts
Some superhero
Some fairytale bliss
Just something I can turn to
Somebody I can kiss
I want something just like this

Chorus
Oh, I want something just like this
Oh, I want something just like this
Oh, I want something just like this