The Meaning Behind The Song: King by Years & Years
Years & Years is an English synth-pop band formed in London in 2010. Their debut album Communion was released in 2015 and it reached number one in the UK Album Charts. The album featured the hit single “King” that became a massive success worldwide. The song is upbeat and catchy, but it’s not just a dance track, it also has a deeper meaning. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and what it represents.
Overview of the Song
“King” is a song about empowerment and self-acceptance. It expresses the idea that everyone should be able to love themselves and feel confident in their own skin. The line “I was a king under your control” refers to the idea that someone else had power over the singer, but now they have taken that power back and are in control of their own life.
The song is also about breaking free from societal expectations and being true to oneself. The lyrics “I caught you watching me under the light, can I realign?” suggest that the singer is aware of other people’s expectations and judgments, but they want to be themselves and not conform to these expectations.
In an interview with Genius, lead singer Olly Alexander said, “It’s about strength and empowerment and feeling good about yourself and having confidence and owning who you are and standing tall.”
The Inspiration
Olly Alexander has been vocal about his struggles with mental health and coming to terms with his sexuality. He has spoken openly about the difficulties he faced growing up as a gay man and how he struggled to accept himself. The inspiration for the song came from his personal journey of self-acceptance.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, Alexander said, “I wanted to write about a personal experience, but it was also a message to other people who might not feel confident or comfortable being who they are.” He added, “I hope the song can be about being yourself and standing up for who you are.”
The Music Video
The music video for “King” is visually stunning and features Olly Alexander dancing in an abandoned warehouse. The video follows Alexander as he dances through the different rooms, each decorated in a different color and style. It also features choreography by Ryan Heffington, who is known for his work on Sia’s “Chandelier” music video.
The video complements the song’s message of self-expression and self-acceptance. Alexander is seen dancing and moving freely, without any inhibitions or restrictions. The video has over 250 million views on YouTube and has been praised for its positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Song’s Impact
“King” has been a massive success for Years & Years. The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and was also a hit in other countries. It has since become a pop anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and a symbol of self-love and confidence.
In an interview with Billboard, Alexander said, “It’s a song that has a message of hope and self-acceptance, and that’s something that speaks to everybody.” He added, “It’s amazing to hear how the song has affected people and become a part of their lives.”
FAQs
What is the significance of the line “I was a king under your control”?
The line “I was a king under your control” refers to the idea that someone else had power over the singer, but now they have taken that power back and are in control of their own life. It’s about empowerment and self-acceptance.
What inspired Olly Alexander to write the song?
Olly Alexander has been vocal about his struggles with mental health and coming to terms with his sexuality. The inspiration for the song came from his personal journey of self-acceptance.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics “I caught you watching me under the light, can I realign?”
The lyrics “I caught you watching me under the light, Can I realign?” suggest that the singer is aware of other people’s expectations and judgments, but they want to be themselves and not conform to these expectations.
What is the significance of the music video?
The music video for “King” complements the song’s message of self-expression and self-acceptance. Alexander is seen dancing and moving freely, without any inhibitions or restrictions. The video has over 250 million views on YouTube and has been praised for its positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
What impact has the song had on the music industry?
“King” has been a massive success for Years & Years. The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and was also a hit in other countries. It has since become a pop anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and a symbol of self-love and confidence.
What impact has the song had on the LGBTQ+ community?
“King” has become a pop anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and a symbol of self-love and confidence. It has been praised for its positive representation of the community and for being a beacon of hope and acceptance.
Who choreographed the music video?
The music video for “King” features choreography by Ryan Heffington, who is known for his work on Sia’s “Chandelier” music video.
What other songs are known for their positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community?
There are many songs that are known for their positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community, such as “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, and “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross.
What makes “King” stand out as a positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community?
“King” stands out as a positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community because it promotes self-acceptance, empowerment, and confidence. It has become a pop anthem for the community and a symbol of hope and acceptance.
What other messages can be found in the song?
The song also carries the message of breaking free from societal expectations and being true to oneself. The lyrics “I caught you watching me under the light, can I realign?” suggest that the singer is aware of other people’s expectations and judgments, but they want to be themselves and not conform to these expectations.
What kind of impact has Olly Alexander had on the LGBTQ+ community?
Olly Alexander has been vocal about his struggles with mental health and coming to terms with his sexuality. He has become a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate, speaking out about the importance of mental health awareness and the challenges faced by the community.
What other music has Years & Years released?
Years & Years has released two studio albums: Communion (2015) and Palo Santo (2018). They have also released several successful singles, including “Shine”, “Desire”, and “If You’re Over Me”.
What can we expect from Years & Years in the future?
Years & Years continue to perform and release music, with their most recent album, Palo Santo, released in 2018. They are currently working on new music and planning upcoming tours and performances.
