Background Information
Pompeii, written by British band Bastille and released in 2013, took the music scene by storm. With over 1 billion views on YouTube and over 500 million plays on Spotify, it is one of the most popular songs of the decade. However, some people have argued that the lyrics of the song directly allude not just to the ancient city, but to September 11, 2001, the terrorist attacks in the United States. This theory has grown in popularity over the past few years, and many people now believe that the song is actually a veiled reference to and comment on the events of 9/11.
Interpretations of the Lyrics
Interpreting the lyrics of the song has become something of a popular game among music fans. Some of the lyrics in particular have been taken as clear allusions to 9/11. Specifically, the chorus of the song, which contains the words “How am I gonna be an optimist about this”, is thought to be referencing the sense of disbelief and helplessness shared by much of the world during the terrorist attacks. In fact, such interpretations of the lyrics have become so commonplace that some people worried that the band was encouraging political discourse through the song, something it has never done.
In addition, the chorus “And if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?” is often taken as a reference to the nightmares and trauma faced by people who lived through the event, who are still struggling to cope with it even today. This interpretation takes the song beyond an invitation to revisit an ancient civilization to one which uses its lyrics to remind listeners of a tragedy that still has ramifications to this day.
Experiences of Survivors
The song’s ubiquity also means that its lyrics are heard by hundreds of thousands of people every single day, many of whom lived through the terrorist attacks. These people often take more than one layer of meaning from the song. For many, the song is a source of comfort, of being reminded that despite the tragedy of 9/11, life goes on. For others, the lyrics help keep the memory of the event alive. It gives them motivation to keep fighting in life and never forget what happened.
Bastille’s Response
The band itself has never commented on the theory that their song is about the 9/11 incident, and the lead singer in particular has avoided making any direct statements about its meaning. This has worked in the band’s favor, as it allows them to stand back from the discussion and observation of the song’s meaning and its personal resonance. It also allows the fans of the band to approach the song as they see fit, using it as a source of strength or comfort.
Media Response
The story of the band’s possible nod to 9/11 has been picked up by many of the major media outlets, often accompanied by discussions of the meaning and power of the song’s lyrics. This has only served to further confirm the universal meaning of the song and its potential as a message of strength and hope.
Public Response
Due to its immense popularity, the song has attracted a lot of attention from the public, both in terms of its potential reference to 9/11 and its impact on general public discussion of the tragedy. Many people have commented on social media that they believe the song is indeed a reference to the events of 2001, and many have said that they take comfort and strength from it. Despite varying opinions, it seems that the song has been accepted as a tribute and memorial to a particularly difficult day in recent history.
Analyzing the Impact
It is clear that Bastille’s “Pompeii” has left an indelible mark on the public’s consciousness. The song has done more than create another hit for the band, as it has managed to touch a deep emotional cord, connecting with people in a way few songs ever could. Although the exact meaning of the song may remain a mystery, it is clear that the power of its potential allusion to 9/11 has resonated with many listeners.
Exploring the Controversy
The connection between the song and the events of 9/11 has caused some controversy, with many people wondering if Bastille was deliberately invoking the tragedy. Many people have argued that the song should not be used a political statement or as a way to capitalize on a tragedy. Others have taken a more positive view, contending that the song helps keep the memory of 9/11 alive and gives people hope in the face of tragedy. The argument rages on to this day, with no consensus in sight.
Claims and Counterclaims
The issue has been taken up by some online commentators and bloggers, who have provided their own theories as to what the message of the song is, and what the ultimate intent of the lyrics is. Some have argued that the song’s authors were deliberately referencing the events of 9/11, while others have claimed that any connections between the song and the tragedy are entirely coincidental. As with most debates surrounding controversial topics, the conversation often gets heated, with both sides passionately defending their claims.
Questions Still Remain
Despite the intense discussion surrounding the song and its alleged connection to 9/11, the band itself has remained relatively silent on the issue. This has left many people wondering what the true meaning of the song is and what the exact intent of the lyrics is. Some have argued that the band is simply allowing the discussion to continue, while others have argued that they are deliberately avoiding the topic. Whatever the case may be, the discussion rages on and the mystery surrounding “Pompeii” and its connection to 9/11 remains unsolved.
