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Coldplay — White Shadows
Album: X & Y
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3371









Released: 2005
Length: 5:24
Plays (last 30 days): 3
When I was a young boy I tried to listen
And I want to feel like that
Little white shadows blink and I missed em
Part of a system I am

If you ever feel like something's missing
Things you'll never understand
Little white shadows sparkle and glisten
Part of a system plan

All this noise, I'm waking up
All this space I'm taking up
All this sound is breaking up

Whoa oh

Maybe you'll get what you wanted
Maybe you'll stumble upon it
Everything you ever wanted
In a permanent state

Maybe you'll know when you see it
Maybe if you say it you'll mean it
And when you find it you'll keep it
In a permanent state
A permanent state

When I was a young boy I tried to listen
Don't you want to feel like that

You're part of the human race
All of the stars and the outer space
Part of the system plan

All this noise, I'm waking up
All this space I'm taking up
I cannot hear, you're breaking up

Whoa oh

Maybe you'll get what you wanted
Maybe you'll stumble upon it
Everything you ever wanted
In a permanent state

Maybe you'll know when you see it
Maybe if you say it, you'll mean it
And when you find it you'll keep it
In a permanent state
A permanent state

Swimming on a sea of faces
A tide of the human race
So, an answer now is what I need

I see it in the new sun rising
I see it break on your horizon
Oh come on love, stay with me
Comments (431)add comment
All Coldplay's songs sound pretty similar (it's a bit like AC/DC), but it's not bad sound every once in a while.
Chris is so engaging with the audience live.  & totally high energy
Glad to have seen them.
Is it the most technically interesting music? For the most part, no.

Is it kinda commercial? Sure. So? Commercial tends to mean "people like it" and "they get paid", both of which I suspect musicians find important considerations in making music.

Does Chris have the best voice? No. Frankly I'd say it's not even that great. Is Jonny on RS's 250-greatest? No. 

Does the music rock? Yes. And you can't argue it hasn't stood the test of time - they went to Portugal recently, and not only sold out, they literally moved the local economies. What they lack in technique they make up for in passion.

I think there are certain bands that, while one can consider the details of the music average or mundane, transcend that. They just know how to get a driving beat or a fantastic melody that moves you. Hell, White Stripes Seven Nation Army - how simplistic is Meg's drumming? Yet, damn. 

Hate if you will, but clearly your opinion is not widely shared.


 sanmiamcairo wrote:

Just realised I'm not the only one who doesn't like Coldplay; no hating but it's just that all their songs sound the same...lack sophistication; came at a time when there were much more worthwhile artists yet Coldplay was chosen to be promoted.




Did you hear their first 2 albums? If not give it a try. With their 3rd album my admiration ended.
One of the few remaining Bands that can fill a stadium and cross over among many different demographics.  Seems most big recording artists in the current decade are solo acts that do collaborations to reach a wider market.  
I don’t listen to Coldplay much but they had some great albums out of the gate. This is perhaps their best - almost not a bad song on this one.
eh, I don't mind them.  At least it's not Radiohead.
Good grief - it so trendy to hate Coldplay.  Perhaps if any of the haters had any inkling of an original thought in their brains they would be able to walk, chew gum and breath at the same time.

Coldplay's first 3 albums are amazing pop fun!  If you can't connect with it - that's on you.  

So take a look at you before fucking wasting energy and space with your regurgitated bullshit.
Watched a documentary in which the guys from Coldplay are down about this album. I think it’s their best. Blew me away when I first heard it and still love it.
Not my cup of tea...
Run out of trite lyrics? Just go who-oah-oh.
 joejennings wrote:

Coldplay is hit or miss for me. This tune is a HIT! Thanx RP! ...I gave it a 10, so it gets played more often!    ...PS: they have more misses than hits for me.



Love this song. Solid 9 from me. Suck it, haters.
 aelfheld wrote:


Nothing right with it either.

Coldplay is tapioca pudding with a backbeat.


I like Tapioca pudding.
I don't care what the haters say.  Coldplay is awesome.  Thanks, Bill and Rebecca.
Just realised I'm not the only one who doesn't like Coldplay; no hating but it's just that all their songs sound the same...lack sophistication; came at a time when there were much more worthwhile artists yet Coldplay was chosen to be promoted.
A good song is a good song
Coldplay is hit or miss for me. This tune is a HIT! Thanx RP! ...I gave it a 10, so it gets played more often!    ...PS: they have more misses than hits for me.
ah the usual trendy arrogant coldplay haters are out in force in this comment thread… to be so unhappy that a pop band can take your innate joy and get one to publish hatred as a testament to your fragile puny “ego” love this tune… and the album… and I am happy with what I have and have not in this life
 diannemck56 wrote:
I don't care what they say, Bill.  Nothing wrong with a little Coldplay. 


Nothing right with it either.

Coldplay is tapioca pudding with a backbeat.
One of the best concerts I have ever been to.  Lost my voice for days.  Floor seats in Buffalo NY

The show was electric, people were just singing and dancing.  

There is something special about Coldplay
 Stetsonman wrote:

usual shit from this shit band



Usual shit comment from a shit commentator
usual shit from this shit band
 MattRudely wrote:

Music for people who "don't really listen to music."


No.  Pixies is music for people who don't really listen to music.  And no, I can't abide Coldplay.
AAAAARGH


Trite doggerel: check
Beginners melody: check
Permanent echo jangle: check
Great production still not saving it: check

The usual, then. Music for people who "don't really listen to music."
Everything you ever wanted in a permanent stain!
When Coldplay tried to become U2 ...
Sounds great to these ears!


AhhtheMusic wrote
Starting to notice that he doesn't have a very good voice and often can't quite reach the note intended. Odd. This is not a new album, I have it in fact. Maybe my taste has changed

 
123heyaho! wrote:

And obviously it's better now.
 
Maybe Ahh's taste is the same it's just that they have a better stereo system now.
 AhhtheMusic wrote:
Starting to notice that he doesn't have a very good voice and often can't quite reach the note intended.  Odd.  This is not a new album, I have it in fact.  Maybe my taste has changed.
 
And obviously it's better now.
 dandueck07 wrote:

I deem your first comment acceptable because everyone is entitled to their own taste in music.
Your second comment is acceptable only if you've tried it and also witnessed it being done by all members of Coldplay.  The first is possible, but I highly doubt you were in attendance for the latter.
 
No.  His entire comment was in extremely poor taste.
 Stetsonman wrote:
made me turn down the volume, leave the room and shiver.
coldplay suck dick
 
I deem your first comment acceptable because everyone is entitled to their own taste in music.
Your second comment is acceptable only if you've tried it and also witnessed it being done by all members of Coldplay.  The first is possible, but I highly doubt you were in attendance for the latter.
Here a U2 clone.
made me turn down the volume, leave the room and shiver.
coldplay suck dick
 Piranga wrote:
It's interesting to see which bands arouse those most passions and how they are correlated. For example, I love Coldplay (own all their music) and I find the Grateful Dead tedious (own none of their music). I imagine a grand statistical ordination.
 

It's not at all clear what statistical ordination you are planning. PCA? NMDS? How you would ever get the data is one issue. The other is that it's possible to like both bands. One was breaking new ground and started, or was at the initiation of, a grand transition from the formulaic and formal structure of rock music composition and performance. The other is a studied studio product. These two trends converge and diverge all over the place. One depends, and in fact could not exist outside the studio. The other bridges the chasm  between spontaneity and adherence to formula. So you "own" no Grateful Dead music (in truth, no one owns their music, which is the point) and feel the need to inform us of that. I imagine that no Grateful Dead fan has ever felt the need to wear a "I hate Coldplay" t-shirt, although the opposite exists. What sort of statistical analysis do you propose to unravel this?
It's interesting to see which bands arouse those most passions and how they are correlated. For example, I love Coldplay (own all their music) and I find the Grateful Dead tedious (own none of their music). I imagine a grand statistical ordination.
Starting to notice that he doesn't have a very good voice and often can't quite reach the note intended.  Odd.  This is not a new album, I have it in fact.  Maybe my taste has changed.
it's good, and depending on my mood or frame of mind, its better
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
..... please make this stop!!
 
I know. It's so bad it hurts. And it's insulting they actually released this song to their fans.
Screw all you nitwits who think it's cool to criticize Coldplay, I **like** them.
 Tony0600 wrote:
Can't understnad all the negative comments about Coldplay and especially the commercial aspect. As an (older) rocker focused on non-commercial bands of the 70s and 80s I understand the argument. But it seems to me that people are knocking Coldplay simply because they are commercial, but they write well crafted, musically accomplished songs with great melodies. I think they're great - XYZ is a great album in my huumble view


It seems to me that the same folks who are quick to climb onto the bandwagon of an artist's or a band's "coolness," are the same folks who are quick to turn on the same band when they are disappointed later in that artist's career.
Unrealistic expectations, maybe?
This song is excellent, IMHO.
This album means so much to me; a touchstone and place of safety in a life that was filled with so much physical pain due to spinal problems and on massive doses of morphine just so I could function, I ended up being in a very dark place mentally. Even to this day - at the time of writing 15 years on - I can't turn off the radio when I hear a track from X&Y. Thanks to the work of my brilliant orthopaedic surgeon and his amazing team over the years,and the unfailing love and support of my gorgeous husband, I am as good as I'll ever hope to be.

Thankyou, Coldplay, for being there when I needed you.
Coldplay is the pasteurised cheese of music.
 ablada wrote:
Good old Coldplay {#Crown}
 
Bad
old Coldplay.

Then again, of course, some people like being bored, which is when Coldplay comes into play. In that regard, it indeed is a great band.
Good old Coldplay {#Crown}
zzZzzz... kings of the boring balad ... sometimes stealthy hiding as being some kind of «rock» (?)
I don't care what they say, Bill.  Nothing wrong with a little Coldplay. 
Grazie per allietarmi le giornate lavorative.
Vi saluto carico della vostra energia positiva.
Boring, Bland, and just Bad.
Catchy hooks, but maybe they'd be better with someone other than Chris Martin singing.
 treatment_bound wrote:
What's the general consensus of the listeners here at Radio Paradise when this song doesn't bleed into "Fix You" like it does on the album:

Disappointment...or ELATION? 
 Tepid.

Finally got it.  This sounds a little like U2.

Great song for the wee early morning hours while motoring up the Fraser Canyon.
 nicolas65 wrote:

I wouldn't go that far. To me they are just boring.
 
Boring things can suck too
 123heyaho! wrote:
Coldplay sucks.
 
I wouldn't go that far. To me they are just boring.
Coldplay sucks.
 eveliko wrote:
One of the least desperating rock songwriters in our desperating era.
 
Desperating???
 treatment_bound wrote:
What's the general consensus of the listeners here at Radio Paradise when this song doesn't bleed into "Fix You" like it does on the album:

Disappointment...or ELATION? 
 
It would be the second one...

One of the decent songs from the first two albums, before Coldplay went down the pan.
 DuranAir wrote:
I remember hearing this song the night before going out into the streets to do battle again.  We were riding in our 4-man humvee
and a big bang and then watching life leak out of my buddy.  It all comes down to wanting love when you are facing the big good bye.

 
Sorry you had to endure such pain of losing a friend and comrade. Know that we as a nation, as well as I personally, thank you for your sacrifice and service. This country would be a far different place (not free) if not for the men and woman of the US military.
One of the least desperating rock songwriters in our desperating era.
 DuranAir wrote:
I remember hearing this song the night before going out into the streets to do battle again.  We were riding in our 4-man humvee
and a big bang and then watching life leak out of my buddy.  It all comes down to wanting love when you are facing the big good bye.

 
I thank you for your service (and I'm not American).
I remember hearing this song the night before going out into the streets to do battle again.  We were riding in our 4-man humvee
and a big bang and then watching life leak out of my buddy.  It all comes down to wanting love when you are facing the big good bye.
 VH1 wrote:

please stop posting such nonsense and I would feel better. thanks Dude! There is such a thing as "PSD" you know! 

USE IT!!! 

 
I'm listening at work via winamp stream, there IS NO option that way for example....

Coldplay sucks!
 sliprockdoc wrote:
please stop playing Coldplay, Phil Collins, Genesis, Leonard Cohen (he can't sing).  I feel better now.  thanks. Dr. Dude

 
please stop posting such nonsense and I would feel better. thanks Dude! There is such a thing as "PSD" you know! 

USE IT!!! 
please stop playing Coldplay, Phil Collins, Genesis, Leonard Cohen (he can't sing).  I feel better now.  thanks. Dr. Dude
White Shadow
I had to double check I was listening to RP when this came through the headphones. Thought I better get on and give you a big {#Hug} to cancel out the haters. {#Bananajam}Up and dancing at my desk.
a permanent snake?

a permanent snake?
Saw them in Orlando last night, fantastic show!
..... please make this stop!!
 treatment_bound wrote:
What's the general consensus of the listeners here at Radio Paradise when this song doesn't bleed into "Fix You" like it does on the album:

Disappointment...or ELATION? 
 
I'm more disappointed that it hasn't bled out.
What's the general consensus of the listeners here at Radio Paradise when this song doesn't bleed into "Fix You" like it does on the album:

Disappointment...or ELATION? 
 helgigermany wrote:
very nice tune, very nice album!

 
Great, both song and album!
very nice tune, very nice album!
 ppopp wrote:
Anyone who follows a Coldplay song is going to sound fantastic, even John Hiatt.

 
Ha ha.  "We're Alright Now" follows it today.  You were right : )  Then "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" from the Stones.  Sorted.  The world is ok again.
 Euskadita wrote:
I thought it was Keane, hard to tell sometimes

 
Except Coldplay uses guitars and Martin is always flat. But yeah, pretty much
Anyone who follows a Coldplay song is going to sound fantastic, even John Hiatt.
Technically perfect but cold and empty. Excellent but not likable. Does not fit the rating system 
 dew34 wrote:

This song is good. Do hear a little U2 in their presentation.{#Cheesygrin}

 
Ah! Another reason to dislike it.
Oh, this is that Coldplay song that DOESN'T SUCK!

Ooops! Nope, just like the rest of them....

 
Interesting coming after Porcupine Tree. Sounds like their Pop cousins. 
Nice!
I Like the typical britt guitar sound. Good song
Drsteevo.....

I LOVE 40 year old virgin...LOVE.....EXCEPT for that scene, what a disappointment. Gay is Good......CMON it is 2013 GET OVER IT PEOPLE. Too much hatred/oppression to joke about a topic like that. I know there is TON of racial jokes in that movie too, .........but.........even though there is a TON of racism still today.....at least it is not ILLEGAL to be born with a certain skin pigmentation, it is illegal in most states to love someone.
Maybe I got it wrong....maybe they mean COLDPLAY is AWESOME. Which they are. {#Bananapiano} 
 westslope wrote:
  The DJ just ROCKS!!!!!!!!!

 
And the haters/trolls never pay to drop their venom on this blog.  Ho Hum...........
 dew34 wrote:

This song is good. Do hear a little U2 in their presentation.{#Cheesygrin}

 
Me too, and that is merely paying respect to someone else who never seems to leave that chop for too long.
I thought it was Keane, hard to tell sometimes
 Jim_Highfield wrote:
This one is OK. I really like "What if" but it isn't on the list. {#Angel}
 
One of my favorites! {#Clap} Too bad it doesn't play here...
 Jim_Highfield wrote:
This one is OK. I really like "What if" but it isn't on the list. {#Angel}
 
This song is good. Do hear a little U2 in their presentation.{#Cheesygrin}
This one is OK. I really like "What if" but it isn't on the list. {#Angel}
 ziakut wrote:
Is Coldplay a bit self indulgent? Yes. Do I like the atmosphere in this song? Yes. Can't have everything right? Are we done with useless questions? Yes!
 

LOL!

 

Nicely written.  Terrific mood.  Just an amazing follow up to Waiting by the Tree.  The DJ just ROCKS!!!!!!!!!


Imho....way too over rated. Marginal.

{#Dancingbanana}  All is QUIET... on a New Year's Day  {#Dancingbanana}
Bill,  just keep playing what you like.  No, I don't like it all, but I SO appreciate that you seem to be immune to the generalizations, and opinions of the day.
Is Coldplay a bit self indulgent? Yes. Do I like the atmosphere in this song? Yes. Can't have everything right? Are we done with useless questions? Yes!
 jnesser wrote:
I don't know what people see in Cold Play. I cannot tolerate their music whatsoever.
Not getting the attraction for this song (or Group) either. 

gash
I don't know what people see in Cold Play. I cannot tolerate their music whatsoever.
Prince called...he wants his mid-song riff back.

Love the song; love the album.  I'm just not cool, that's all.

Crap.


Bill's been digging in the bargain bin again, This is soooooo 2000's
 tphord wrote:
whiny... trite... mundane... listen to one Coldplay song - pretty much set for life.
 
I liked the first Coldplay song I ever heard.  I'm still waiting for them to make a new one.  When they do, I might like it too.

whiny... trite... mundane... listen to one Coldplay song - pretty much set for life.
Cool song!
I enjoy Coldplay...They've got their own sound
This album lacks the intensity of its predecessors. I think being married to Gyneth Paltrow is bad for the lead singer's songwriting (I'm assuming he's involved). He should give her to me instead.


trite.
Come on! This song rocks!
 helgigermany wrote:
I really missed all the negative comments for coldplay!! And here they are!!  For me, one of coldplays best albums!!

 
That's because nobody gives a shit anymore.{#Rolleyes}
man ... is incredible how a band that can only do soft ballads can come out as a ""rock"" band (!) 
 clwguy wrote:
10... just to piss off the haters and because i love this song 
 
Ditto!!  {#Cheers}
firecrackers work even better then ear plugs

 
johnjconn wrote:
Oh Boy, another Coldplay song.
Gee wiz , anybody got a pair of ear plugs?
 


 clwguy wrote:
10... just to piss off the haters and because i love this song 
 
Love this song, love the whole album.......
 clwguy wrote:
10... just to piss off the haters and because i love this song 
 

This follows Porcupine Tree's Waiting rather well.   How's that for a big fat compliment?  (For both the DJ and Coldplay)



 Sjaaks wrote:
 

To me it seems ages ago, a lot has happened since... I was in a very different phase of my life so yeah, it's sorta like back in the day... And now i think of it, not being English/American, i wouldn't know how to say/put it differently either...
 
We call that "about a minute ago". {#Wink} {#Wave}


 cactusmatador wrote:


2005 is "back in the day" ?   Really?
  

To me it seems ages ago, a lot has happened since... I was in a very different phase of my life so yeah, it's sorta like back in the day... And now i think of it, not being English/American, i wouldn't know how to say/put it differently either...


10... just to piss off the haters and because i love this song 


 deepwoodskev wrote:
These guys seemed to have faded away. Amazing considering how popular they were just a couple of years ago.
 
I don't think they've faded; they just haven't put out a new album in a couple of years.  They'll probably be all over the place again whenever that's released.