Story Behind The Song
This song is a post-break song. The protagonist is the one who ended the relationship. Although he knows it was the right thing to do, he cared deeply for the other person, and is now completely tortured by having to break their heart.
He feels so down and hopeless, he is questioning everything he ever knew and wondering if it's worth trying at all, if this is all he is left with after trying to hard.
The lyrics "No Sir No Surrender" indicate his resolution to himself, to keep going, despite how hopeless he feels. The song is very dark but in this way, it ends on a positive note.
Song Description
A post-breakup, reverb-drenched plea to the heavens, posing the question of how things can go so wrong despite great effort. The song is essentially folk-orientated but with intersparsed electronic elements ensuring a more modern/contemporary sound.
Huge, heart-breaking harmonies in the middle 8 and a positive message in the outro lyrics ("No Sir No Surrender").
| Song Length |
3:12 |
Genre |
Folk - Contemporary, Folk - Contemporary |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Moving, Distressed |
Subject |
Heartbreak, Breaking Up |
| Similar Artists |
Bon Iver, The National |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
No Sir No Surrender
(Words and music by Gareth Ebbs)
Sleeping on Yellowstone
Quitting ain't no place to call home
Kinda feel like switching off
But I don't think we ever switch back on
I always see you
In my rear view
No Sir
(No surrender)
No Sir
(No surrender)
Everything I was taught
Means nothing now we're lost
Sunshine, tidal waves, hurricanes.
Everything I've ever loved
I always see you
No Sir
(No surrender)
No Sir
(No surrender)
Is this what it's come to
I can't run
This is what I must do
Do
Do
No sir no surrender
No sir no surrender
No sir no surrender
No sir no surrender