Polaris

Song Notes

This song had the working title “Piano Song”. Mark said of the song during the writing of Twilight of the Innocents:

This one is definitely a potential single. It’s previous working title was “Piano Song” as Tim wrote the main hook line on a piano at U2’s villa in the south of France. The original dictaphone recording is also used in the intro of the track. There’s a underlining U2 vibe to the overall song so if it’s a hit then thank you Mr. President of the World for the inspiration and your regular hospitality! Lyrically is about being torn apart by a relationship failing. There’s a middle section that’s got military style drumming which builds up to a big final chorus. We’ve still to put strings on this track but it has the potential to fill stadiums. Fingers crossed the gods will be on our side…

Tim said of the inspiration behind the song:

I was on holiday and I ran into a friend who works for U2 doing their public relations. It was totally by coincidence and she invited us to come and hang out with Bono in his holiday home there. He and The Edge have two mansions on the beach side by side and I didn’t have a hotel booked for the last few nights. And Bono said: “Sure why don’t you just stay here.” We had one beautiful house to ourselves and there was an old piano there. And I sat down one day and wrote the melody for “Polaris”.

Rick: It’s probably the most piano-driven thing we’ve done. I’d hesitate to call it a ballad, cos I think it’s a bit more upbeat than that, but it’s very anthemic, with lush, orchestral strings. It’s a great song