The highs and the lows

For as long as I can remember, Coldplay has always been my go-to answer when people ask who my favourite band is. Those who truly know me can confirm this without a doubt. It's always amazed me how four seemingly ordinary men have managed to create such a profound impact on the world. The truth, I suppose, is that for so many of us, myself included, Coldplay has been there through the highest highs and the darkest lows, shaping our journeys in ways we never expected.

Coldplay has recently released their 10th studio album, and safe to say it has been a success. However, this isn’t a promotional piece about their success, accolades, or how many weeks they've topped major charts across the globe. Nor is it about their efforts to create a more sustainable future. Instead, it’s about something much more personal—how their music resonates with me on a deeper level.

I must have been 16 years old when I first got introduced to Coldplay, and honestly, I cannot remember a time when I haven’t listened to their music. I’ve never wavered in my loyalty to them, and it’s something that has shaped who I am today. It’s not just about their music, but how it has felt like a personal journey, one that mirrors my highs and lows

I’d like to share my personal experiences with a few of their songs and how I interpret them. This is where the true beauty of Coldplay’s music lies—the opportunity to make every lyric your own and find your meaning in each line.

The Magic of Yellow

One of the first few songs I ever heard by Coldplay was Yellow, and like so many fans, it felt like a revelation. The simplicity of the guitar intro, the heartfelt lyrics, and Chris Martin’s haunting voice—it was something that made me pause and think. "Look at the stars, look how they shine for you." 

This line has become my mantra during some of the toughest times in my life, reminding me that, even in moments of darkness, there is always a light shining somewhere, even if we can’t see it at first. Yellow gave me hope when I didn’t know where to find it. Deep stuff am I right?

Next is Fix you.

Fix You: A Song for Healing

This song has always and still does feel like a warm embrace from my late grandmother. Anyone who’s ever experienced loss or heartache knows that feeling of wanting to be fixed, to find a way through the pain. "Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you." These lyrics were a source of comfort in moments of grief, especially with Mama’s passing and also a reminder that healing doesn’t come all at once, but that we are never truly alone in our struggles.

Viva La Vida: Finding Freedom

Viva La Vida has always been the song that brings me to life, sparking something inside me whenever I hear it. The soaring strings, the epic sound, the energy—it all makes me feel like I’m ready to take on the world. It’s a song about revolution, change, and reflection, and I’ve always felt empowered by its energy. When life feels stagnant, or when I’ve been stuck in a routine, Viva La Vida pushes me to break free, embrace change, and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

This would make for the longest read of your life if I were to focus on every song of theirs. Believe me I could write something on each song. Now, I know it all sounds wishy-washy perhaps but that’s just my take on it.

Coldplay isn’t just a band; they’re a source of inspiration, a reminder that there’s beauty in the brokenness and joy even in the struggle. Their music has taught me how to navigate the complexities of life, to embrace both the highs and the lows. Whether I’m feeling on top of the world or battling through difficult times, their songs are the soundtrack that keeps me grounded and reminds me that it’s all part of the journey.

In a world where we often look for external sources of happiness, Coldplay’s music has been a constant, internal source of peace and reflection. Their ability to weave raw emotion into every song is nothing short of extraordinary, and I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up with their music as part of my life.

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a Coldplay song, or if their lyrics have ever spoken to your heart in ways you couldn’t explain, then you’ll understand exactly what I mean. It’s more than music—it’s a feeling, an experience, a companion in every stage of life.

Thank you for reading. Viva La Vida!!

Euan