Difference between pages "Dead Star (song)" and "Won't Stand Down (song)"

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{{Songbox
[[File:2022_01_10_AVKWSDWahs.jpg|thumb|right|Bass wah pedals for Won't Stand Down]]
| Name = Dead Star
{{Songbox |
| Name = Won't Stand Down
| Album =  
| Album =  
{{drop
{{drop
|[[Dead Star/In Your World (single)|Dead Star/In Your World]] <small>(1)</small>
|[[Ninth album]] <small>(4)</small>
|[[Dead Star/In Your World (single)|In Your World/Dead Star]] <small>(2)</small>
|[[Won't Stand Down (single)|Won't Stand Down]] <small>(1)</small>
|[[Dead Star/In Your World (single)|Dead Star/In Your World vinyl]] <small>(1)</small>
|[[Dead Star/In Your World (single)|Dead Star EP]] <small>(1)</small>
|[[Hullabaloo Soundtrack (live)|Hullabaloo Soundtrack]] <small>(11)</small>
}}
}}
| Length = 3:42
| First =
| AltTitles = -
| Latest =
| First = [[Plymouth Pavilions 2001 (gig)|4{{supo|th}} October 2001]]
| Length = 3:29
| Latest = [[London Shepherds Bush Empire 2017 (gig)|19th August 2017]]
| AltTitles = WON'T STAND DOWN
| Recorded = 2002
| Recorded = 2021
| Release = 13{{supo|th}} Jan 2022
| Writer = [[Matthew Bellamy]]
| Writer = [[Matthew Bellamy]]
| Producer = [[John Cornfield]], [[Muse]]
| Producer = Muse, [[Aleks Von Korff]]
| Chart position = 13 <small>(UK) </small>
| Chart position = 56
}}
}}
<flashmp3>http://www.musewiki.org/images/DeadStar.mp3|rightbg=0xDEF|leftbg=0xDEF|bg=0xFFF</flashmp3>
==Description==
Part of the double A-side single with "[[In Your World (song)|In Your World]]" released in 2002 as a stop-gap between albums. Played sometimes during the tour promoting ''[[Absolution (album)|Absolution]]'' including at [[London Earls Court Exhibition Centre 2004 - 19th (gig)|Earls Court on the 19<sup>th</sup>]].


Contains metal influences, with a repetitive bass-line that the guitar mimics. The lyrics and melody are extremely distorted, with strange twisted snarls between. Like many of Muse's earlier work, the respiratory noises have been left in (as in "[[New Born (song)|New Born]]").
{{AlbumNav
| Previous = Track 3
| Current = Won't Stand Down
| Next = Track 5
}}
<br>
{{AlbumNav2
| Previous = [[Simulation Theory (album) | Simulation Theory ''(2018)'']]
| Current = [[Ninth album]]
}}
 
== Description ==
 
On December 25th, 2021, Bellamy made a short livestream from his Tesla on Muse's Instagram profile, showcasing part of the verse of this song, the chorus and a metalcore breakdown. The name of the track, shown on the car's dashboard screen, displayed a number prefix of "04", meaning it's likely the fourth track on the album. The one minute excerpt from Bellamy's stream can be listened to [https://www.reddit.com/r/Muse/comments/romrcw/full_60_second_preview_of_new_song_wont_stand/ here].
 
The nearing release of the song was teased once again on Muse's New Years Eve post on Instagram, when a caption saying "Looking forward to WSD. We'll see you on the other side!" was quickly changed upon posting, replacing "WSD" with "2022", before being announced a week later, on January 7th, 2021, that the [[Won't Stand Down (single)|single]] would be released on January 13th on all digital platforms. The song could pre-saved to Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music at [https://wontstanddown.muse.mu/ wontstanddown.muse.mu]. The opening part of the song was showcased via an Instagram stories filter on January 9th.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/Muse/comments/rzos32/30_second_audio_of_wont_stand_down_if_you_try_out/</ref>
 
According to Matt Bellamy, Won't Stand Down is about "standing your ground against bullies, whether that be on the playground, at work or anywhere.", adding, "Protecting yourself from coercion and sociopathic manipulation and to face adversity with strength, confidence and aggression".<ref>https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-wont-stand-down-single-video-3137071</ref>


==Additional information==
The song reached number 13 on Billboard's Rock & Alternative Airplay charts, number 1 at the Official Charts Company's rock and metal charts and it reached the peak position of number 56 on the  Official Charts Company's general singles charts.<ref>https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/won't-stand-down/</ref>
"Dead Star" was written alongside "In Your World" shortly after the September 11<sup>th</sup> attacks in America.


Matt said that the meaning of Dead Star along with [[In Your World (song)|In Your World]] it's about "how we should be responsible for our individual actions and not blame other people all the time" and added "I believe in the butterfly, or ripple, effect and that any individual's actions will have a cause and effect that they may not know about, not just on the people near them, but on others; sixth degrees of separation and all that. And that's what the songs are about."<ref>Guitarist (Magazine)- What all the Hullabaloo is about. [september 2002]</ref>
== Additional information ==


At 0:07 in the song, just as the drums kick in, one of the band members (more than likely Matt) can be heard whooping.
Written in the key of B-Minor and running at 105 BPM, a more stylistic, "alternative" title for this song is "WON'T STAND DOWN", based on the YouTube title, written in all-caps. According to Von Korff on Instagram Stories, Won't Stand Down was the first song that was recorded for the album (and the first one to be out). The song has been mixed by Dan Lancaster, UK-based producer and mixer, known for working with bands such as Bring Me The Horizon, A Day To Remember and Lower Than Atlantis, amongst others.<ref>https://www.kerrang.com/muse-return-with-crushing-new-single-wont-stand-down</ref>


Matt about Dead Star:
Based on [[Aleks Von Korff]]'s picture posted on Instagram<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CYiXIHfrqOM/</ref>, the massive "bwah" parts of the bass guitar, which can be heard during the verses, were recorded using two wah pedals, attached together on the top with a wooden cutting board and some tape, so they can be controlled simultaneously, with the distortion recorded direct, as opposed through an amp, giving it a gnarly sound. They're also doubled with some synth bass.
<blockquote>"I sort of got into that kind of thing, looking into space and all that - bit embarrassing, really. I'm a bit of a Star Trek fan in secret, but don't tell anyone (laughs). The song is about, let me think, it kind of how everyone reacted to the 11 September thing. We were in Boston at the time, we got stuck there, and that's when we recorded those songs. So, in some ways, the lyrics are a little bit about the hysteria around that time and how people were really quick to point fingers at everyone else when they should have pointed fingers at themselves."</blockquote>


==Live==
== Instrumentation ==
When played live in 2001, before the CD recording & release, the songs verses were mellow, with Matt playing chord arpeggios on a clean guitar setting, Chris playing the main riff on a clean setting & Dom playing a simple beat using the ride cymbal & snare. On the CD version, the verses have a heavier attack, featuring thumping drums played on the floor toms & distorted bass playing along with this beat. Matt also plays the same arpeggiated chords heard before, but with distortion & delay effects.


Dead Star was played regularly between 2001-10-04 and the last 2002 gig - Carling Weekend, Leeds. It was played occasionally between 2003-2004, the last performance of which was at Earls Court, 2004-12-19. The solo started to be played an octave higher compared to on record and previously live, with the Carling Weekend 2002 dates.
It is one of the heaviest songs that Muse have ever made. It includes a full-on metal sections (breakdown and outro), something that rarely occurs through Muse's discography, while also including some electronic elements, most notably during the verses, with guitar almost playing a reggae rhytm during the first verse. This could mean a return to a harder, heavier sound for the upcoming album. The chorus is very reminiscent to the chorus of Lacrimosa's song 'Lichtgestalt', due the metal sound, and the Swedish band 'Ghost'. The intro notes in the beginning are, allthough likely unintentional, the same as the beginning notes of A-Ha's "Take On Me" lead synth.


On its return on the 16th July 2008 for the South American Tour, however, the solo was back to its previous pitch. Also with the return came a new synth part, played by Morgan Nicholls throughout the verses and that replaced the guitar part & Chris shouting the chorus.<ref name="ml20080718">
The song's drums rely on their organic sound, with perhaps some samples added during the mixing phase, with Dom using a double kick pedal throughout the entire song. The verses include heavy distorted bass, providing the big "bwah" sound, with, presumably, the help of two wah pedals stuck together, as noted on the picture above, taken by Aleks Von Korff. With verses having a big bass sound, the choruses and the metal breakdown/outro have a simpler bass tone, with guitar being the heaviest element in it. During the verses, some synth effects and keyboard pads can be heard, while the chorus contains an industrial lead synth. According to producer Aleks Von Korff, he recreated Mick Gordon's "Doom Instrument", as explained on Gordon's GDC presentation<ref>https://youtu.be/U4FNBMZsqrY</ref>, which was used in the song also.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/Muse/comments/rolr1e/new_song_preview_from_muse_live_ig/hq2j17t/?</ref>
{{cite |
desc=Demuxed audio from YouTube video | auth=jesuseduardoroldan | pub=Muselive | url=http://www.muselive.com/forums.php?m=posts&q=32834 |url2=http://youtube.com/watch?v=qw-3fV9FSjY | dom=www.muselive.com | type=ext
}}</ref>
The song once more returned in 2013 for ''The 2nd Law'' tour.


[[Dead Star (live) | More here]]
Matt Bellamy used a "GuitarViol" for the pizzicato string parts during the verses. A half-guitar/half-viola/cello, it's looks are reminiscent to that of an orchestral stringed instrument (a mini cello), and it's tuned and played like a guitar, having six strings. Bellamy recorded between 12 to 16 takes to mimic an entire orchestral ensemble playing it.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CZr0AqTJNt2/</ref>


==Lyrics==
== Music Video ==
{{lyrics
 
|Shame on you
The Won't Stand Down music video was released alongside the single itself on January 13th, and uses dark-looking horror style imagery.<ref>https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-wont-stand-down-single-video-3137071</ref> More [[Won't Stand Down (video)|here]].
For thinking
 
You're an exception
== Live ==
We're all to blame
Crashing down to Earth
Wasting and burning out yeah
Fading like a dead star, whoa whoa
Harm is coming your way
Yeah it's coming your way


You used to be everything to me
== Lyrics<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/CX8JMU8uzy4/</ref> ==
And now you're tired of fighting
Tired of fighting,
Fighting yourself


Shame on you
{{lyrics
For thinking
|I never believed that I would concede and let someone trample on me
You're all alone
You strung me along, I thought I was strong, but you were just gaslighting me
If you want I'll make you wish you were
I’ve opened my eyes, & counted the lies, & now it is clearer to me
Failing to impress
You are just a user, and an abuser, living vicariously
Why can't you sleep with
Someone who'll protect you, yeah
I never believed that I would concede and get myself blown asunder
Harm is coming your way
You strung me along, I thought I was strong, but now you have pushed me under
Yeah it's coming your way
I’ve opened my eyes, and counted the lies,  now it is clearer to me
You are just a user, and an abuser, and I refuse to take it
Won’t stand down
I’m growing stronger
Won’t stand down
I’m owned no longer
Won’t stand down
You’ve used me for too long, now die alone  
Now I’m coming back, a counterattack, I’m playing you at your own game
I’m cutting you out, a shadow of doubt
Is gonna hang over your name
I’ve opened my eyes, I see your disguise, 
I will never see you the same
I know how to win, before you begin
I’ll shoot you before you take aim
Now I’m coming back, a counterattack,
A psychological war
I’m cutting you in, I’m under your skin
Now I’m gonna settle the score
I’ve opened my eyes, I see your disguise, 
I will never see you the same
I know how to win, before you begin
I’ll shoot you before you take aim


You used to be everything to me
Won’t stand down
And now you're tired of fighting
I’m growing stronger
Tired of fighting, of fighting yourself
Won’t stand down
Yourself, yourself, yourself
I’m owned no longer
Won’t stand down
You’ve used me for too long, now die alone
Won’t stand down
I’m growing stronger
Won’t stand down
I’m owned no longer
Won’t stand down
You’ve used me for too long, now die alone


Fighting yourself, fighting yourself, fighting
Won't stand down
}}
}}


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<references/>
<references/>


{{Backto | Hullabaloo Soundtrack (live) | Hullabaloo Soundtrack}}
[[Category:Songs]]

Revision as of 14:08, 12 February 2022

Bass wah pedals for Won't Stand Down
Muse song
Name Won't Stand Down
Album/single
Length 3:29
Alternative titles WON'T STAND DOWN
First live performance
Latest live performance
Recorded 2021
Writer/composer Matthew Bellamy
Producer Muse, Aleks Von Korff
Chart position 56


Description

On December 25th, 2021, Bellamy made a short livestream from his Tesla on Muse's Instagram profile, showcasing part of the verse of this song, the chorus and a metalcore breakdown. The name of the track, shown on the car's dashboard screen, displayed a number prefix of "04", meaning it's likely the fourth track on the album. The one minute excerpt from Bellamy's stream can be listened to here.

The nearing release of the song was teased once again on Muse's New Years Eve post on Instagram, when a caption saying "Looking forward to WSD. We'll see you on the other side!" was quickly changed upon posting, replacing "WSD" with "2022", before being announced a week later, on January 7th, 2021, that the single would be released on January 13th on all digital platforms. The song could pre-saved to Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music at wontstanddown.muse.mu. The opening part of the song was showcased via an Instagram stories filter on January 9th.[1]

According to Matt Bellamy, Won't Stand Down is about "standing your ground against bullies, whether that be on the playground, at work or anywhere.", adding, "Protecting yourself from coercion and sociopathic manipulation and to face adversity with strength, confidence and aggression".[2]

The song reached number 13 on Billboard's Rock & Alternative Airplay charts, number 1 at the Official Charts Company's rock and metal charts and it reached the peak position of number 56 on the Official Charts Company's general singles charts.[3]

Additional information

Written in the key of B-Minor and running at 105 BPM, a more stylistic, "alternative" title for this song is "WON'T STAND DOWN", based on the YouTube title, written in all-caps. According to Von Korff on Instagram Stories, Won't Stand Down was the first song that was recorded for the album (and the first one to be out). The song has been mixed by Dan Lancaster, UK-based producer and mixer, known for working with bands such as Bring Me The Horizon, A Day To Remember and Lower Than Atlantis, amongst others.[4]

Based on Aleks Von Korff's picture posted on Instagram[5], the massive "bwah" parts of the bass guitar, which can be heard during the verses, were recorded using two wah pedals, attached together on the top with a wooden cutting board and some tape, so they can be controlled simultaneously, with the distortion recorded direct, as opposed through an amp, giving it a gnarly sound. They're also doubled with some synth bass.

Instrumentation

It is one of the heaviest songs that Muse have ever made. It includes a full-on metal sections (breakdown and outro), something that rarely occurs through Muse's discography, while also including some electronic elements, most notably during the verses, with guitar almost playing a reggae rhytm during the first verse. This could mean a return to a harder, heavier sound for the upcoming album. The chorus is very reminiscent to the chorus of Lacrimosa's song 'Lichtgestalt', due the metal sound, and the Swedish band 'Ghost'. The intro notes in the beginning are, allthough likely unintentional, the same as the beginning notes of A-Ha's "Take On Me" lead synth.

The song's drums rely on their organic sound, with perhaps some samples added during the mixing phase, with Dom using a double kick pedal throughout the entire song. The verses include heavy distorted bass, providing the big "bwah" sound, with, presumably, the help of two wah pedals stuck together, as noted on the picture above, taken by Aleks Von Korff. With verses having a big bass sound, the choruses and the metal breakdown/outro have a simpler bass tone, with guitar being the heaviest element in it. During the verses, some synth effects and keyboard pads can be heard, while the chorus contains an industrial lead synth. According to producer Aleks Von Korff, he recreated Mick Gordon's "Doom Instrument", as explained on Gordon's GDC presentation[6], which was used in the song also.[7]

Matt Bellamy used a "GuitarViol" for the pizzicato string parts during the verses. A half-guitar/half-viola/cello, it's looks are reminiscent to that of an orchestral stringed instrument (a mini cello), and it's tuned and played like a guitar, having six strings. Bellamy recorded between 12 to 16 takes to mimic an entire orchestral ensemble playing it.[8]

Music Video

The Won't Stand Down music video was released alongside the single itself on January 13th, and uses dark-looking horror style imagery.[9] More here.

Live

Lyrics[10]

I never believed that I would concede and let someone trample on me

You strung me along, I thought I was strong, but you were just gaslighting me I’ve opened my eyes, & counted the lies, & now it is clearer to me You are just a user, and an abuser, living vicariously

I never believed that I would concede and get myself blown asunder You strung me along, I thought I was strong, but now you have pushed me under I’ve opened my eyes, and counted the lies, now it is clearer to me You are just a user, and an abuser, and I refuse to take it

Won’t stand down I’m growing stronger Won’t stand down I’m owned no longer Won’t stand down You’ve used me for too long, now die alone

Now I’m coming back, a counterattack, I’m playing you at your own game I’m cutting you out, a shadow of doubt Is gonna hang over your name I’ve opened my eyes, I see your disguise, I will never see you the same I know how to win, before you begin I’ll shoot you before you take aim

Now I’m coming back, a counterattack, A psychological war I’m cutting you in, I’m under your skin Now I’m gonna settle the score I’ve opened my eyes, I see your disguise, I will never see you the same I know how to win, before you begin I’ll shoot you before you take aim

Won’t stand down I’m growing stronger Won’t stand down I’m owned no longer Won’t stand down You’ve used me for too long, now die alone

Won’t stand down I’m growing stronger Won’t stand down I’m owned no longer Won’t stand down You’ve used me for too long, now die alone

Won't stand down

References

  1. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Muse/comments/rzos32/30_second_audio_of_wont_stand_down_if_you_try_out/
  2. ↑ https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-wont-stand-down-single-video-3137071
  3. ↑ https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/won't-stand-down/
  4. ↑ https://www.kerrang.com/muse-return-with-crushing-new-single-wont-stand-down
  5. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CYiXIHfrqOM/
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/U4FNBMZsqrY
  7. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Muse/comments/rolr1e/new_song_preview_from_muse_live_ig/hq2j17t/?
  8. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CZr0AqTJNt2/
  9. ↑ https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-wont-stand-down-single-video-3137071
  10. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CX8JMU8uzy4/
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