Recess (song)
| Muse song | |
|---|---|
| Name | Recess |
| Album/single |
|
| Length | 3:35 |
| Alternative titles | Recess at 8[1] |
| First live performance | 28th September 1999 |
| Latest live performance | 18th January 2000 |
| Recorded | The Airfield, October 1999 |
| Writer/composer | Matthew Bellamy |
| Producer | Paul Reeve |
| Song Nav | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shrinking Universe | < | Recess | > | Yes Please |
| Album Nav | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin of Symmetry (2001) | < | Hullabaloo (2002) | > | Absolution (2003) |
Description
Creepy B-side which was played sometimes in the European tour promoting Showbiz.
Features a powerful whammy solo.
The bass appears to be played with an E-Bow.
The repeating guitar riff at the start of the song bears a similarity to Light From a Dead Star by Lush.
Alternative Versions
Different Take
The fan dubbed “Different Take” version is actually a live performance taken from the BBC Studios (Radio 1) session, albeit recorded in a studio-like setting. The lyrics in this version include lyrics reused from the demo version of Sunburn that was not included in Showbiz, but were dropped from the studio recording of Recess. At this point in time, the song was referred to by the band as 'Recess at 8".
Alternate Version
Following the release of the Origin of Muse (box set), an unreleased alternate version of Recess recorded at Trident Studios in 1999 was included. This version is largely played on piano before swapping to guitar for the solo and outro. It also features a vocal track bearing much similarity to the Different Take version from BBC Studios from the same year. The lyrics are also identical to the Different Take version.
Live
The track was rarely played live and was only played between September 1999 and January 2000. While the known first gig is in September it is possible the song was premiered sometime before then. During the first half of January 2000 it was played at nearly every gig, however it was dropped sometime shortly after. Due to a lack of known setlists between February and April 2000, it is entirely possible, although unlikely, that the song was played up until then.
Additional information
The meaning is very similar to the themes of Showbiz. It was originally believed to be a Muscle Museum b-side, but held back for Unintended.[1]. There are also shared/similar lyrics to earlier versions of Sunburn.
Lyrics
Resuscitate
In my sleep Awake to see You're never here
And the losing yields Another year Face your hopes and fears
And I wish I could believe there was more Hope suffocating You've missed my life
And the planes and trains Are to blame For tempting us To refrain And to cut the chord Dis every word Of the truths absurd And I wish I could believe there was more Hope suffocating And you've kissed my life
And I wish I could believe there was more Hope suffocating Hope suffocating Hope suffocating And you've missed my life
Different take lyrics
The following lyrics were used when the 'different take' version was sung at a BBC session in 1999. Note that they include lyrics reused from the demo version of Sunburn that was not included in Showbiz, but were dropped from the studio recording of Recess.
Resuscitate
In my sleep Awake to see You're never here And the losing yields Another year Facing hopes and fears
And the trains and planes Are to blame For tempting us To refrain And to cut the chord And diss every word Yeah the truths absurd And I wish I could believe there was more Hope suffocating And you've kissed my life
Let the truth be known Life just carries on When you're dead and gone When you're dead and gone Life just carries on Let the truth be known
And I wish I could believe there was more Hope suffocating And you've kissed my life
Hope suffocating Hope suffocating Hope suffocating And you've kissed my life
Quotes
- "recess at 8? (new song for b-side to muscle museum)"
Matt discussing the Radio 1 session the band had just completed, 09/30/1999. - "recess at 8 (song that will be re-recorded as a b-side to muscle museum single next month along with `deux: we need this?` `conscience two con science`"
Matt updating fans on the song's status, 10/01/1999. - "we also recorded a song, which i think might be called `recess` or something. This song has been recorded properly (totally different to the session) for a future B side."
Matt talking about the song in a fan interview, 11/12/1999. - "recess may be a b-side to unintended or on next album..."
Matt discussing the fate of the song after it failed to appear on the Muscle Museum single, 01/05/2000. - "recess - recorded as b-side to ``unintended`` single"
Matt reveals the final fate of the song, 04/21/2000.