Won't Stand Down (song)
| Muse song | |
|---|---|
| Name | Won't Stand Down |
| Album/single |
|
| Length | 3:29 |
| Alternative titles | |
| First live performance | |
| Latest live performance | |
| Recorded | 2021 |
| Writer/composer | Matthew Bellamy |
| Producer | Muse, Aleks Von Korff |
| Chart position | Unknown |
| Song Nav | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track 3 | < | Won't Stand Down | > | Track 5 |
| Album Nav | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simulation Theory (2018) | < | 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 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]
Additional information
The song appears is written in the key of B-minor.
Based on Aleks Von Korff's picture posted on Instagram[3], 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.
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]
Instrumentation
A heavy song, the chorus is very reminiscent to the chorus of Lacrimosa's song 'Lichtgestalt', due the strings and its gothic-metal sound, and the Swedish band 'Ghost'.
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, as well as Dom using a double kick drum pedal throughout, while also including some electronic elements, most notably during the verses. This could mean a return to a harder, heavier sound.
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.[5] More here.
Live
Lyrics[6]
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
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Muse/comments/rzos32/30_second_audio_of_wont_stand_down_if_you_try_out/
- ↑ https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-wont-stand-down-single-video-3137071
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CYiXIHfrqOM/
- ↑ https://www.kerrang.com/muse-return-with-crushing-new-single-wont-stand-down
- ↑ https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-wont-stand-down-single-video-3137071
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CX8JMU8uzy4/