"Emergency" is a song by the American rock band Paramore. It was released on October 21, 2005 as the second single from their debut studio album, All We Know Is Falling (2005). It was released on 7" vinyl in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2006 and contained the B-side "Oh, Star," and a poster of the band. The song was written by Hayley Williams and Josh Farro. It failed to chart in the United States, however, it was released in Kerrang!s "Class of '06" compilation CD, calling it one of the best rock tracks of that year. There is also a Post-hardcore version of the song, providing a heavier sound and screamed vocals, although it has never been officially released by the band.[1]
Background
The song is about the fact that love is taken for granted, and how most relationships are in emergency status. It is also about Williams' witnessing her parents' argument and failing marriage as a child. During an interview with the February 2008 edition of Alternative Press, Williams said,[2]
| “ |
"I remember actually walking out the door with my mom that night and standing in between my parents and screaming "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" |
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There have been several versions of the song released, including the original, a live version in Anaheim (featured on an extended edition of Riot!), and a "Crab Mix", more commonly known as the "Screamo Version" which features screaming vocals introduced in some parts.
Reception
Ed Masley at The Arizona Republic ranked it as the 11th best Paramore song, stating "this one offsets melancholy jangling with headbanging power chords, the jangling underscoring Williams' bittersweet delivery as she sets the tone with a pout of, "I think we have an emergency.""[3]
Music video
The beginning of the music video sees a member of the band (Josh Farro) washing their face and looking in the mirror. Then the rest of the members of the band are seen sitting on armchairs inside a room with cuts, bruises or covered with plasters on their faces and arms and wearing messed up costumes with red flowers pinned to them, as Josh walks in, and later, Zac. Throughout the music video, there are small clips of the band performing outside, and Hayley singing about how love "is dying way too many times".
Halfway through the video a man comes in (assumed to be the director) and invites the group to come outside, and also shown are makeup artists "painting" cuts on them. Towards the end, the video switches clips between Hayley sitting in her armchair and the band performing.
The dress Hayley wears in the video was put on display in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The video was directed by Shane Drake.
Live Performances
Paramore performed this song live in Anaheim, opening their "All We Know Is Falling" tour. The song was extended to have a piano introduction, which was played by Hayley, whom also did lead vocals.
Track listing
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| 1. |
"Emergency" |
4:00 |
| 2. |
"Oh Star" (Single version) |
3:48 |
References
External links
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