Snow Patrol
Eyes Open
Song: Chasing Cars
Reviewed by: Krystal Burns
Note: We focus on reviewing songs, and therefore cannot comment on the appropriateness of the album in its entirety. Please use your best judgment whenever purchasing or listening to music.
The Band
Originally from Northern Ireland, this Scotland based band has been over ten years in the making. The five member boy band includes Gary Lightbody (lead vocals and guitar), Nathan Connolly (guitar and back up vocals), Paul Wilson (bass and back up vocals), Tom Simpson (samples and keys), and Johnny Quinn on drums. While they’ve been on the music scene since their university years, they started getting more attention in the US with the 2004 release of “Final Straw,” which sold over two million. Formerly known as Polar Bear -- good call on changing the name -- Lightbody says their growing success comes from getting through to people on a deeper level. “Like you know them and they know you.” Hmmm, still not sure the updated name Snow Patrol gives off the serious vibe their hoping for, but may the charts and album sales speak for themselves.
The Album
“Eyes Open” was released in May of 2006 and immediately became a favorite in Ireland and the UK. The group began writing and recording in February of 2005 in a secluded cottage on the west cost of Ireland. The Celtic indie elite are featured on four of the tracks. Other songs to listen for on the album include “You’re All I Have,” “Set the Fire to the Third Bar,” and “Finish Line.”
The Song
“Chasing Cars” has become the obvious favorite for Snow Patrol’s latest album, holding steady in the top ten. In June of 2006, it was also released as a single. Of this particular song, Lightbody says, “[It’s] the most pure and open love song I’ve ever written.”
And a beautiful love song it is -- lyrically as well as instrumentally. The song shows uncommon vulnerability and longing to be carefree. In fact, in many ways “Chasing Cars” reminds me of some of the heartfelt prayers in the Bible because it’s about love and companionship -- not necessarily romantic, although that’s what we tend to think of first.
The line, “I don’t quite know/ How to say/ How to feel…” expresses what we often feel as we enter into God’s presence with a heavy heart. “Those three words/ Are said too much/ They’re not enough…” Again, our ideal relationship with God is so close and so intimate that mere words aren’t enough to relay our love and gratitude for everything he’s done. Later he sings, “All that I am/ All that I ever was/ Is here in your perfect eyes, they’re all I can see.” To that I would add that God also sees all that we will be. No one will ever know us better than our Creator.
The clincher is the chorus, “If I lay here /If I just lay here /Would you lie with me and just forget the world?” This reminds me of some of the best times I’ve spent with the Lord -- just me and God and that’s it. I forget about everything else going on in life and just enjoy “chasing cars” or “wasting” time with God. Sometimes I talk to Him, but I know I don’t have to because He already knows everything I’m going to say.
It’s easy to brush off time with God. We tend to run to Him in an emergency or treat our time with Him like a chore. But God is a real person and, as in any relationship, if we really want it to mean something we have to hang out with Him. It doesn’t have to be some formal, scheduled event. You just have to want to. And what’s best about a friendship with God is that He never flakes -- He’ll meet you anywhere and at anytime. This week try killing some time with God -- get rid of distractions like phones, TV, and other people, and just spend time focused on Him.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18).
So What Do You Think?
1. Before “Chasing Cars” hit the charts, had you heard of Snow Patrol?
2. Do British based rock bands have a different sound than American? How so?
3. What are some other popular songs that could also relate to our relationship with God?
4. What do you normally do when you spend time with God?
5. How can you make time with God even more enjoyable?