Icarus
Bastille · Bad Blood [2013]
Look who's digging their own grave
That is what they all say
You'll drink yourself to death
Look who makes their own bed
Lies right down within it
And what will you have left?
Out on the front doorstep
Drinking from a paper cup
You won't remember this
Living beyond your years
Acting out all their fears
You feel it in your chest
Your hands protect the flames
From the wild winds around you
Icarus is flying too close to the sun
And Icarus's life, it has only just begun
It's just begun
Standing on the cliff face
Highest foe you'll ever grace
It scares me half to death
Look out to the future
But it tells you nothing
So take another breath
Your hands protect the flames
From the wild winds around you
Icarus is flying too close to the sun
And Icarus's life, it has only just begun
This is how it feels to take a fall
Icarus is flying towards an early grave
You put up your defenses when you leave
You leave because you're certain
Of who you want to be
You're putting up your armor when you leave
And you leave because you're certain
Of who you want to be
Icarus is flying too close to the sun
And Icarus's life, it has only just begun
This is how it feels to take a fall
Icarus is flying towards an early grave
Ooh ooh ooh...
Icarus
Icarus stands as a defining track from Bastille's early discography, appearing on their debut album Bad Blood. Released during a period of significant growth for the London-based band, the song showcases their signature blend of indie pop and alternative rock. Dan Smith's emotive vocals drive the narrative, exploring themes of ambition and fragility that resonate throughout the group's initial body of work. The recording captures the atmospheric production style that helped establish the band's identity in the modern music landscape. As part of the Bad Blood era, Icarus complements other notable releases from the time, contributing to a cohesive sonic statement that introduced Bastille to a wider international audience. The track remains a testament to the band's ability to craft memorable melodies within a structured pop framework.

