“The Flood” - Take That

I’m a bit late to the party coming into the music of Take That, only somewhat recently. The good news is that there is a massive music catalog I can catch up on from the last 30 years.

Take That is an English group that formed in Manchester back in 1990.  Some may consider Take That as the OG male vocal group (pre New Kids On The Block, Boyz II Men, BSB, etc).  I will use the term ‘male vocal group’ as I loathe the term “boyband.”  It really cheapens the work of real talented artists and vocalists who have made a mark in the music industry.  I digress…..

The band has endured a 30 year, on-off again career with most notable members Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams.  Williams left the group and embarked on a meteoric solo career in 1997 with his breakout hit “Angels,” which you will likely recognize.  He then returned to the group in 2009 for their record “Progress.”  From this record stems this truly epic pop masterpiece, “The Flood.”

I started this blog to celebrate some of my most favorite pop songs, and dramatic storytelling ballads are among my most favorite.  This song delivers that and then some. 

The guys share their inspiration for the writing of “The Flood” (above) and Robbie Williams so simply and eloquently puts it:

 “ ….it’s an epic sounding song, and it needed kind of, epic words and a big melody.”  

What I find genius about this song is how it can be interpreted in multiple ways. This quote highlights the band’s intention to provoke thought. Take That’s Gary Barlow is quoted saying:

"The floods are a metaphor in the song for everything that’s happening in life. We always like to give people a completely different outlook on something they may not have thought about.”
 

Another great analysis made by Old Time Music, "At its core, “The Flood” is a testament to the power of resilience. The lyrics remind us that no matter how dire the circumstances, we have the strength within us to rise above and rebuild. The song’s chorus encapsulates this message beautifully with the lyrics, “Cause we’ll be alright, You won’t drown, We’ll learn to survive.” Through these words, Take That inspires listeners to find hope and determination even in the face of adversity."

While much of the inspiration behind the song is reflective of the bands early beginnings, trials and tribulations, if you didn't know that, the ability to derive various meanings to reflect your own personal experiences is a testament to the brilliance of the writing. The song captures the universal theme of resilience. Just about everyone can relate.

"The Flood" will take you on a ride of your own personal reflection with all the emotion that comes with it. That makes for a remarkable pop song.


- Cris August

LYRICS:

The Flood Lyrics as written by Robert Peter Williams Mark Anthony Owen
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Standing, on the edge of forever
At the start of whatever
Shouting love at the world

Back then, we were like cavemen
But we map the moon and the stars
Then we forgave them

We will meet you where the lights are
The defenders, of the faith we are
Where the thunder turns around
They'll run so hard we'll tear the ground away

You know no one dies
In these love drowned eyes
Through our love drowned eyes
We'll watch you sleep tonight

Although no one understood
We were holding back the flood
Learning how to dance the rain
We were holding back the flood
They said we'd never dance again

Bleeding, but none of us leaving
Watch your mouth son or you'll find yourself floating home
Here we come now on a dark star
Seeing demons, not what we are

Tiny minds and eager hands
Will try to strike but now will end today

There's progress now where there once was none
Where there once was none, then everything came along

Although no one understood
We were holding back the flood learning how to dance the rain
There was more of them than us now they'll never dance again

Although no one understood
There was more of them than us learning how to dance the rain
We were holding back the flood they said we'd never dance again

We will meet you where the lights are
The defenders, of the faith we are
Where the thunder turns around
They'll run so hard we'll tear the ground away

Although no one understood
There was more of them than us learning how to dance the rain
(learning how to dance the rain)
There was more of them than us now they'll never dance again
Now we'll never dance again

pop music, lyrics, cris august, cristopher august, blog, take that, robbie williams, gary barlow,