Artist(s): Joshua Grimmie
Title: Swallow
Genre(s): Dance Punk, Pop Rock, Electro Funk
Length: 4:02
Writer: J.Grimmie
Producer: Joshua Grimmie
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: GOLDENHEART
Swallow is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter and producer Joshua Grimmie. The song was released on November 30, 2020, with Grimmie announcing its release and official artwork the day prior. It serves as the third official single from his second studio album, "GOLDENHEART", and the tenth track on the record overall. It was written, arranged, mixed and produced entirely by Joshua himself. Grimmie penned the track in February 2020, inspired by his creation of "Starry Eyed Dreamer" that same week. Up until that point, Joshua had solely written about personal circumstances and strayed away from worldly matters. "Swallow" is a dance punk song with elements of electro funk and pop rock infused within its layered production. It is noted for Joshua's "loose" and "sultry" vocals against a backdrop of "aggressive" electric guitars and power chords, as well as having one of the most contemporary beats on the album. "Swallow" has been jokingly dubbed by Grimmie as "electro pop but Marxist", taking a swipe at big companies and the capitalist ways of America in the lyrics.
Joshua initially intended for "GOLDENHEART" to contain songs purely reflecting his personal life over the last two years. However, after drunkenly creating the album track "Starry Eyed Dreamer", Joshua was inspired to branch out. He later stated that it was foolish to pigeonhole himself and that his fans would be disappointed if he didn't speak out on world issues. "Swallow" criticises big companies, slave labour and the consumerist mindset of the world. While admittedly one of the easy to write on account of him "just venting", Joshua stated that "Swallow" was the hardest song to produce on account of its heavy sound and multiple layers and elements. It features electric guitars, 80's inspired keyboard synths, contemporary funk/R&B drum beats and many "buzzing" and "whirring" generated effects, all culminating in a busy soundscape that is equally playful as it is chaotic. The packed production is said to reflect the fast pace of the consumer driven world.
Joshua wrote:"I initially backed away from such broad matters for two reasons. One, I was self indulgent and only wanted to sing about me and two, my Twitter feed is already a dumpster fire of my opinions. It wasn't until I snapped out of that cloistered mindset when I "accidentally" created "Starry Eyed Dreamer" that I thought, "FUCK! I NEED to tackle this shit". It's part of who I am and so is my music. I can't keep it separate. So after penning an anti-war song, I went to another pet peeve of mine - capitalism. Man, fuck those big companies working people until their fingers are bloody stubs, paying them pennies and simultaneously killing the planet. Fuck Amazon, fuck those fast fashion brands and a major side-eye to those who don't care about it. With "Swallow" being about such a hectic, fast-paced, snappy lifestyle, the production obviously had to reflect that. Like with the rest of the album, I poured a WHOLE lot of influences in there to create a really dense, immersive track. I wanted that gradual, threatening build with something akin to "Billie Jean", chords like a big "Queen" anthem, a big punchy pop chorus that soars and then all these glitchy, weird fixings like a "Daft Punk" or "Buzz & Hype" track. It's the longest I've worked on the production of a song. It sounds so chaotic but it's also very intricate. It's such a rush. It's electro pop but Marxist. Ironically, you can buy it now!"
SwallowMaking you feel like less so you want more
Out of breath raising the flag up the pole
A good soul grinds on their nine to five
Making a nickel to the big cat's dime
Tiny little bows just to make you swoon
Can only eat the cake with a silver spoon
Never reaching the heights that you seek
No paddle and you're halfway up shit creek
No helping hand from those at the banks
This the thanks? This the thanks? This the thanks?
It's a hard and bitter pill to swallow
And you better hope that you don't choke
You'll have to beg and steal and borrow
Repaying the guy who threw the rope
I'd call it tasteless but they market our senses
Bottle them up with major expenses
Supposed to renounce every sin and vice
But 50% off is gonna make us think twicePromises all laid out on a tempting plate
But not before you say their scripted grace
The little man next door drives all night
Bags under the eyes to give you the best price
Cutting quick deals as the planet withers
At least that old chestnut will be warm this winter
Authentic notes being spent on fakes
Picasso and Warhol are spinning in their graves
When we go, can't take what we purchase
Was it worth it? Was it worth it? Was it worth it?
It's a hard and bitter pill to swallow
And you better hope that you don't choke
You'll have to beg and steal and borrow
Repaying the guy who threw the rope
I'd call it tasteless but they market our senses
Bottle them up with major expenses
Supposed to renounce every sin and vice
But 50% off is gonna make us think twiceAnd you don't have to be an outcast child
To free your mind and let your heart run wild
Declare independence, raise your own flag
Fuck their two cents, make your own stamp
It's a hard and bitter pill to swallow
And you better hope that you don't choke
You'll have to beg and steal and borrow
Repaying the guy who threw the rope
I'd call it tasteless but they market our senses
Bottle them up with major expenses
Supposed to renounce every sin and vice
But 50% off is gonna make us think twiceDeclare independence, raise your own flag
Fuck their two cents, make your own stamp
Declare independence, raise your own flag
Fuck their two cents, make your own stamp
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