All the kids make pistols with their fingers and their thumbs
Advertise a revolution, arm it when it comes
We’re cooking up the zeros, we’ve been doing all the sums
The judgment of this court is we need more guns – Guns
Struggles and temptations can divert veteran bands from creating art that connects meaningfully with the listener. Some bands lose their desire to experiment musically or choose to use their music to escape from the harsh realities of life. Other bands grow in arrogance to the point where they can longer connect with fans. The double-album Everyday Life is evidence that Coldplay has managed to avoid these pitfalls. Coldplay’s competence, engagement, and selflessness combine to create a life-shaping listening experience.
Coldplay confidently experiments with numerous genres across a range of musical eras. Everyday Life includes songs that could be classified as hymns, symphonic compositions, doo-wop, gospel, rock, and world music. They include street-recordings, languages, and personal experiences from across the globe. Each song is layered with rich musical, historical, and cultural meaning. Yet despite this diversity of sound, the theme of selfless human love unifies this project.
Everyday Love boldly explores conflicts and hardships in a way that illustrates Coldplay’s engagement with human suffering. Orphans explores the refugee crisis, humanizing the youth found in many refugee camps. Trouble in Town looks at racism and uses a field recording of a Philadelphia police officer during a traffic stop. Daddy unpacks what it is to be a father and also explores fathers who cannot be present for their kids due to incarceration. Even Coldplay’s decision to refrain from touring this album shows concern for climate change.
Surprisingly, Coldplay ignores the insulating power of status and wealth to preach a message of love for the poor and oppressed. And they communicate their beliefs with a gentle urgency. At times, Coldplay admits the need for a higher power than human power. The gospel song Broken is a humble request for intervention to the abuses heard in Trouble In Town. However, listeners must be careful to avoid over-spiritualizing the songs on Everyday Life. For example, the song Church uses spiritual imagery simply as a metaphor for romantic love. Love between human neighbours is the primary concern for the band.
Coldplay finds themselves in a rare position in their career where their musical competence, willingness to engage, and selfless love combine to create art with the potential to significantly shape culture. The courage Coldplay demonstrates is contagious. As a listener sees how others lovingly engage these challenge topics, the will be inspired to join in. In light of God’s repeated command to “Love your neighbour as yourself,” Christian’s would especially do well to listen to this album. Coldplay understands this human connection crosses continents, cultures, and socio-economic classes. They seek to be Good Samaritan’s who practically love those in need unconditionally. And Jesus responds to those who hear the story of the Good Samaritan by encouraging them to “Go and do likewise (Luke 10:37b).”