Amsterdam
From WikiColdplay
Amsterdam is the final song on the 2nd studio album from Coldplay, A Rush of Blood to the Head. A live version has also been released on the Live 2003 dvd and cd set.
Chris Martin has said in an interview that the song was given its name purely because that was where the song was written. Not because of any other reasons connected with the City.
The Oracle on Amsterdam
August 9, 2012 - submitted by abnamarie, United States of America
Q. Hi! I was at the concert on August 8th in Chicago. Chris said that one of the songs he played hadn't been performed in 10 years. What song was this? Thanks
The Oracle replies:
I got goosebumps when I read that Amsterdam had been played (in full) last night. I really hope that stays in the set for when I see them in Paris in 3 weeks time.
It is a real live favourite amongst die-hard fans and I know I won't be alone in the thrill of that news.
If you haven't got the song, you'll find it on the band's second album - A Rush Of Blood To The Head.
September 1, 2010 - submitted by Kelly, United Kingdom
Q. Was Amsterdam written about the Holocaust?
The Oracle replies:
After the question about Politik being written in the wake of 9/11 I can see why you pose the question. This has been asked before so sorry to repeat myself but there is no connection between the song's title and the song's content; it was simply named after the place where it was written.
June 9, 2010 - submitted by Shany, Israel
Q. Beloved Oracle,
Don't you find the line "I've got to get out of this hole" in Coldplay's Amsterdam a bit insulting? I don't know how it works in English but in Hebrew the word "hole" refers to an unnecessary, boring and misplaced city. I mean, I've never been there but I'm sure Amsterdam is a very nice place... Thank you!
The Oracle replies:
The word hole is not used to describe Amsterdam! It has several meanings (one of which is the same as yours) but in this case it means to get out of a bad situation. I have been to Amsterdam many times (as have the band) and you can rest assured it's no hole; it's amazing!
October 28, 2009 - submitted by Brooke, United States of America
Q. Have the band ever performed Amsterdam live in Amsterdam?
The Oracle replies:
They most certainly have yes but not every time they perform live there; much to the disappointment of many fans so I hear!
August 28, 2009 - submitted by Mike, United States of America
Q. Dear Oracle,
In the episode of 60 minutes, Chris says that even if he doesn't feel like playing Yellow, he'll do it anyways because the crowd paid to hear the songs they love. If he feels this way, why does he avoid playing Amsterdam? Is there a reason he is trying to keep it unheard on the tour? Seems like the band are taking the Springsteen approach to the setlist for this song. I hope you can shed some light on this for me.
Sincerely,
Mike
The Oracle replies:
You have to remember that Yellow was the single that launched the band's career around the world and that is why they will always play it. They have tried to perform it differently from tour to tour to keep it interesting for the band and fans alike. Guy once said that some people may only come to a show to hear that song (I'm sure he realizes that's not true in the majority of cases)so they feel they owe it to fans to play it.
Although Amsterdam is a big favourite amongst fans - in fact it's the most requested song via this very page - it was not a single so hasn't got the same meaning. It's not avoidance per se but there are a lot of songs to choose from to form the setlist and it just so happens that for the moment Amsterdam isn't on there.
July 29, 2008 - submitted by Kati, Poland
Q. Why song 'Amsterdam' is called like the city - Amsterdam?
The Oracle replies:
The answer to this Kati is a simple one. The song Amsterdam was so named as it written in Amsterdam.
Lyrics
Come on, my star is fading And I swerve out of control If I, if I’d only waited I’d not be stuck here in this hole Come here, oh my star is fading And I swerve out of control And I swear I waited and waited I’ve got to get out of this hole But time is on your side Its on your side now Not pushing you down and all around It’s no cause for concern Come on, oh my star is fading And I see no chance of release And I know I’m dead on the surface But I am screaming underneath And time is on your side Its on your side now Not pushing you down And all around, no It’s no cause for concern Stuck on the end of this ball and chain And I’m on my way back down again Stood on a bridge, tied to the noose Sick to the stomach You can say what you mean But it won’t change a thing I’m sick of the secrets Stood on the edge, tied to a noose She came along and she cut me loose You came along and you cut me loose You came along and you cut me loose
