Paradise Circus

It's unfortunate that when we feel a storm We can roll ourselves over 'cause we're uncomfortable Oh well, the devil makes us sin But we like it when we're spinning in his grip Love is like a sin, my love For the ones that feel it the most Look at her with her eyes like a flame She will love you like a fly will never love you again Oh, hmm It's unfortunate that when we feel a storm We can roll ourselves over when we're uncomfortable Oh well, the devil makes us sin But we like it when we're spinning in his grip Oh, hmm Love is like a sin, my love For the one that feels it the most Look at her with a smile like a flame She will love you like a fly will never love you again

About

Few songs are as ethereal and haunting as "Paradise Circus" by Massive Attack. The track features vocals by Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval over handclaps and a minimalist chord progression. The result is a song that feels both dreamlike and ominous, with an unforgettable melody that will stay with you long after the last note fades away. The song originated as a collaboration between Daddy G and Bristol production duo Robot Club. Club member Yolanda Quarty originally recorded the vocals for the demo, but after Massive Attack decided to take the song in a different direction, they enlisted Hope Sandoval to re-record the vocals. The new version of the track was released as a single in 2010, and quickly became a fan favorite. Interestingly, the song was created without Sandoval ever setting foot in the Massive Attack studio. The band instead sent her the instrumental track and she recorded her vocals separately before sending it back. This method of collaboration is similar to how "Nature Boy" (with David Bowie) and "I Against I" (with Mos Def) were also put together. Although "Paradise Circus" is undoubtedly a beautiful song, it takes on a much darker meaning when considered in the context of the album it comes from, 2010's Heligoland. The album as a whole deals with themes of loss and betrayal, and "Paradise Circus" can be seen as a reflection of those themes. The lyrics, which were written by Robert del Naja, paint a picture of a relationship that has gone sour, with lines like "Love is a lying game / We're all losers in the end." "Paradise Circus" is a standout track on Massive Attack's 2010 album Heligoland, and it's easy to see why. The song is a perfect example of the group's ability to create atmospheric, moody tracks that are both beautiful and unsettling. If you're a fan of trip-hop or electronica, "Paradise Circus" is a must-hear.