Higher

Released as the first single from the group’s third album Simple Forms, the song is a synth-laden, power charged anthem with a shout-along chorus they have made their trademark. The band revealed in interviews at the time of its release that the song (along with remainder of the album) was in jeopardy of not being made, due to strain on the band stemming from the breakdown of an eight-year relationship between band co-founders Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers. In the face of the possibility of the band splitting up as a result, they instead channeled their heartbreak and emotions into the music itself. Said Xayalith to Consequence of Sound: There’s pain and passion behind this art. Pop techniques are all about maximum impact. And it’s not like this is an album of bangers but it’s the most immediate thing we’ve ever done." The song’s lyrics echo this statement, dealing with such themes as redemption, owning pain and learning from the experience it provides, and using this experience to better yourself and foster a heightened sense of being. The song was performed live on the third episode of LIVE with Youtube Gaming.

[Intro] Higher, high, high, high... [Verse 1] Like we understood Made with adrenaline Seeping out through the skin Like only lovers could Here's where we begin Time is the medicine To heal these needs that only raise our voices [Chorus] Higher, higher Tonight we raise the dead Tonight we bury this in fire, fire Under the shape of years And the weight that brought us here [Verse 2] But we can separate To form these hearts in stone Rewrite this pain we own Caught here in the wake Nothing but genuine Built on a skeleton Of fractured parts That only raise our voices [Chorus] Higher, higher Tonight we raise the dead Tonight we bury this in fire, fire Under the shape of years And the weight that brought us here [Bridge] Better believe the sea of changes And put these battered bones to rest Nothing invisible or nameless Leave no reason to confess (confess) [Chorus] Higher, higher Tonight we raise the dead Tonight we bury this in fire, fire Under the shape of years And the weight... Higher, higher (Higher, higher, higher) Tonight we raise the dead Tonight we bury this in fire, fire Under the shape of years And the weight that brought us here [Outro] Better believe the sea of changes And put these battered bones to rest Nothing invisible or nameless Leave no reason to confess And raise our voices Higher, higher