Take Back The City

Frontman Gary Lightbody told Q magazine November 2008 that this song is inspired by Belfast, the city he grew up in and returned to in 2005. He explained: "So many songs written about Belfast are about the conflict, but this is a song about my love for the place."

Bruce Springsteen was an influence on this song as the band were listening to The Boss's material when they recorded it.

Lightbody told Q magazine about some of the song's lyrics.
"All these years later and it's killing me/ Your broken records and words." Lightbody explained: "This bit alludes to the not-so-good days. The broken records and words are the politicians saying no. The scars of conflict are still there, but Belfast is regenerating so rapidly. It's a fully functional, vibrant, European city these days."
"Pick a side, pick a fight, but get your epitaph right." Lightbody explained: "I patently don't understand the history of the conflict because I don't understand why anyone would want to fight, and this line refers to that. I'm not fighting anyone for anything, because I don't hate anyone."
"I love this city tonight, I love this city always/ It bares its teeth like a light, and spits me out after days." Lightbody explained: "Going out in Belfast is very more-ish and I'm a moth to the flame of it. The music scene is growing at a ludicrous rate and I can usually be found checking out one of a dozen great new bands."
"Tell me you never wanted more than this? And I will stop talking now." Lightbody explained: "It wouldn't be one of my songs without a line like that! It's a modern love story in the blink of an eye. In a wider sense, the album is all about being in love, which is a change for me."