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About

Genius Annotation

“The Scientist” is a very mellow song about trying to analyze a broken relationship.

The song’s melody is inspired by “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by the Oasis, especially the piano part.

The music video is famous for its reverse chronology (which required Chris Martin to learn the song backwards in order to make it look like he was singing forwards as he walked backwards…). Although the video fits the song well, the idea for the video came to Director Jamie Thraves independently; he then waited for the perfect song to match his concept.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Translations
What did Coldplay say about "The Scientist"?
Genius Answer

According to Songfacts, frontman Chris Martin told on Rolling Stone:

On the second album I was thinking there was something missing. I was in this really dark room in Liverpool, and there was a piano so old and out of tune. I really wanted to try and work out the George Harrison song “Isn’t It A Pity,“ but I couldn’t. Then this song came out at once. I said, ‘Can you turn on the recorder?’ The first time I sung it is what’s out there.

He also developed on the making of the song:

That’s just about girls. It’s weird that whatever else is on your mind, whether it’s the downfall of global economics or terrible environmental troubles, the thing that always gets you most is when you fancy someone.

Is there a live performance of this song?
Genius Answer

Yes, there are:

Credits
Synthesizer
Assistant Engineer
Additional Engineering
Percussion
Production
Recording Engineer
Rhythm Guitar
Bass Guitar
Mastering Engineer
Acoustic Guitar
Strings Arranger
Electric Guitar
Lead Vocals
Release Date
August 26, 2002
The Scientist Covers
The Scientist by Jamie Lawson, What Happened To Franklin by Bright Campa, The Scientist by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Brennan Heart & Tony Junior, The Scientist by FELLOW, The Scientist by Zucchero, The Scientist by Vox Angeli, The Scientist by Chris Domoracki, The Scientist (Cover) by Lil Yachty, The Scientist by Emily James, The Scientist by Vitamin String Quartet, The Scientist by Valentin & Caravn, The Scientist by SKAAR, The Scientist by Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, The Scientist by Brian McGrane, The Scientist/Let It Be by Gardiner Sisters, The Scientist by Jada Facer, The Scientist by Bailey Rushlow, The Scientist by Jessica Manning, The Scientist by Rockabye Baby!, The Scientist (The Voice Performance) by Maelyn, ​the scientist by ​cxltgod (Ft. ​faerieclubs), The Scientist by Jenny & Tyler, The Scientist by Wes Compton, The Scientist by Joy Corporation, The Scientist (Live) by Aimee Mann, The Scientist (Fall Asleep to This) by Mike Posner, The Scientist by All Angels, The Scientist by Bipolar Sunshine, The Scientist (The Voice Performance) by Holly Henry, The Scientist by Corinne Bailey Rae, The Scientist by Willie Nelson, The Scientist by Glee Cast, The Scientist by Josie charlwood, The Scientist by Tyler Ward (Ft. Kina Grannis & Lindsey Stirling), The Scientist by Miley Cyrus, The Scientist by Boyce Avenue (Ft. Hannah Trigwell), The Scientist by Travis Garland, The Scientist (Radio 1 Live Lounge Recording) by Natasha Bedingfield, The Scientist by Duomo, The scientist by Karima Ammar, The Scientist by Avril Lavigne, The Scientist by Savanna Leigh & The Scientist by Melanie Martinez
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