The awaited return of British synthpop band Years & Years is a fact and it’s finally here.
The track, called “Sanctify”, was written by frontman Olly Alexander alongside regular collaborator Thomas Hull (professionally known as Kid Harpoon), who previously teamed up with the group on “Take shelter”, “Worship”, “Desire” and “Meteorite”.
“So ‘Sanctify’ is basically a song about a guy who’s struggling with his sexuality” Olly explained. “I’ve been involved in that experience. I’ve been on actually both sides of that experience and it inspired the song. And it’s got a sort of throwback R’N’B vibe mixed with a bit of…something else.”
The single is taken from the trio’s yet-to-be titled second studio album, follow-up to their acclaimed LP “Communion”, released in 2015.
Speaking about the brand new album, Olly revealed “I think it sounds like us, but I’m hoping it’ll sound like we’ve had a bit more fun and it sounds like a step forward or evolution.”
Ahead of the release, he added “The video for ‘Sanctify’ centres around an audition against the backdrop of a future metropolis called Palo Santo.It’s the first part of a bigger jigsaw puzzle and my hope is that it confuses the hell out of people but also excites them in a mysterious and sensual way.”
“We’ve deliberately hidden lots of different meanings and I want people to come up with their own interpretations, I’m asking people to jump down the rabbit hole with me and let their imagination run free.”
Lyrics:
When I pray
When I-
When I pray
In the night, you come to me
‘Cause I’m the one who knows who you are
Ooh
Give me your confession, saying
Lately, life’s been tearing you apart
Now
Walk through the fire with you
‘Cause I know how it can hurt
Being cut into and afraid
So don’t break (break)
Sanctify my body with pain (pain)
Sanctify the love that you crave (crave)
Oh, and I won’t, and I won’t, and I won’t be ashamed
Sanctify my sins when I pray
When I pray
You don’t have to be straight with me
I see what’s underneath your mask
I’m a man like you, I breathe the rituals of the dancer’s dance
Oh, oh
And there’s fire in you
And you know it’s gonna hurt, being cut into
And afraid
So don’t break (break)
Sanctify my body with pain (pain)
Sanctify the love that you crave (crave)
Oh, and I won’t, and I won’t, and I won’t be ashamed
Sanctify my sins when I pray
When I pray
You’ll find redemption when all this is through
Father, forgive me for finding the truth
Love takes its toll on me, I’m just like you
Maybe it’s heavenly
Maybe it’s heavenly
So don’t break (break)
Sanctify my body with pain (pain)
Sanctify the love that you crave (crave)
Oh, and I won’t, and I won’t, and I won’t be ashamed
Sanctify my sins when I pray
Sanctify my body with pain (sanctify, sanctify my sins)
Sanctify the love that you crave (sanctify)
Oh, and I won’t, and I won’t, and I won’t be ashamed (sanctify)
Sanctify my sins when I pray
When I pray
When I pray
