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"Warning Sign" is a song by Coldplay from their second studio album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. It is the eighth track of the album.

Background and composition[]

Chris Martin stated the song was inspired by a girl he once met. He explained, "It's just a silly song about a girl. It's the one I am now furthest away from out of all the songs on th[e] album." The song was initially a strong contender choice to follow up "In My Place" as the second single for the album, but it was ultimately replaced by "The Scientist".[1]

"Warning Sign" was described as a "sumptuous, suite-like ballad".[2] In a ranking of the band's entire discography, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the release of Parachutes, NME reviewed it, wroting, "No longer just indulging the man who messed up his own relationship but explaining specifically how he did it, ‘Warning Sign’ acknowledges apathy and apologises for it. He missed the warning signs, he was looking for a way out, he ruined the love he was too lucky to have in the first place."[3]

Lyrics[]

[Verse 1]
A warning sign
I missed the good part, then I realized
I started looking and the bubble burst
I started looking for excuses

[Pre-Chorus]
Come on in
I've gotta tell you what a state I'm in
I've gotta tell you in my loudest tones
That I started looking for a warning sign

[Chorus]
When the truth is
I miss you
Yeah, the truth is
That I miss you so

[Verse 2]
A warning sign
It came back to haunt me and I realized
That you were an island and I passed you by
And you were an island to discover

[Pre-Chorus]
Come on in
I've gotta tell you what a state I'm in
I've gotta tell you in my loudest tones
That I started looking for a warning sign

[Chorus]
When the truth is
I miss you
Yeah the truth is
That I miss you so
And I'm tired
I should not have let you go

[Outro]
Ooooooooooooooooo

So I crawl back into your open arms
Yes I crawl back into your open arms
And I crawl back into your open arms
Yes I crawl back into your open arms

Official audio[]

Warning_Sign

Warning Sign

Critical reception[]

Billboard positively stated that ""The Scientist" and "Warning Sign" improve on the gentle love songs that dominated Parachutes.[4]

Trivia[]

  • Although "Warning Sign" is considered to be a fan favourite to be played in live concerts, when asked about the song in other occasion, Chris revealed, "I want nothing to do with [Warning Sign]. I won't play it and for all I care, it doesn't really exist."[5]
    • Despite that, the song was performed live several times after this statement on the band's other tours.
  • The song was featured on the 2003 British film, Code 46, directed by Michael Winterbottom.[6]

References[]

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