Hymn for the Weekend
Coldplay's vibrant third single from A Head Full of Dreams, featuring Beyoncé and a kaleidoscopic Indian-themed music video.
"Hymn for the Weekend" is a song by British rock band Coldplay, featuring uncredited guest vocals from American singer Beyoncé. It was released on 25 January 2016 as the third single from the band's seventh studio album, A Head Full of Dreams (2015). Blending elements of pop, alternative rock, and R&B, the track marked a stylistic shift towards a more vibrant sound. The song received overall positive reviews from music critics and achieved commercial success worldwide, reaching the top ten in multiple countries. Its music video, filmed in various locations across India, attracted attention for its colourful imagery and sparked discussions surrounding cultural representation.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Coldplay
- Album
- A Head Full of Dreams
- Release year
- 2016
- Featured vocalist
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
- Musical style
- Pop Rock; Reggae Fusion
- Status
- Released Single
Lore & Background
The song was debuted on Annie Mac's BBC radio show on 30 November 2015. According to Berryman, lead singer Chris Martin originally wanted the song to be a party song with the lyrics "drinks on me, drinks on me", but his bandmates didn't think that would go well with their fans. Martin's longtime friend Beyoncé was asked to sing on the song, and she accepted the request. Martin corroborated Berryman's story about the band protesting him singing, "Drinks on me, drinks on me" in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
According to Martin, the original kernel was that he "was listening to Flo Rida or something", and he thought, "it's such a shame that Coldplay could never have one of those late-night club songs, like 'Turn Down for What'. I thought I'd like to have a song called 'Drinks on Me' where you sit on the side of a club and buy everyone drinks because you're so fucking cool," Martin recalled. "I was chuckling about that, when this melody came, 'drinks on me, drinks on me', then the rest of the song came out.
I presented it to the rest of the band and they said, 'We love this song, but there's no way you can sing "drinks on me".' So that changed into 'drink from me' and the idea of having an angelic person in your life. Then that turned into asking Beyoncé to sing on it."
Reader's Guide
"Hymn for the Weekend" is written in the key of C minor set in a time signature at a moderate tempo of 90 beats per minute. The music video was shot in October 2015 at various Indian cities including Worli Village, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The fort showcased at the start and in between is Fort Vasai in Vasai, Mumbai. Scenes were also shot at the Maratha Mandir theatre, which is known for showcasing a single film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, for over 22 years. The video is themed after the Holi festival and was directed by Ben Mor, being released on 29 January 2016. It features Beyoncé and Sonam Kapoor.
Did You Know?
- The song reached number six on the UK Singles Chart and number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in April 2016.
- With over 2.67 billion views on YouTube, "Hymn for the Weekend" is Coldplay's most-viewed music video and the second-most overall, behind the lyric video for "Something Just Like This".
- The song was performed for the first time during the 2016 Brit Awards on 24 February 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides guest vocals on Hymn for the Weekend?
The song features a legendary vocal duet with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, adding soulful depth to Chris Martin’s lead performance. This collaboration highlights the track's status as a vibrant musical centerpiece within their discography.
What album includes Hymn for the Weekend?
It serves as a key single from Coldplay’s 2016 record, 'A Head Full of Dreams'. The release marked a significant shift toward brighter and more colorful themes following earlier introspective works.
What musical style defines Hymn for the Weekend?
The track blends Pop Rock with Reggae Fusion to create a sun-drenched anthem of love and celebration. This unique sound distinguishes it from many other ballads found in the band's history.
How does Hymn for the Weekend function during live shows?
It became synonymous with the 2016 world tour, often marking the peak energy of their performances. During these concerts, the music transcends language barriers to foster a sense of global unity among fans.
What is the emotional significance of Hymn for the Weekend?
The song functions as an emotional anchor representing devotion and joy within the band's timeline. It captures the spirit of love without relying on narrative-driven plot points found in fictional universes.
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