Bastille, 'What Would You Do' (City High Cover) - NME Basement Sessions

Bastille, 'What Would You Do' (City High Cover) - NME Basement Sessions
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London quartet Bastille visited the NME offices to perform a special acoustic cover of 'What Would You Do?' The song was originally written by American hip hop trio City High, which appeared on their self-titled album in 2001.
The Bastille cover appears on their mixtape' Other Peoples Heartache' which was released in 2012.
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[@cheynosaur]

i don't understand why people claim they don't hear the emotion in this version of this song because i feel that i can hear it more in this version than the original. it sounds somber and sorrowful. and who's to say that they didn't/don't know a stripper like this or just someone like this in general? just because they're white doesn't mean they don't have those types of experiences. i don't think people should be jumping to conclusions so much when we don't really know how much of a connection bastille has to this song or the lyrics, you know? i think this version is beautiful and to me, i hear the emotion more so in this song than in the original. but that's just my opinion. still, you shouldn't automatically assume they don't connect with this song in some way just because they're white...

[@cheynosaur]

***** i've seen a load of comments from people saying that they're "a bunch of white boys" who pretty much know nothing about what they're singing about. i was addressing that. still, i personally hear plenty of emotion in his voice, but maybe that's just me. it sounds sorrowful, to me.

[@AuthentiKaate]

THANK YOU. No one ever wants to admit that they're playing the race card so obviously when everyone else can see it. So many people do it these days. About the president, actors, musicians, but no one wants to admit it's an underlying issue of racism playing into their opinions and haughty accusations. This is beautiful, and throwing prejudices around doesn't change that fact!!

[@mikemillz5536]

Katey Nicole its not about the race card.... What the hell this cover lacks any emotion hes looking down and singing so monotone. The original is better not because their black or where there from but because you can feel the emotion like they've actually been through it. Granted I understand the band was probably just mixing up a song they like but it definitely did not come out as a good cover. A nice vocal performance for versatility bit not a good cover. I think there are plenty of other white and black singers who could do a better cover so stop acting like people are pulling some race card

[@cheynosaur]

Mike millz everyone's entitled to their own opinions. however, i don't think it's 100% accurate to say that this isn't a good cover at all. i think it's really well done and i enjoy it a lot more than the original. and i hear a lot more emotion in it than the original as well. but hey, again, that's my opinion.

[@mikemillz5536]

I mean I don't want to say its a bad cover but the only reason people enjoy it more is because its Bastille. Like you can just say that... But its not really better than the original cause the emotion is lacking.most of the song he's just staring at the ground...

[@XQueenDevilX]

His voice.. Touches you.. so depressing, so sad. honestly makes me cry every time..

[@kumudtsering]

Agreed!!!!!

[@_daudnasir]

it's kind of creepy that I had exactly the same thought.

[@XQueenDevilX]

Daud Nasir I swear it's weird and has a strong effect on you.. when it's near an exam time or I have an important meeting/interview I tend to ignore listening to Bastille because they bring me down. remind me of all of the sad shit I've been through.. but I reaaally love them, but listeinig to them makes me depressed.

[@_daudnasir]

Sal Al Suwaidi​ which song did you first listen of Bastille. I listened to Pompeii and became a huge fan.

[@XQueenDevilX]

Daud Nasir Same Pompeii. and it has a big place in my heart..

[@zay7244]

I remember hearing this for the first time and crying.. They're such an amazing band..

[@presentface6902]

Ik them and imagine dragons are heaven

[@Undertale_sans0610]

+Presentface yes!! I agree

[@Thealexisc1]

+Presentface rightttt. and OneRepublic. they should collab

[@youralbatros7273]

I love you Zay as much as I love Bastille.You're on every video 😍

[@castielangelofthelord1006]

SAM (your profile pic is awesome by the way)

[@takemetoneverland0]

To the people who say they can't hear the emotion? Just listen. Dan sings the lyrics so naturally with no fake emotion, the video is so natural which just creates the emotion. The emotion is there, it's so bloody beautiful

[@paulinef.9841]

If I was not on my mobile phone, I would give a thumbs up. :)

[@noagerrits_]

+Pauline F. I did it for u c;

[@paulinef.9841]

Nice thanks :D

[@XxXxCasperXxXx1]

Bastille is the best fucking band in the world. Every song is great, every lyrics is incredible, every cover is better than the original. Dan´s voices goes deep in my heart. I love the band and I´m so thankful. They give me strenght and hope. As well Dan is the most beautiful man that I´ve ever seen.

[@tonyperry9992]

Lmao you on that good crack

[@mandyxsara]

the emotion in dan's voice..

[@nahkalakki2266]

When Kyle sing "What would you do?" and Woody's drumming omg and Will is so cute badass bastard Dan's voice and just his everything!!!!! Im so emotional right now... IM DYING OMG!!!😢

[@paulinef.9841]

I'm dying too...in almost every song of Bastille.

[@nahkalakki2266]

+Pauline F. yeah😢

[@WhitneyUwandu]

they always give me chills omg this is beautiful

[@martee2769]

i hears this 3 years ago for the first time and now 3 years later I still cry when i hear it

[@ZOA360]

im just so obsessed with their music and that voice

[@10Topsecret01]

this gives me goosebumps it's perfect

[@talhaahmed9971]

Lyrics~ [Verse 1:] Boys and girls, wanna hear a true story? Saturday night was at this real wild party There was liquor overflowin' the cup, About 5 or 6 strippers trying to work for a buck. So I took one girl outside with me, Her name was Londy, she went to Junior High with me, I said, "Why you up in there dancing for cash? I guess a whole lot's changed since I seen you last." She said... [Chorus:] What would you do if your son was at home Crying all alone On the bedroom floor, Cause he's hungry and the only way to feed him is to Sleep with a man for a little bit of money? And his daddy's gone in and out of lock down, I ain't got a job now, He's just smokin' rock now, So for you this is just a good time But for me this is what I call life [Verse 2:] Girl, you ain't the only one to have a baby, That's no excuse to be living all crazy So she stared me right square in the eye And said, "Everyday I wake up, hoping to die" She said, "They're gonna know about pain 'Cause me and my sister ran away, So our daddy couldn't rape us, Before I was a teenager I done been through more shit You can't even relate to" [Chorus:] What would you do if your son was at home Crying all alone On the bedroom floor, Cause he's hungry and the only way to feed him is to Sleep with a man for a little bit of money? And his daddy's gone in and out of lock down, I ain't got a job now, He's just smokin' rock now, So for you this is just a good time But for me this is what I call life [Break:] What would you do? Get up off my feet and stop making tired excuses What would you do? Get up off my feet and stop making tired excuses What would you do? Get up off my feet and stop making tired excuses What would you do? Get up off my feet! [Chorus:] What would you do if your son was at home Crying all alone On the bedroom floor, Cause he's hungry and the only way to feed him is to Sleep with a man for a little bit of money? And his daddy's gone in and out of lock down, I ain't got a job now, He's just smokin' rock now, So for you this is just a good time But for me this is what I call life What would you do if your son was at home Crying all alone On the bedroom floor, Cause he's hungry and the only way to feed him is to Sleep with a man for a little bit of money? And his daddy's gone in and out of lock down, I ain't got a job now, He's just smokin' rock now, So for you this is just a good time But for me this is what I call life What would you do if your son was at home Crying all alone On the bedroom floor, Cause he's hungry

[@aiman3008]

Some people here are saying that this cover (Dan's voice) lacked emotions, while i freaking died twice listening this cover for the first time.

[@kittie1423]

i literally am obsessed with their covers and songs :(

[@kittie1423]

i still cant believe they're coming to Dubai and i can't go D: :'(

[@MissJnet]

So sweet at the end.... when he doesn't even realise how good he is.

[@meganphillips9589]

In love with this version of the song, really shows the emotion.

[@sophie_turner217]

His voice is just something else. This hit me hard

[@Roger-pm1zs]

Wicket 66 same

[@ToriTreble]

THIS AUTOMAGICALLY MAKES THEM MY FAVORITE BAND FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS

[@literalllymylife5996]

THIS COVER IS FREAKINGGG AWESOMEEEEEE!!!!! Holy smokesss

[@bigmatches]

This is going to live on for years

[@emilymedcalf7833]

Matches S. Isaac and it has. I'm in love with it

[@alannamiller512]

Is it just me or does Dan look exceptionally tired?

[@Sophia-vd5up]

He does.

[@RosesAreGold1]

Yes I noticed this too haha

[@MCavetti]

he just looks like that bc he shaved

[@GoochGrease]

MCavetti what kind of batshit crazy response was that? he appears tired because he decided to shave what in the fuck do those two things have to do with eachother

[@MoonchildAyla]

They're always looking tired, and Dan said in an interview that he can't understand why people think that & it he's not tired

[@bax12131]

I cry every freaking time I hear this. Can't wait to see them tonight in Cincinnati!!

[@melliethemortician]

I saw them in LA, San Diego, Hollywood, and San Francisco all in the same week. Dan wears a bracelet that I gave him, it's a matching friendship bracelet. They are great in person, have a great time!

[@bookfanatics13]

Their movements and faces just look so exhausted in this video that it almost takes away some of the joy from watching it. It almost looks like they're just trying to get through the song and be done with it. Never the less, a flawless cover.

[@ProfessionalLifeRuin]

am i the only one who feels more emotion in this version opposed to the studio version?

[@laurabirke222]

I recently feel much more emotion in the cover from Bastille than in the original song. Idk but in the original song I feel no emotion and Dan's voice is perfect for this song...

[@laurabirke222]

Laura Birke *I don't mean recently sorry

[@rvkb115]

He literally has no emotion in his face 😶

[@crystalnowlan3783]

People are saying he doesnt have any emotion but do they know how hard it is to sing and have emotion at the same time

[@crystalnowlan3783]

Hmmm I think I can do it.

[@laurenfun9302]

Thanks a lot... Now addicted...

[@fedup4190]

lol everyone is talking about emotions but that's mainly due to the chord structure and the tempo of the song, but the lyricism in the original that triggers those same emotions even w/ an upbeat tempo is amazing, just like hey ya by outkast

[@that-kitsuneraven6082]

i like this song because i can kind of relate. my dad didn't rape me, but my family doesn't accept me for who i am. they want me to be some athletic girl that makes them proud. i can relate to wanting to die every time i woke up. but that has changed since a current event happened. i might not experience what this girl did in the song, but i know how bad it must have felt. the reason people listen to these kinds of songs is to find one that tells their story. everyone has a song out there. this one might be mine.

[@Roger-pm1zs]

Yes, we get it. All the different components in a song work together as one to create a single emotion. Could’ve just left it as that lmfao

[@gcincubus]

Thanks for the creative cover. I can only take so many "Royals" covers.

[@alessia3464]

The way Dan sings the after 1.33 really hits me hard. Personally, I find this better than the original (even though I do love the original) because it is so raw and stripped back which makes it way more believable and powerful. Bastille have always been able to make lyrics more meaningful which is why their covers are always so beautiful and in my opinion - always as good as, if not better than the originals. This is another beautiful cover.

[@MoonchildAyla]

Exactly!

[@binannebar]

Bastille...I could hear them all day long. They are so amazing!

[@valwow187]

This came on my pandora the other day and I just can't stop listening. I absolutely fucking love this cover. Bastille is amazing

[@0000Twilight0000]

Every time I listen to this song I ask myself how music can be so amazing, so deep and touching. Made me cry the first time I heard it. In all of my life I've never seen a band being so full of emotion and uniqueness like they are.

[@buzzboirocketmail]

this is one of the most amazing covers ever done ! I place it in the top ten of the best covers ever ! It's the most creative ! It still gives me chills everytime i hear it !

[@20s.0.s.8]

The original makes really emotional, but this one is more emotional for me and makes me cry

[@alenee6766]

god same, this one sounds even more poetic

[@ianthebee8158]

i have been listening to this on repeat because of the feels thank you

[@femkestraub11]

It's too beautiful. I can't stop listening to this. I think it's just the best song ever.

[@laylah9149]

Dan makes this look so effortless, its absolutely brilliant.

[@londonsars0234]

Love this, the original and the cover because they both put truth and sadness while making it sound beautiful to make you want to cry. Good Job Bastille!

[@luferreira8928]

I didn't know the original song before hearing Bastille's version in Bad Blood, and let me tell ya, this song's lyrics hit me SO hard, it always makes me want to cry :'( It's an amazingly written song, and Bastille performing makes it even better!

[@texanstaples]

Old and good song...glad they brought it back to the surface.

[@mitchgrassiteas1960]

You can feel the pain in the lyrics. It makes me tear up.

[@neon_electrada5618]

this song makes me so emotional everytime I listen to it 💔

[@birnabjrkkrebs1513]

I regret listening to this for the first time, in the car. this really hit me

[@tatah123100]

Even though this is a cover, this is literally the firsy Bastille song i ever heard, even before Pompeii became huge and it literally the song that started my obsession that still continues now into 2024. Seen them when they came to Australia in Adelaide and it was the best night of my life ❤

[@Joz..9]

I love both versions for different reasons.

[@gabriellalongo8198]

love how they can play together on the keyboard

[@McLaren1993]

Beautiful performance. So touching. I can feel all these emotions in Dan's voice and in this music. This is simply perfect. I love you, Bastille!

[@Bachishype]

I'm french and the first time i listened to this song, I cried. Even without understanding the lyrics. Just because the way they covered the song is full of emotion. Last night I was just lying on my bed when i listened carefully to the meaning of the lyrics. And I was like "oh, god. They made me feel the pain of this girl just by the way they were playing/singing the song." Congratulations to one of the most talented band ever.

[@gertyicecream]

This is by far my favorite performance Bastille has done of this song. So amazing!

[@librariegrrl]

The harmonies and back up vocals are just incredible: you can hear how well Woody, Will, and Kyle sound against Dan’s voice. What wouldn’t I give to hear WWYD love in concert...

[@GistwJuju]

he sings so effortlessly and these lyrics are just classic Bastille ugh love them so much lol

[@spidey9511]

They all look so relaxed it's ridik

[@aliciagibson7011]

I never heard this song before this xx

[@tatah123100]

how can you not feel/ see emotion in this, he looks like he's about to cry!

[@andreadedonato1630]

I'm italian and i love bastille! I like this video and i think the Man Who play the drum is Incredible !!! The Dan's voice is fantastic too

[@andreadedonato1630]

Sorry! The Man is woody! ...

[@MsPopcorn44]

This song was so amazingly emotional live! They are so talented and incredible live! GO BASTILLEEEEE!

[@kiranapinkanrudy786]

I watch this like maybe...5 times a day(?) everyday...but never get bored. This is too good!

[@eckndtm2849]

This makes me emotional. Love them so much

[@anastasiam.8833]

Makes me cry every time...

[@mariamfatima2759]

no going back after you hear this cover! ❤❤❤

[@chica112684]

I'm glad they look somber. I teach in an inner city school where that's the life of some of my parents. Thanks for treating a heart wrenching song with the respect it deserves.

[@sailthesky7423]

I first listened to this song when I was a dumb teenager and didn't understand what was really being said. It's been forrrrreever since I last listened to it and now comparing it to THIS version of the song, I have to say lots of feels were had listening to Bastille's version because it's been awhile since I listened to the orignal. Regardless though, the song itself is pretty emotional no matter who sings it.

[@tyobstaterefe188]

This song is so underrated

[@chelsealevaiyaakoubi1781]

His voice gives me pure emotion and chills

[@Cajafee]

Gawd, I love Dans voice. So perfect. Crying.

[@bekahwagner5576]

this song will forever be a favorite

[@Shell0517nj]

The lyrics to this song are deep, whether City Life or Bastille is singing the song. They both can relate to the lyrics. Your choice what version u prefer. Its your prerogative. I say nice job on the cover!

[@lukesp978]

I've only just started listening to Bastille, literally yesterday but so far I love his music :P

[@1999ikramo]

I think this Video deserves more than 20 millions views, I just love Bastille So much

[@sidetracked121]

Excellent choice of song to cover. These lyrics mean SOOO much!

[@rubiksrocks123]

I had bought bad blood in December and learned about "all this bad blood" and got the songs I didn't have. I wasn't paying attention when this came on but a lyric caught my attention and I restarted the song. I love this song so much. Powerful.

[@TheGoldenRoses]

This is amazing. I think I may be obsessed with Bastille now.

[@healsleep8124]

Clearly they have a wide range of musical tastes, I can dig it.

[@starfirebolt47]

this is one of the best vids/song iv ever seen!!!!

[@thegirlie991]

i absolutely LOVE BASTILLE! i mean..how can u not?! they r amazing!

[@MusicDreamsx]

I love Bastille! Cant describe my feelings for this band! The voices... oooh! So much emotions in this song! I will see them next year

[@almaslover]

I love the original that's the one I grew up knowing but I heard this version the other night at work while listening to Pandora and I have to say I fell in love with this version the beat and the emotion that Bastille has put into this track is amazing.

[@maurizioamoruso1207]

This is an example why i love sol much Bastille!!

[@kingkimberly6743]

I love Bastille. Period and this cover is Amazing!

[@denisemartin7695]

This is beautiful I loved it Thank You Bastille!!

[@itsmorrisn]

Still loving this cover after all these years and still hits the same 😍😢😭

[@Simply_marryy]

When I hear this song by them I can't even explain my emotions...I feel sad but so amazed at how uniquely amazing they are...idk

[@georgeperez1475]

I grew up with the City High version. I also grew up in a pretty bad neighborhood as well. So that one I relate to a lot more. This one is good but I guess it depends on the person.

[@lululiebtmusik]

you just listen and you're so unbelievable fascinated

[@sophiegriffin935]

I love Bastille! This cover is perfect

[@csenge_127]

Bastille songs/covers are usually depressing but they make it sound happy and uplifting but this one is just you can't make it sound good but this is a super song 😄

[@makrikov3703]

To be honest...I miss these versions...And tonight I felt nostalgic for the old, simple & good days...:')

[@campbellsmith1105]

I love this version, it is beautiful and Bastille's voice fits this perfectly.

[@Kaironynth]

My love of Bastille is as firm and unmoving as a diamond.

[@RighteousBeatlesBabe]

This is AMAZING when you see it live.

[@lizzybianchi2682]

Luv it, perfect! i cant stop listening to it

[@thoseasiangamergirls5228]

I remember why I fell in love Bastille ♥

[@omgitslinxy1357]

omg this is so good can you make a 10 hour version

[@charleyl9757]

They make it seem so effortless! I love them :)

[@janageyernk]

I love Bastille so much!!!

[@davidadams7245]

Omg this made me cry ! You guys are amazing ! :')

[@anahifernandez5767]

This song make me sad but is really fantastic, i love it

[@thoseasiangamergirls5228]

BASTILLE IS AMAZING AND I DONT GET WHY PEOPLE HAVE TO SEND HATE?! IS IT BECAUSE YOUR NOT TALENTED?! ARE YOU JEALOUS?! DO YOU HAVE ISSUES?! ARE YOU CRA-ZY?! ARE YOU NOT ABLE TO BE HAPPY.?! ♥ BASTILLE is the best thing that's ever happened! They're not like other bands or solo artists who think there 'bigger' than everyone else, they're down to earth people who understand us! THEY MAKE MUSIC THAT WE CAN UNDERSTAND SO JUST STOP! PLZ

[@hearmymotoredheart]

I'd be able to comment on this post if I could see it. From the first word, my eyes rolled so far to the back of my head that they dropped out of their sockets.

[@sarahsansion4932]

Man, my words...

[@hiamyflp]

EXACTLY!!!!! YOU UNDERSTAND!!!!!

[@MrPmerv]

Calm down dont go apeshit on the haters

[@that-kitsuneraven6082]

i only have to say, that im tiered of people bitching at others that make a great effort to make people happy. if you didnt realize that dan seems to understand what he is singing, its a very sad song and some people can relate to this song. this world is a twisted place. even though there still is peace there are things like this happening every day, and this is a song that speaks their story. please understand, anyone who is reading, that bands, KZbinrs, and almost everyone, tries their best to make others happy and it can be exhausting. give them a break and realize that they are spreading stories, not just songs.

[@MademoiselleMignonne]

This truely is great music, they really touched my heart and made me cry

[@CaitlinGerrish]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful.

[@LittleMissSqueeky]

Such an awesome track. Brilliantly covered.