Immortals

The song "Immortals" by Fall Out Boy, created for the Disney movie "Big Hero 6", delves into themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the enduring impact one person can have on another. The core message revolves around the idea that true immortality isn't about living forever, but about living on through the memories and actions of others. Bassist Pete Wentz explained that the song reflects the idea that when you lose someone, others step in to fill the void, and that is how one's legacy becomes immortal.

The lyrics directly tie into the narrative of "Big Hero 6", where the protagonist, Hiro, carries on the legacy of his deceased older brother, Tadashi. Vocalist Patrick Stump stated that the title was inspired by Hiro stepping up on behalf of his brother, highlighting that victories are not achieved alone. The song captures the moment the characters transform into heroes, embracing a larger role and facing challenges together.

The central paradox of the chorus, "We could be immortals, just not for long," encapsulates this meaning. It suggests that while physical life is finite, the impact of one's actions and the love they shared can create a sense of timelessness and invincibility. This concept of a fleeting yet powerful sense of being on top of the world is a key emotional driver of the song.

The song's narrative voice opens with a rejection of predetermined identity, proclaiming that we don't have to be what society dictates. This rebellious sentiment is immediately coupled with an assertion of personal agency, a declaration of choosing one's own way, even if it's considered 'bad behavior,' but executed with the best intentions. The narrator then assumes a protective, almost mythical role, positioning themselves as the vigilant 'watcher of the eternal flame' and the 'guard dog of all your fever dreams.' This establishes a core theme of guardianship and the preservation of another's legacy or well-being, even in their most vulnerable moments.

A central and poignant metaphor introduced is that of the narrator being 'the sand in the bottom half of the hourglass.' This imagery speaks to the passage of time and the narrator's place within it. They are the past, the foundation upon which the future is built, the accumulated experiences that give weight and meaning to the present. This metaphor is intertwined with a deep sense of connection and irreplaceability, as the narrator admits they 'can't picture me without you.' This codependence is the emotional anchor of the song, leading into the powerful, paradoxical chorus: 'We could be immortals, just not for long.' This line encapsulates the song's central message – that immortality isn't about living forever, but about creating a legacy that outlives you, a moment of profound impact that feels eternal, even if it's fleeting. It's a call to live with a purpose that transcends one's own existence, to merge with another in a way that creates a lasting memory.

The idea of a temporary, shared eternity is further explored with the plea to 'live with me forever now' and the instruction to 'pull the blackout curtains down.' This imagery suggests a desire to create a private, timeless space, shutting out the outside world to exist in a moment of pure connection. However, the recurring phrase 'just not for long' serves as a constant, bittersweet reminder of mortality and the ephemeral nature of these perfect moments.

The second verse delves into the nature of faith and resilience. It posits that the only real validation of one's belief comes when it is tested repeatedly. This reinforces the theme of overcoming adversity, a key component of the heroic journey. The line, 'I'm still comparing your past to my future,' reveals a continued dialogue with the person they are protecting or memorializing. It suggests a desire to live up to their example, to carry their legacy forward. The narrator acknowledges that their own path might be shaped by the other's room or their suture, their space and their healing, further emphasizing the intertwined destinies.

The bridge reinforces the hourglass metaphor, with the narrator once again identifying as the sand in the bottom half. This repetition drives home the idea of a completed life or a past that now serves as a foundation. The song crescendos with the repeated chorus, the declaration of a shared, temporary immortality. The outro's repetition of 'Immortals' becomes an incantation, a powerful affirmation of this unique and profound connection that defies the finality of time, if only for a little while. The song, therefore, is not just about the desire for legacy, but about the active, ongoing process of upholding it through memory, shared struggle, and a love that aims to transcend the boundaries of a single lifetime.

"Immortals" was written and recorded by Fall Out Boy specifically for the 2014 Walt Disney Animation Studios film, "Big Hero 6". Disney approached the band and asked them to create a song for a pivotal scene where the main characters transform into a team of high-tech heroes. The band, consisting of Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, Joe Trohman, and Andy Hurley, met with the film's directors to understand the story and the emotional tone of the scene. Bassist Pete Wentz recalled that the movie's story resonated deeply with the band's own worldview and their identification with the underdog.

The single version of the song was released by Walt Disney Records on October 14, 2014. An alternative version of "Immortals" was later included as the tenth track on their sixth studio album, "American Beauty/American Psycho," released in 2015. The song was produced by Butch Walker and Jake Sinclair. Vocalist and composer Patrick Stump mentioned that in crafting the song's sound, he initially considered a more overtly Japanese electronic feel to match the film's setting of San Fransokyo, but was guided by the filmmakers to a more subtle approach.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Immortals" contribute significantly to its anthemic and driving quality. The song's rhythmic structure is built on a strong, often marching-like beat, particularly in the film version, which propels the song forward and gives it a heroic feel. The tempo is upbeat and energetic, matching the on-screen action of the "Big Hero 6" team suiting up.

The rhyme scheme is relatively straightforward, primarily using couplets (AABB) and near rhymes to maintain a sense of momentum and catchiness. For instance, in the first verse, "be" rhymes with the unstated end of the following line, creating an internal sense of closure, while "flame" and "dreams" are a near rhyme. The chorus relies on the repetition of the key phrase "just not for long" and the word "immortals" to create a powerful and memorable hook. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is tight, with the vocal delivery often accentuating the strong downbeats of the drums and bass, further enhancing the song's powerful impact.

"Immortals" employs a blend of musical and literary techniques to create its powerful and heroic feel.

• Musical Style: The song is a fusion of pop rock and electronic rock, characterized by "larger-than-life digitally enhanced riffs". It opens with a distinctive Far Eastern-influenced electronic synth melody, which Patrick Stump designed to evoke the film's setting of "San Fransokyo". The track is sonically described as "colorful, slick, and futuristic, but also completely heroic". The film version features a more pronounced marching band-style drum beat, enhancing its anthemic quality. The song is composed in the key of F-sharp minor.
• Vocal Delivery: Patrick Stump's vocal performance is a driving force in the song, conveying both power and emotion. There is a notable use of a vocal effect on the line "I'm still comparing your past to my future," which adds a unique texture to the song.
• Lyrical Techniques: The lyrics utilize paradox, most notably in the line "We could be immortals, just not for long," which is a central hook and thematic statement. There is also use of alliteration in "I'm bad behavior but I do it in the best way" and metaphor in "I am the sand, bottom half of the hourglass."

"Immortals" achieved significant cultural influence, primarily through its association with the Oscar-winning Disney film "Big Hero 6". The song was a central part of the movie's soundtrack and was featured prominently in a key sequence. This placement exposed the song to a massive global audience.

The single was certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States, signifying over one million units sold. It also charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 72, and performed well on the Hot Rock Songs chart.

Beyond the film, "Immortals" was used in various other media, including as a promotional song for the NFL's Thursday Night Games and for ESPN's coverage of the NHL All-Star Game. The song had two official music videos; one featuring the band with a Baymax-themed jukebox, and another intercutting scenes from "Big Hero 6" with a live performance by the band. An alternative version of the song appears on Fall Out Boy's album "American Beauty/American Psycho," and a remix featuring Black Thought of The Roots was also released, further extending its reach.

"Immortals" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that deepen its themes of legacy and time.

• The Hourglass: The most prominent metaphor is the narrator identifying as "the sand in the bottom half of the hourglass". This represents time that has already passed and the accumulation of life experiences. It symbolizes a life that has been lived and now serves as the foundation for the future, much like Hiro must build his future on the memory and work of his late brother, Tadashi. The two halves of the hourglass can also represent the passing of a role from one person to another.
• The Eternal Flame and the Guard Dog: The lyrics "I'll be the watcher of the eternal flame / I'll be the guard dog of all your fever dreams" establish a protective and memorializing role. The "eternal flame" is a classic symbol of remembrance and everlasting memory, while the "guard dog" of "fever dreams" suggests protecting someone in their most vulnerable or troubled state, reinforcing the themes of guardianship and loyalty.
• Blackout Curtains: The line "pull the blackout curtains down" can be interpreted as creating a private, isolated space where the fleeting moments of connection can feel eternal, shutting out the reality of the transient world. It can also symbolize an attempt to deny a painful reality, even if just for a short while.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Immortals" is the chorus line, "We could be immortals, just not for long". This paradoxical statement is the central theme of the song, encapsulating the idea of finding eternal significance in fleeting moments. Its repetition throughout the song drills home this core message of legacy over longevity.

The title word, "Immortals," is also used as a recurring motif, especially in the chorus and outro, where it's chanted, creating an anthemic and powerful effect. This repetition serves to elevate the song's subjects to a heroic, almost mythical status.

The metaphor of being "the sand in the bottom half of the hourglass" also recurs, appearing in both the verse and the bridge. Its repetition emphasizes the narrator's role as the past and the foundation for the future, a key element of the song's connection to the story of "Big Hero 6".