Chasing The Sun

"Chasing The Sun" by The Wanted is a high-energy anthem about living in the moment, relentless optimism, and the pursuit of euphoria. The song operates on two main levels of meaning.

On a literal level, it's a party anthem that celebrates nightlife and the idea of partying from dusk until dawn. Band member Jay McGuiness confirmed this interpretation, stating the song is "basically about the party that keeps on going." The lyrics “When the Daylight’s fading / We’re gonna play in the dark / Till it’s golden again” directly support this theme of an endless celebration that lasts through the night and greets the morning sun.

Metaphorically, the song is about chasing dreams and aspirations. The act of "chasing the sun" symbolizes the relentless pursuit of a goal, a dream, or a feeling of ultimate happiness, even when it seems unattainable. The lines “They said this day wouldn’t come / We refused to run / We’ve only just begun” speak to a sense of defiance and perseverance against doubt and adversity. It conveys a message of unity and strength in numbers (“We’re together now”), suggesting that these ambitious journeys are more meaningful when shared. The song captures a spirit of youthful invincibility and the euphoric feeling of starting a new, exciting chapter in life.

The song begins with a declaration of newfound clarity and togetherness. The narrator feels significantly better, as if a light has been turned on, and this feeling is amplified by being united with someone or a group. This sense of improvement and shared experience is a recurring theme, emphasizing a collective journey towards a better state of being, looking to the skies for inspiration and life.

A central idea is the feeling that a significant journey has just commenced, driven by a powerful, almost hypnotic rhythm represented by drums. This journey is depicted as an endless pursuit, a continuous race towards the sun that will last forever. There's a tone of defiance and resilience; the narrator acknowledges that others doubted they would ever reach this point, but they refused to give up or run away. This perseverance reinforces the idea that their adventure is only just beginning. The act of 'chasing the sun' becomes a powerful metaphor for this relentless forward motion and optimism.

As the daylight fades, the energy doesn't dissipate. Instead, it transforms. The group intends to 'play in the dark' until the 'golden' light of dawn returns. This suggests an uninterrupted celebration of life, a refusal to let darkness or adversity halt their joy. There's a feeling of invincibility and eternal youth, a belief that they will never grow old again. This perpetual motion and excitement are described as an amazing feeling, a cycle of anticipation and fulfillment.

Another verse reflects a sense of security and confidence derived from this shared experience. The narrator is never down, feeling supported and watched over. This connection provides a feeling of immortality, the idea of living forever as long as they are together. This bond once again feeds into the core theme: they are at the beginning of something profound, mesmerized by the beat of their own journey, forever destined to be 'chasing the sun.' The song is a cyclical anthem of euphoria, unity, and the tireless pursuit of a moment of perfect, sun-drenched happiness.

"Chasing The Sun" was written by British artist Example (Elliot Gleave) and producer Alex Smith. Example initially began writing the track during a studio session intended for Australian pop star Kylie Minogue. However, as the song developed, he felt its energetic, anthemic style was a better fit for The Wanted. He sent it directly to the band's record label, who loved it.

The song was recorded in 2011 at Metrophonic Studios in London, with Alex Smith handling production. It was selected to be the lead single from the band's third studio album, Word of Mouth (2013), and also featured on their 2012 American debut, The Wanted EP. The band premiered the track on March 26, 2012, and it was officially released in the United States on April 17, 2012, followed by a UK release on May 20, 2012. Max George of The Wanted admitted that he thought Example's original demo version was even better than their final recording.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Chasing The Sun" are crafted to support its energetic and anthemic nature.

• Rhyme Scheme: The song predominantly uses a simple, effective rhyme scheme. For instance, in the chorus, there is a clear AABB pattern: "They said this day wouldn't come / We refused to run / We've only just begun / You'll find us chasing the sun." This straightforward structure makes the lyrics catchy and easy to remember.
• Rhythm and Tempo: The song is characterized by a fast-paced, driving rhythm typical of the dance-pop and electropop genres. The tempo is upbeat, creating a sense of urgency and constant motion that mirrors the lyrical theme of a relentless chase. The steady, pulsating beat of the electronic drum track forms the backbone of the song, providing a hypnotic quality mentioned in the lyrics: "hypnotized by drums."
• Lyrical Flow: The lyrical rhythm is designed to fit perfectly within the electronic beat. The phrasing is direct and punchy, allowing the vocals to cut through the dense production and deliver the uplifting message with clarity and power. The interplay between the driving musical rhythm and the soaring vocal melodies creates the song's signature euphoric atmosphere.

Musically, "Chasing The Sun" is a quintessential example of early 2010s electropop and dance-pop. Its stylistic techniques are geared towards creating a high-energy, anthemic feel.

• Instrumentation: The track is built on a foundation of pulsating synthesizers, a driving four-on-the-floor kick drum beat, and layered electronic textures. This creates a powerful, club-ready sound that encourages movement. The production, handled by Alex Smith, is polished and expansive, designed for both radio airplay and dance floors.
• Vocal Delivery: The song features the characteristic vocal interplay of a boy band, with different members taking lead on verses and coming together for powerful, harmonized choruses. The vocals are delivered with an earnest, soaring quality that enhances the song's euphoric and uplifting message.
• Song Structure: It follows a conventional verse-chorus structure, which makes it highly memorable and accessible. The build-up from the verses to the explosive, repetitive chorus is a classic technique in dance-pop, designed to maximize emotional and energetic impact.
• Lyrical Repetition: The recurring phrase "You'll find us chasing the sun" acts as a powerful hook and reinforces the central theme. This repetition, combined with a simple and direct lyrical style, makes the song easy to sing along to and memorable.

"Chasing The Sun" achieved significant commercial success and left a notable cultural footprint. Upon its release in 2012, the song performed well on international charts. It debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number one in Scotland. In the United States, it reached number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Dance Club Songs chart.

One of the most significant factors in its cultural influence was its inclusion as one of the two theme songs for the 2012 animated film Ice Age: Continental Drift. This association exposed the song to a massive global family audience. A special music video was created featuring the band performing on ice blocks alongside characters from the film, further cementing the song's connection with the popular movie franchise.

The track became one of The Wanted's signature songs, alongside "Glad You Came," and remains a staple of early 2010s dance-pop. Its upbeat and optimistic nature has made it a popular choice for commercials, television shows, and events requiring an energetic atmosphere. The song has been covered by several artists and received numerous remixes, extending its presence within the electronic dance music scene.

The central and most powerful metaphor in the song is the act of "chasing the sun."

• Pursuit of an Endless Party: On its most direct level, the phrase symbolizes a desire to extend a moment of joy and celebration indefinitely. It evokes the image of partying all night and literally waiting for the sunrise, refusing to let the fun end. The music video, which features a night of partying with mysterious, sun-tattooed women, reinforces this interpretation.
• Chasing Dreams and Aspirations: More deeply, "chasing the sun" serves as a metaphor for pursuing one's dreams and ambitions, no matter how distant or difficult they may seem. The sun represents an ultimate, often unattainable goal or a state of perfect happiness. This captures a spirit of youthful ambition and the refusal to give up, as highlighted in the lyrics, "They said this day wouldn't come, we refused to run."
• Hope and Optimism: The sun is a universal symbol of light, hope, and new beginnings. By chasing it, the song embodies a relentless sense of optimism. Even when "the daylight's fading," there is a promise to "play in the dark / Till it's golden again," suggesting that even in moments of uncertainty, hope and joy will return with the dawn.

The most significant recurring element in the song is the titular phrase and central hook: "Chasing the sun." This motif appears repeatedly in the chorus and serves as the song's core concept. Its repetition drills the central theme of endless pursuit—be it of a party, a dream, or happiness—into the listener's mind, making it the most memorable part of the track.

Another recurring phrase, "We've only just begun," acts as a powerful declaration of intent. It appears in both the pre-chorus and chorus, reinforcing the song's theme of new beginnings and a future full of potential. It counters any sense of doubt and emphasizes a feeling of forward momentum and resilience.

The idea of being "together now" is also repeated in the opening verse, establishing a theme of unity and shared experience that runs through the song. This motif highlights that the journey or 'chase' is a collective one, which enhances its emotional power and significance.