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Song Stories

“Hands”

The Ting Tings | 2010

After a brief hiatus from their 2008 debut, We Started Nothing, the Manchester, England, duo released a one-off dance-y single tailored to the overworked. “It was the first song that kind of felt like the old Ting Tings, and we thought we would slowly build towards the other singles that will sound different,” Katie White, the Ting Tings' lead vocalist, said. “We didn’t like to capitalize the fact that everyone is down on their luck at the minute but a lot of people can connect to the lyrics — working too hard and working the grind. I think it is quite relevant.”

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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