#going nowhere

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VOTD:Kings of Leon — “Going Nowhere”

In the midst of the Coronavirus shutdown, Kings of Leon have released a new video of an unrecorded song. The video is largely reminiscent of the current COVID-19 situation, as lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Caleb Followill, sits alone on the arm of a couch gently strumming an acoustic guitar.

Hauntingly lonely yet hopeful and empathetic, the song captures the fear, chaos, and confusion many are feeling in these uncertain times. It’s simple, with the majority of the song rotating between an open G chord and an E minor. The entire video is shot in one take and in black and white film. Starting and stopping in the same location, the camera work echoes the song’s idea of going nowhere.

The video features Followill without his brothers or other band members, alone with his guitar, his voice, and a microphone. He delivers a stellar vocal performance, with a stealthy vocal run on the lyric “Won’t you stop by?” It’s pitch-perfect, even as Followill occasionally allows his voice to break into a desperate falsetto.

With the lyrics “I know what you’re thinking / I know just what you mean,” Followill assures listeners that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling. He goes on to sing, “I’ll be holding on / Hoping the sun comes shining through.” It’s a gentle reminder to remain optimistic, offering a glimpse of a brighter future beyond the darkness currently being faced.

In the video’s description, it advertises a link to help support touring bands and venue workers affected by the current crisis, which was organized by Live Nation.

— Hunter Rich