Our Lives (song) explained

Our Lives
Cover:Our Lives The Calling.jpg
Type:single
Artist:the Calling
Album:Two
B-Side:
Length:3:55
Label:RCA
Producer:
  • Clif Magness
  • Marc Tanner
  • Aaron Kamin
  • Alex Band
Prev Title:For You
Prev Year:2003
Next Title:Things Will Go My Way
Next Year:2004

"Our Lives" is a song by American rock band the Calling. It was released on March 29, 2004, as the lead single from their second studio album, Two (2004). This single peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, number two on the UK Rock Chart, and reached the top 20 in Denmark and Italy. It was used as the theme song to the short lived series "Clubhouse" on CBS.

Music video

Music Video

The music video for the song was directed by [Liz Friedlander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liz_Friedlander), a well-known director and filmmaker with a significant body of work in both music videos and television. Friedlander is recognized for her ability to create visually compelling narratives that complement the emotional and thematic depth of the songs she directs. Her portfolio includes work with major artists across various genres, showcasing her versatility and creative vision.

The video was praised for its [visual storytelling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_video), seamlessly blending the song's lyrical content with striking imagery. Friedlander's direction often focuses on capturing the emotional essence of the song, which is reflected in the video’s tone, color palette, and shot composition.

Concept and Themes:

The video is noted for its [cinematic quality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_the_United_States), featuring a blend of narrative and performance elements. The narrative aspect of the video aligns with the song’s themes, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the emotional undertones of the music. Through Friedlander's direction, the video explores themes of [love, loss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_in_art), and [personal transformation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_of_age), with visual motifs that reinforce the song's message.

Reception:

Upon its release, the music video received positive feedback from both fans and critics. Reviewers highlighted Friedlander’s ability to translate the song’s emotional depth into a compelling visual experience. The video was also noted for its high production value, engaging cinematography, and strong performances by the featured artists.

Legacy:

The music video contributed significantly to the song's success, helping to enhance its reach and impact. It is often cited as one of the standout collaborations between the artist and Friedlander, further solidifying her reputation as a leading director in the music video industry.

Track listings

UK CD1[1]

  1. "Our Lives" – 3:56
  2. "For You" (acoustic) – 3:27
  3. "London Calling" (live) – 2:09
  4. "Our Lives" (video) – 3:50

UK CD2 and European CD single[2] [3]

  1. "Our Lives" – 3:56
  2. "London Calling" (live) – 2:09

Australian CD single[4]

  1. "Our Lives" – 3:56
  2. "For You" (acoustic) – 3:27
  3. "London Calling" (live) – 2:09

Charts

Year-end charts

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)
United StatesMarch 29, 2004Hot adult contemporary radioRCA[7]
April 19, 2004Contemporary hit radio[8]
DenmarkMay 3, 2004CD[9]
United KingdomMay 17, 2004[10]

Notes and References

  1. Our Lives. The Calling. 2004. UK CD1 liner notes. RCA Records, BMG. 82876 618652.
  2. Our Lives. The Calling. 2004. UK CD2 liner notes. RCA Records, BMG. 82876 61864 2.
  3. Our Lives. The Calling. 2004. European CD single liner notes. RCA Records, BMG. 82876 60351 2.
  4. Our Lives. The Calling. 2004. Australian CD single liner notes. RCA Records, BMG. 82876597962.
  5. Adult Top 40. Billboard. 116. 32. 64. August 7, 2004.
  6. Web site: Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 2004. April 3, 2018. Crowley Broadcast Analysis. January 30, 2022.
  7. Going for Adds. Radio & Records. 1548. 31. March 26, 2004. June 15, 2021.
  8. Going for Adds. Radio & Records. 1551. 26. April 16, 2004. June 15, 2021.
  9. Web site: The Calling: Single. click2music.dk. da. https://web.archive.org/web/20040603065419/http://www.click2music.dk/denmark/default.asp. June 3, 2004. November 4, 2023. To view release date, select Calling The from Vælg kunster (A - Å), then click on Our Lives.
  10. New Releases: Singles. Music Week. 31. May 15, 2004.