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In My Place
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| "In My Place" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Coldplay | ||||
| from the album A Rush of Blood to the Head | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | 5 August 2002 | |||
| Genre | Alternative rock | |||
| Length | 3:48 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers |
| |||
| Coldplay singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "In My Place" on YouTube | ||||
"In My Place" is a song by British rock band Coldplay. The song was written collaboratively by all the band members and released on their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. The track is built around thumping drums and chiming guitars. It was released on 5 August 2002 as the lead single from A Rush of Blood to the Head and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song also reached number 17 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks.
"In My Place" was well received by critics, who complimented its arrangement and profound lyrics. The song won the award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards.
Background and composition
[edit]In an interview with Q magazine, lead singer Chris Martin stated that "In My Place" was a song Coldplay had left after recording their debut album Parachutes (2000).[1][2] When the band finished recording their second album A Rush of Blood to the Head, Martin said that the album was complete.[1] However, after guitarist Jonny Buckland played the song on his guitar, Martin said that they now needed to record it and include it on the album.[1] Martin also said that: "That's about where you're put in the world, and how you're given your position, and the way you look, and how you have to get on with it."[3] In an interview, Buckland revealed that the song was hard to record, as the band had played the song live.[4] He also commented that when they started recording the song, they did not know how it should sound, due to the band members' contrasting ideas.[4]
The song opens with a single crash cymbal followed by two bars of 4/4 drumming, then a plaintive three-note guitar line rings through a strummy rhythm, and Martin's vocals.[5][6] Its instrumentation is varied with the sound of thumping drums, chiming guitars, a singalong chorus, and a string arrangement.[5][6][7] The song also features guitar licks.[8][9] The lyrics emphasise: "But I wait for you/if you go, if you go/leave me down here on my own/then I'll wait for you."[10] The song's lyrics also include references to a desire for weary optimism.[11]
The song is written in the key of A major.[12] It has been noted that the song's drum intro bears a close resemblance to the beginning of the Ride song "Dreams Burn Down".[13][14]
Critical reception
[edit]
Critics were positive towards the song. In the Entertainment Weekly review of the album, critic David Browne wrote: "Songs like 'In My Place' and 'Warning Sign' marry lyrics imbued with deep regret and mistakes ('You were an island / And I passed you by' in the touching latter song) with lyrical melodies and guitar hooks that twinkle and sparkle".[15] Adrien Begrand of PopMatters wrote: "When the shimmering, pretty lead-off single 'In My Place' represents the album's weakest moment, you know you've got something extraordinary. Currently storming the charts a la 'Yellow', 'In My Place' is another surprisingly simple song, carried by Jonny Buckland's chiming guitar and Chris Martin’s heartfelt vocals. It really shouldn't amount to much, but Coldplay make it work very well".[16]
Amy M. Bruce of The Towerlight wrote that "With a slew of introspective rock songs like 'In My Place' and 'God Put a Smile upon Your Face,' this album is worthy of the hype surrounding the band's first album".[17] Jules Willis of the BBC said that "The second track, the first written post-Parachutes and sounding like a refugee from that album, is the grower 'In My Place'. It's a fantastic pop tune that justifies Coldplay's status as one of UK's most exciting bands".[18] The A.V. Club and NME included the track at number 14 and 43, respectively, on their "Best Songs of 2002" lists.[19] In the Pazz & Jop Critics Poll, "In My Place" appeared at number 15.[20]
Release and commercial performance
[edit]Coldplay released "In My Place" on 5 August 2002 as the album A Rush of Blood to the Head's lead single.[21][22] It was pressed with two B-sides: "One I Love" and "I Bloom Blaum".[23][24] The cover artwork features Buckland, with art directed by Sølve Sundsbø.[25]
"In My Place" peaked at number two on UK Singles Chart on 17 August 2002,[26] kept off the top by "Colourblind" by Darius Danesh.[27] It spent one week on the top 10[28] and stayed in the chart until 23 November 2002.[29] The song re-entered the UK top 40 in July 2011.[28] The song reached number seventeen on Billboard's Hot Modern Rock Tracks in 2002.[30] The band were yet to have a number one single.[31] In 2005, "Speed of Sound", the lead single of the band's third album, X&Y, also reached number two, but never the number one position.[31] "Speed of Sound" was marked as Coldplay's most successful single until "Viva la Vida", reached number one in 2008.[32]
Music video
[edit]The music video for "In My Place" was directed by Sophie Muller. It debuted on 17 June 2002 on AOL.[5][33] It features the band playing in a huge, nearly empty, white studio room, with a bluish light resembling sunlight coming from an off-screen source. The video starts off with a closeup of Will Champion playing the drums as the song begins; while the rest of the band plays, Chris Martin, who is sitting in a corner, gets up and joins them in the song. Throughout the video, Martin sings directly to the camera, interspersed with shots of the other members of the band playing their instruments. During the guitar solo, Martin runs up to two women who are seen sitting on a step in the background, talks to them for a while, and then runs back to sing the rest of the song. The two women in the background were members of the video crew: a makeup artist/wardrobe assistant and the video commissioner.[5]
The video was subjected to a spoof by Bad Lip Reading on their YouTube page. It was dubbed with the song "Yeti" that was composed and recorded, like BLR's other videos, to humorously reinterpret the lip movement and action in the video. "Yeti" has received over three million views on YouTube as of April 2017.[34]
Awards
[edit]"In My Place" won a Grammy Award in the category of Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 2003 Grammy Awards.[35][36] The song was nominated for two 2003 MuchMusic Video Awards for Best international Video–Group and People's Choice: Favorite International Group.[37]
Usage in media
[edit]In 2003, "In My Place" was featured on Coldplay's live album, Live 2003.[38] In 2012, "In My Place" was featured on Coldplay's live album Live 2012. The song appeared in the 2006 season 4 episode "Saving Sammy" on CBS' television series Cold Case.[39] The song was used as a closing montage song about a case from 2003.[39] The track appeared again on the 2002 episode "Girls Own Juice" of the television series Fastlane.[40] The song is also featured in as playable in the 2009 video game Guitar Hero 5.[41]
Track listing
[edit]All versions of the official single included the B-side, "One I Love".[4] This track was performed on the subsequent A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour and is featured on Live 2003.[42]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "In My Place" | 3:48 |
| 2. | "One I Love" | 4:35 |
| 3. | "I Bloom Blaum" | 2:11 |
Personnel
[edit]- Coldplay
- Chris Martin – lead vocals, organ, string arrangements
- Jonny Buckland – electric guitars, string arrangements
- Guy Berryman – bass guitar, string arrangements
- Will Champion – drums, percussion, backing vocals, string arrangements
- Additional Personnel
- Audrey Riley - string arrangement, string performer
- Ann Lines – string performer
- Chris Tombling – string performer
- Dan Green – string performer
- Laura Melhewish – string performer
- Leo Payne – string performer
- Peter Lale – string performer
- Richard George – string performer
- Susan Dench – string performer
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Italy (FIMI)[80] Sales since 2009 |
Gold | 35,000‡ |
| Portugal (AFP)[81] | Gold | 20,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[82] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[83] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[84] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref(s). |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 July 2002 | Capitol | [85] | |
| Australia | 5 August 2002 | CD | Parlophone | [86] |
| United Kingdom |
|
[21][22] | ||
| United States | 7 October 2002 | Contemporary hit radio | Capitol | [87] |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "The State of Coldplay". Q. August 2002.
- ^ Klein, Joshua (5 August 2002). "Coldplay set for stardom with blend of talent, fun". Chicago Tribune: 3.
- ^ "Coldplay Ezine: Issue 6" (PDF). Coldplay. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 April 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2008.
- ^ a b c "Coldplay Ezine: Issue 4" (PDF). Coldplay. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2008.
- ^ a b c d Wiederhorn, Jon (12 August 2002). "Coldplay Play On, Thanks To New Single". MTV News. Archived from the original on 25 October 2002. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ a b Parker, Nigel (23 August 2002). "Coldplay's Rush is near-flawless". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 29 April 2009.
- ^ Cheal, David (12 October 2006). "Perfect Playlist: Coldplay". The Daily Telegraph: 030.
- ^ McNamee, Paul (30 July 2002). "Coldplay — In My Place". NME. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ Denning, Adrian. "Coldplay album reviews". Adrian Denning.com. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
- ^ "In My Place Lyrics". MTV. Archived from the original on 26 May 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ McCormick, Neil (1 August 2002). "Why I'm suddenly warming to Coldplay". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 21 September 2002. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ "In My Place by Coldplay – Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. 2002. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ Cramp, Nathaniel (19 November 2014). "Ride: 10 of the best". theguardian.com. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
- ^ "The 50 Best Coldplay Songs: Staff Picks". billboard.com. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
- ^ Browne, David (2 September 2002). "A Rush of Blood to the Head — Music Review". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 29 September 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ Begrand, Adrien (6 September 2002). "Coldplay: A Rush of Blood to the Head". PopMatters. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ Bruce, Amy M. (2 September 2002). "Coldplay is not "Yellow" anymore". The Towerlight.
- ^ Willis, Jules (20 November 2002). "Coldplay — A Rush of Blood to the Head". BBC Music. BBC. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ "Best Albums of 2002". The AV Club. 11 December 2002. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
- "Rocklist - NME End Of Year Lists 2002". Rocklist UK. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
- ^ "Pazz & Jop 2002 Winners". The Village Voice. 18 February 2003. Archived from the original on 20 February 2003. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
- ^ a b "Coldplay Ezine: Issue 3" (PDF). Coldplay. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ a b Ramsay, Maggie (20 July 2002). "Airborne" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 20, no. 30. p. 10. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- ^ Wiederhorn, Jon (3 September 2003). "Coldplay To Release Live DVD, CD". MTV News. Archived from the original on 5 September 2003. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
- ^ "In My Place (B-Sides) by Coldplay". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved 2 September 2008.[dead link]
- ^ "Coldplay Ezine: Issue 5" (PDF). Coldplay. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ Sexton, Paul (23 June 2008). "Coldplay Dominates U.K. Album, Singles Charts". Billboard. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ "Darius Danesh Remains Atop UK Singles Chart". Pop Dirt. 12 August 2002. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ a b "Coldplay | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
- ^ Jones, Alan (17 August 2002). "The official UK singles chart top 75". Music Week. Retrieved 2 September 2008.[dead link]
- ^ "Artist Chart History — Coldplay". Billboard. Archived from the original on 5 April 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ a b "Week Ending June 28, 2008". Yahoo! Music Blogs. 28 June 2008. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ "Coldplay top US Billboard chart". BBC News. BBC. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 10 February 2009.
- ^ "Coldplay Give "Blood"". Rolling Stone. 14 June 2002. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2008.
- ^ Bad Lip Reading (July 2012). Yeti (Spoof).
- ^ "The 2003 Grammys: Main winners". BBC News. BBC. 23 February 2003. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ "Complete list of Grammy winners". CNN: Showbiz/Music. Associated Press. 24 February 2003. Archived from the original on 23 May 2008. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
- ^ Jeckell, Barry A. (21 May 2003). "Our Lady Peace Leads Muchmusic Video Nominees". Billboard. All Business. Retrieved 10 February 2009.[dead link]
- ^ Snodgrass, Michael (12 November 2003). "Coldplay Becomes Our Friend And Buys Us Ice Cream". The Buffalo News: N4.
- ^ a b Tyler Bensinger and Paris Barclay (22 October 2006). "Saving Sammy". Cold Case. Season 4. Episode 74. 45 minutes in. CBS.
- ^ Kim Newton and Paris Barclay (25 September 2002). "Girls Own Juice". Fastlane. Season 1. Episode 2. 60 minutes in. Fox.
- ^ "Activision Unveils Epic 85 Song Guitar Hero(R) 5 Set List Featuring Widest Variety of Today's..." Forbes. PR Newswire. 30 July 2009. Retrieved 16 October 2009.[dead link]
- ^ Live 2003 (DVD). Capitol Records and Parlophone. 2003.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place" (in French). Ultratip.
- ^ "Coldplay Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place". Tracklisten.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 20, no. 35. 25 August 2002. p. 7. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
- ^ "Coldplay: In My Place" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place" (in French). Le classement de singles.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – In My Place". Irish Singles Chart.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place". Top Digital Download.
- ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 37, 2002" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place". Top 40 Singles.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place". VG-lista.
- ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 20, no. 38. 14 September 2002. p. 17. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place" Canciones Top 50.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place". Singles Top 100.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place". Swiss Singles Chart.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Coldplay Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Coldplay Chart History (Adult Alternative Airplay)". Billboard.
- ^ "Coldplay Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Coldplay Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard.
- ^ "International Digital Chart – Week 16 of 2017". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 1 May 2025.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Coldplay – In My Place". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
- ^ "Canada's Top 200 Singles of 2002". Jam!. 14 January 2003. Archived from the original on 6 September 2004. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ "BDS CHART : Top 100 of 2002". Jam!. Archived from the original on 6 September 2004. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ "Top 100 Songs of 2002". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 2002. Archived from the original on 2 June 2004. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
- ^ "Top of the Music – Mix e Singoli" (PDF) (in Italian). FIMI. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2006. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ "2002 UK Year-end Charts" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "Most Broadcast of 2002 – Airplay Top 50" (PDF). Music Week. 18 January 2003. p. 31. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
- ^ "Most-Played Adult Top 40 Songs of 2002". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 10, no. 51. 20 December 2002. p. 16.
- ^ "Most-Played Modern Rock Songs of 2002". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 10, no. 51. 20 December 2002. p. 44.
- ^ "The 2002 Allstars: Most-Played Triple-A Songs". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 10, no. 51. 20 December 2002. p. 52.
- ^ "Italian single certifications – Coldplay – In My Place" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana.
- ^ "Portuguese single certifications" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Coldplay – In My Place". Radioscope. Retrieved 15 December 2024. Type In My Place in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ "Spanish single certifications" (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España. Retrieved 10 January 2024. Select Canciones under "Categoría", select 2023 under "Año". Select 45 under "Semana". Click on "BUSCAR LISTA".
- ^ "British single certifications – Coldplay – In My Place". British Phonographic Industry.
- ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1459. 28 June 2002. p. 26. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 05/08/2002" (PDF). ARIA. 5 August 2002. p. 26. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 August 2002. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1473. 4 October 2002. p. 27. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
Bibliography
[edit]- Roach, Martin (2003). Coldplay: Nobody Said It Was Easy. Omnibus. ISBN 0-7119-9810-8.
In My Place
View on GrokipediaBackground and creation
Development
"In My Place" was composed by Coldplay's four members—Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion—shortly after they completed recording their debut album Parachutes in early 2000, but prior to its July release. The band presented an early demo to producer Ken Nelson, who encouraged them to develop it further, declaring it the best song they had written up to that point. Chris Martin later reflected on its significance, stating, "After we'd recorded Parachutes we had one song left—In My Place... And that was the song that saved us," crediting it with restoring their creative momentum amid post-debut pressures.[3][6] The track became one of the earliest songs recorded for Coldplay's sophomore album A Rush of Blood to the Head during sessions in 2001 and 2002 at studios including AIR Studios in London and Liverpool's Parr Street Studios. Having performed it live extensively for nearly two years, the band faced challenges capturing its essence in the studio, leading to multiple attempts and an unconventional production approach. Guitarist Jonny Buckland noted the difficulty: "It was hard recording 'In My Place' because we'd been playing it live for a couple of years and we didn't know how it should sound."[3][7] Echo & the Bunnymen frontman Ian McCulloch, a key influence on Martin, visited the sessions and lent his signature trench coat to the singer, which Martin wore while tracking vocals for the song. This collaboration underscored the track's roots in post-punk inspirations, helping shape its atmospheric build and emotional delivery. The development process highlighted Coldplay's evolving songwriting, blending vulnerability with anthemic structure to mark a pivotal shift toward the grandeur of their second era.[8][3]Recording
The recording of "In My Place" marked a pivotal moment in the production of Coldplay's second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head, as it was the first track the band committed to tape after initial sessions yielded underwhelming results. Lead singer Chris Martin later reflected that the process of laying down this song reinvigorated the group, stating, "one thing kept us going: recording 'In My Place'. Then other songs started to flow."[9] The sessions took place primarily at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, where the band utilized a cramped demo space in Studio 3 to capture the track's intimate yet expansive sound. This unpretentious environment, described by producer Ken Nelson as "tiny" and "uncomfortable," contributed to the song's raw energy, with an old honky-tonk piano in the room influencing the album's overall texture, though not directly featured on this cut.[10] Produced by Ken Nelson alongside the band, with Nelson also handling engineering duties, "In My Place" deviated from the live-band ethos of their debut Parachutes. Martin insisted on tracking elements separately—vocals, guitars, and rhythm sections in isolation—allowing for meticulous layering and emotional depth, a technique Nelson credited with elevating the production quality amid the pressure to surpass their prior success.[10] The song had already been road-tested extensively during the *Parachutes* tour, where it evolved from an acoustic demo into a full-band arrangement, providing a familiar foundation that eased the studio transition. Additional engineering support came from Rik Simpson, who assisted in refining the mix to emphasize the track's arpeggiated guitar riff and Martin's vulnerable delivery.[11] The broader album sessions, spanning September 2001 to May 2002, involved a nomadic approach across UK studios, including AIR Studios in London for overdubs and Mayfair Studios, but "In My Place" was finalized early at Parr Street during a three-month intensive phase. This period saw the band generate over 35 songs in a "hothouse" atmosphere, with minimal overdubs on the lead single to preserve its live-wire feel. Nelson's guidance focused on quality control, discarding initial demos that echoed their earlier work in favor of bolder arrangements, ultimately positioning "In My Place" as the sonic blueprint for the record's post-9/11 themes of resilience and introspection.[10][12]Composition and lyrics
Musical structure
"In My Place" is composed in the key of A major and proceeds at a moderate tempo of 73 beats per minute in 4/4 time, contributing to its mid-tempo rock ballad feel.[13][14] The song employs a conventional verse-chorus structure, beginning with a brief intro featuring a distinctive guitar riff, followed by two verses, two choruses, a bridge, and an outro that fades with repeating vocal lines.[15] The verses build tension through a chord progression of A–F♯m–C♯m–E (I–vi–iii–V), while the choruses shift to D–A–E–D (IV–I–V–IV) for a more anthemic lift, emphasizing emotional release.[16] This progression novelty is higher than average for pop-rock tracks, blending diatonic harmony with subtle melodic tension in the guitar lines and vocal melody.[14] Instrumentation centers on the band's core setup: Chris Martin's lead vocals and organ, Jonny Buckland's chiming electric guitars providing the signature riff, Guy Berryman's bass guitar, and Will Champion's thumping drums that drive the rhythm section.[15] String arrangements, co-arranged by the band, add sweeping layers in the choruses and bridge, enhancing the song's atmospheric depth without overpowering the rock foundation; the production by Ken Nelson and the band incorporates these elements for a polished, live-like intimacy recorded at studios including AIR Studios in London.[17]Lyrical content
The lyrics of "In My Place" revolve around themes of regret, vulnerability, and steadfast waiting amid personal turmoil. The narrator reflects on feeling lost after crossing unintended boundaries, acknowledging an unchangeable position in life that leads to fear and unpreparedness. This sense of resignation is captured in lines like "In my place, in my place / Were lines that I couldn't change / I was lost, oh yeah," which convey a profound acceptance of one's circumstances despite emotional disorientation.[15] The song's structure builds through sparse verses that detail internal conflict, transitioning into a repetitive chorus that poses existential questions about endurance: "Yeah, how long must you wait for it? / Yeah, how long must you pay for it?" These elements underscore a narrative of atonement and hope for redemption, blending introspection with a plea for connection.[3] Chris Martin, the band's lead singer and primary lyricist, has described the song's core as an exploration of predestined roles and resilience. In a 2002 interview, he stated, "That's about where you're put in the world, and how you're given your position, and the way you look, and how you have to get on with it," emphasizing themes of humility and perseverance in the face of unalterable realities.[3] This interpretation aligns with the lyrics' portrayal of unrequited longing and quiet devotion, where the narrator vows to wait even if abandoned: "If you go, if you go / Leave me down here on my own / Then I'll wait for you." The bridge intensifies this emotional arc with a direct appeal—"Sing it please, please, please / Come back and sing to me, to me, me"—shifting from solitary reflection to a yearning for shared solace, culminating in ethereal "la la" refrains that evoke communal catharsis.[15] Overall, the lyrical content draws from Martin's personal songwriting style, often rooted in relational dynamics and self-examination, transforming individual regret into a universally relatable anthem of patience and emotional honesty. While some analyses frame it as a straightforward tale of unreciprocated love, the band's emphasis on positional acceptance adds layers of philosophical depth, distinguishing it within Coldplay's early catalog.[3]Release and promotion
Single formats
"In My Place" was issued as a single in several physical and digital formats by Parlophone Records, primarily in 2002, to promote Coldplay's second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. The standard track listing across most formats featured the title track "In My Place" (3:48), alongside two B-sides: the previously unreleased "One I Love" (4:35) and "I Bloom Blaum" (2:11).[18] The most common format was the CD single, released in digipak or slimline jewel case packaging. In the UK and Europe, it appeared as a three-track CD (catalogue number CDRS 6579 for the digipak edition) on August 5, 2002, with additional promotional versions distributed in regions like Australia (EMI PR 46), Japan (in a DVD case), and the US (Capitol Records). Australasian and Canadian editions followed a similar structure under Parlophone/EMI Music Canada, while a French variant came in a cardboard sleeve. These CDs emphasized the band's emerging arena rock sound, with the B-sides offering acoustic and experimental contrasts to the lead track.[18][19] For vinyl enthusiasts, a limited 12-inch single (33 ⅓ RPM, catalogue number 12R 6579) was released in the UK on August 5, 2002, replicating the CD's track listing on black vinyl. This format catered to collectors and DJs, though it saw limited pressing compared to the CD. Cassette singles were also produced for the UK and European markets (TCR 6579), providing a portable option with the same three tracks, aligning with the era's transition from tapes to digital media.[18][20] Digitally, the single was made available as a three-file AAC download (256 kbps) in the US in 2002 via Parlophone, marking an early adoption of online distribution for the band. Promotional formats included custom CDs in regions like Sweden (EMI) and Argentina (EMI CD Dif 349), often as single-track samplers for radio play. These varied releases helped "In My Place" achieve broad accessibility, contributing to its chart success without a uniform global format.[18]Marketing and chart performance
"In My Place" served as the lead single from Coldplay's second studio album, A Rush of Blood to the Head, released on 5 August 2002 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom and Capitol Records in the United States.[18] The marketing strategy emphasized the song's role in previewing the album's more expansive sound, with promotional efforts including advance radio airplay and the distribution of promotional CDs to industry insiders.[17] A key component was the music video, directed by Sophie Muller, featuring the band performing on a minimalist set in a large empty room with a lone woman seated in the background, symbolizing themes of isolation and reflection; it contributed to the track's promotion across MTV and other networks.[21] To build anticipation for both the single and the album's 26 August release, Coldplay undertook a series of live promotional appearances, including performances on major US television programs such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Show with David Letterman in September 2002.[22] These broadcasts helped introduce the song to American audiences following the band's growing international profile after their debut album Parachutes. The single was also supported by physical formats including CD, vinyl, and cassette, with B-sides like "One I Love" and "I Bloom Blaum" aiding fan engagement.[18] Commercially, "In My Place" performed strongly in key markets. In the UK, it debuted at number two on the Official Singles Chart dated 17 August 2002, where it held that position for one week and charted for a total of 12 weeks.[4] In the US, the track reached number 17 on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart (then known as Modern Rock Tracks) and topped the Adult Alternative Songs chart for three weeks beginning 28 September 2002, marking Coldplay's first number-one on that airplay ranking.[23] The song's success underscored the album's momentum, contributing to A Rush of Blood to the Head debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart.[24]Visual media
Music video
The music video for "In My Place" was directed by Sophie Muller and produced by Oil Factory Inc..[25][21] It premiered on AOL on June 17, 2002, ahead of the single's release..[21][26] The video adopts a minimalist performance concept, with the band—Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion—playing the song in a vast, nearly empty white room that emphasizes isolation and simplicity..[3] This stark setting aligns with the song's introspective themes, using long shots to capture the musicians' movements and expressions without elaborate narrative elements or special effects..[3] A notable moment occurs during Buckland's guitar solo, when Martin steps away from the microphone to chat animatedly with two women seated on stairs behind him; these were the project's makeup artist and a commissioner, an improvisation suggested by the makeup artist to add a touch of levity..[3] The clip runs for approximately 3:48, matching the song's length, and was edited by Simon Hilton..[25] It has since amassed over 300 million views on platforms like YouTube..[25]Live performances
"In My Place" was first performed live on October 2, 2000, at Cambridge Junction in Cambridge, England, during early promotional shows following the release of Parachutes..[27] It was an early version of the track, written prior to the band's debut album. The song received its high-profile live introduction at the Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2002, closing the band's set on the Pyramid Stage and marking a pivotal moment that elevated their status from rising act to festival headliners.[28] The track became a concert staple across subsequent tours, including the A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour (2002–2003), where it featured prominently alongside hits like "Yellow" and "The Scientist."[9] During the X&Y Tour (2005–2006), frontman Chris Martin incorporated a signature ritual, running through the audience while singing the song, fostering an intimate connection with fans and turning it into a communal highlight.[29] Coldplay opened their set at the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, London, on July 2, 2005, with "In My Place," delivering an anthemic performance amid a global audience of millions that underscored the band's growing international appeal.[30] "In My Place" maintained its place in setlists through the Viva la Vida Tour (2008–2010) and Mylo Xyloto Tour (2011–2012), appearing as an encore or mid-set energizer.[31] It was captured on the live album Live 2012, recorded during the Mylo Xyloto Tour at the Ahoy in Rotterdam on October 13, 2011, showcasing the band's polished arena-rock delivery.[32] The song reappeared in the A Head Full of Dreams Tour (2016–2017) and was included in the Live in Buenos Aires release from November 2018, filmed during three sold-out shows at Estadio River Plate, where it served as a nostalgic bridge to earlier material.[33] In the Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022–present), "In My Place" has been performed over 800 times in total across Coldplay's career, often as a fan-requested rarity that evokes emotional responses, such as during a 2025 show in Boston where Martin invited audience members onstage for the track.[34] Its enduring presence in live sets highlights its role as a unifying anthem, blending introspective lyrics with soaring instrumentation to create memorable communal experiences.Reception and legacy
Critical response
Upon its release as the lead single from Coldplay's second album A Rush of Blood to the Head in 2002, "In My Place" garnered widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and musical arrangement. Critics highlighted the song's introspective lyrics about regret and unrequited love, paired with a building structure that transitions from a simple acoustic guitar riff to a soaring, anthemic chorus. Entertainment Weekly described it as marrying "lyrics imbued with deep regret and mistakes" with "lyrical melodies and guitar hooks that twinkle and sparkle," emphasizing its role in elevating the album's thematic maturity.[35] The track's production, featuring twinkling guitar licks and crashing cymbals, was praised for creating a "moody, shiny" atmosphere that balanced vulnerability and catharsis. NME ranked it sixth among Coldplay's entire discography, noting how the "moaning lyrics and the more blissed-out 'yeah's of the chorus" deliver a "crowning moment" in live performances, underscoring its enduring appeal across decades. Billboard echoed this, calling it a "resounding lead single" that exemplifies Coldplay's "trademark" style of building from simplicity to a "cathartic crescendo," which helped propel the album to commercial and artistic success.[36][37] Early previews of the song received enthusiastic responses, with The New York Times labeling it a "fantastically moody and confused new song" during a 2001 live performance, signaling Coldplay's evolution toward more complex emotional territory. CNN similarly commended its retention of Chris Martin's "ethereal falsetto," affirming the band's consistency while introducing fresh dynamics.[38][39] The song's critical standing was further solidified by its recognition at major awards, winning the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2003, which highlighted its impact within the rock genre. Later retrospectives, such as Entertainment Weekly's 2017 ranking of the album's tracks, positioned "In My Place" as the first song written for the record, praising its "soaring" quality as a bridge beyond the band's debut Parachutes. This acclaim contributed to its status as a cornerstone of Coldplay's early catalog, often cited for blending accessibility with profound sentiment.[40][41]Cultural impact and usage
"In My Place" played a pivotal role in establishing Coldplay's mainstream success, serving as the lead single from their 2002 album A Rush of Blood to the Head. The track's release marked a maturation in the band's sound, with frontman Chris Martin describing it as a spontaneous composition that captured emotional clarity and became a cornerstone of their evolving style.[42] The album, bolstered by the song's popularity, won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards in 2003, highlighting its contribution to Coldplay's critical acclaim and commercial breakthrough.[43] The song has endured as a live performance staple for Coldplay, often featured in concerts to evoke themes of regret and reconciliation, resonating with audiences through its introspective lyrics and anthemic build.[42] Its emotional depth has led to placements in media, underscoring poignant narratives. In the 2006 episode "Saving Sammy" of the CBS series Cold Case, "In My Place" served as the closing track, amplifying the story's resolution involving family redemption.[44] Similarly, it appeared uncredited in the 2010 Ghost Whisperer episode "Dead Air," enhancing scenes of supernatural loss and closure, and in the season 4 finale "Book of Changes," contributing to themes of transformation.[45] On film, the song featured in the 2014 biographical drama Noble, directed by Stephen Bradley, where it accompanied key moments in the protagonist's journey of resilience and humanitarian work.[46] Notable covers have extended the song's reach across genres. Instrumental versions include the Vitamin String Quartet's string rendition on their 2002 tribute album and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's orchestral adaptation, both preserving the song's melodic essence while broadening its appeal in classical contexts.[47] In 2021, contestant Arthur Gunn delivered a blues-infused cover on American Idol season 19, prompting a surprised reaction from Chris Martin and demonstrating the song's adaptability in contemporary talent competitions.[48]Credits
Track listing
The CD single release of "In My Place" features three tracks, with the title track serving as the A-side and the other two as B-sides.[18]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "In My Place" | 3:48 |
| 2. | "One I Love" | 4:35 |
| 3. | "I Bloom Blaum" | 2:11 |
Personnel
The recording of "In My Place" features the four members of Coldplay in their primary roles, with production and engineering support from a small team recorded primarily at studios in London between September 2001 and May 2002.[49] Coldplay- Chris Martin – lead vocals, piano, guitar, keyboards, producer, mixing[49][1]
- Jonny Buckland – lead guitar[49]
- Guy Berryman – bass guitar[49]
- Will Champion – drums, percussion, backing vocals, producer, mixing[49][1]
- Ken Nelson – producer, recording engineer, mixing[49][1][47]
- Mark Phythian – additional recording, mixing, additional programming, additional producer[49][1][47]
- Danton Supple – mixing (specific to "In My Place")[49][47]
- Andrea Wright – assistant engineer[1]
- George Marino – mastering[49]
Commercial performance
Charts
"In My Place" debuted at its peak position of number 2 on the UK Singles Chart on 17 August 2002, where it remained for one week.[4] The single spent a total of 12 weeks in the UK Top 100, including 10 consecutive weeks from its entry through October 2002, with additional re-entries in November 2002 and July 2011.[4] In the United States, the song marked Coldplay's first number-one hit on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart, where it topped the ranking for three weeks beginning in September 2002.[24] It also reached number 17 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.[50] The track did not enter the Billboard Hot 100. The song reached number 1 in Poland.[51]| Chart (2002) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Poland (ZPAV) | 1 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 2 |
| US Adult Alternative (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Alternative Airplay (Billboard) | 17 |
Certifications
"In My Place" has received certifications in multiple countries, recognizing its sales and streaming performance.| Country | Certification | Certified units/sales | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Platinum | 600,000 | October 2025 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Catalog No. | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 July 2002 | Hot AC radio | Capitol | — | |
| United Kingdom | 5 August 2002 | CD (digipak), cassette, 12" vinyl | Parlophone | 7243 5 51126 2 0 (CD), 7243 5 51125 4 5 (cassette), 7243 5 51125 6 9 (vinyl) | [18] |
| Europe | 5 August 2002 | CD | Parlophone | 7243 5 51125 2 1 | [18] |
| Australia | 2002 | CD (promo) | EMI | PR 46 | [18] |
| United States | 2002 | Digital download (AAC) | Capitol | — | [1] |

