“High Hopes” is more than just another top 10 hit; it’s the philosophy of Brendon Urie, lead singer and lyricist of pop-rock band Panic! At the Disco, and his desire to spread joy, love, and inspiration to…everyone, everywhere.
Had to have high, high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing
Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes
Boomers may remember Franks Sinatra’s song of the same name, from the movie “Hole in the Head,” which is in no way related to this version, a rocker, with a heavy 70s-80s influence: You can hear strains of Queen, and of Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra’s “Shine A Little Love,” one of ELO’s biggest hits, from almost 40 years ago.
Las Vegas band Panic! At The Disco is big in the Alt world. They’ve released six albums, and earlier this year had a #1 Alt hit –“Say Amen” (Saturday Night), which we linked to Lynyrd Skynrd’s “Saturday Night Special.” https://boomermusicupdate.com/alternative/not-kansas-anymore/
“High Hopes” is crossing over to the Adult Top 40 format, where’s it’s racing up the chart–just two weeks after its release, it’s already ranks #25.
Brandon Urie is walking his talk. He’s developed and is supporting numerous organizations that aim to inspire young people to have “high hopes.”