I feel guilty absolutely loving a song that is so sad. It sounds so lively and fun and upbeat that you forget it's about her mother being taken by breast cancer. I can literally listen to this song a hundred times on repeat and never get tired of hearing it. I love this band with every fiber in my body. I've never heard anything like them before. They play and sing with such passion and feeling. It's something that is missing ion a lot of music these days. I was an arms length from Alisa for a show they did near me and I'll never forget how awesome and surreal it was to be that close to her. It made their music mean even more to me. They're definitely one of a kind and I'm going to love introducing my kids to them one day "If what you're listening to doesn't make you feel something, skip to the next track"
Amen to that! It's so exciting to think about all of the awesome things I will be showing my kids(when I have them)... Especially TNAF! Best of luck to ya!
I almost cried when I read your comment, I used to work at river island and that was one of the songs in our playlist. Always reminds me of summer in my hometown xx
Exactly know what you mean when you say its hard to like a song that's so sad. A good friend of mine just lost her mother and this is her favorite band....I liked this song and I looked up the lyrics one day................yeah..this gets skipped on my Pandora....I don't need to be crying on the way to work.lol
I can't even stop listening to this. I lost my Dad to terminal lung cancer when I was 16. It's coming up to the 2 year anniversary. This song is helping to cure the hole in my heart. Genuinely never related to a song as much as I can relate to this. It's audio perfection xo
+natta farzaneh I lost my daughter in 2014 due to her Mothers neglect and the long fought custody battle, I won custody, but by the time the one, she was already incurably sick. I relate to this song as well, way to much
I considered this song to be one of the most amazing songs ever put together in alternative music! This song is next to impossible to ever get bored from. It is so well done!! WOW!!
Love your sound since we first heard it - our lead singer is a breast cancer survivor...went through the struggle together. So, this songs hits us hard. Devastatingly beautiful. Thank you for your art, my friend.
The end of June came And took you away We were all crying Felt like I was dying Black dress & black shoes Tied laces for you The saddest of days Why couldn’t we save you? Inside my head At the edge of the bed Where somberness lay In your children that day As goodbyes are spent Holding on to what’s left The saddest of days Why couldn’t we save you? Nothing but ashes In the old fire place With all of the memories He has erased Heavier heels His mourning concealed On the saddest of days Why couldn’t we save you?
Song meaning: ALISA:- "There’s a song called “I Kill Giants” that was supposed to be on the first record but wasn’t totally finished at that point. It’s so special to me because it’s a reconstructed memory of when I lost my mother; she died when I was young, around seven. It was the biggest moment of my young life. It wasn’t until years later that Thom gave me this graphic novel called I Kill Giants. There’s this character in it that I related a lot to and it encouraged me to finish the song."
My grandma left today. Almost at the end of the June. I've been listening this song almost whole day. And probably will the next few days as well. What a beautiful piece of art. Why couldn't we save her?
I'm kind of glad they did a beautiful and simplistic interpretation of the song rather than have the video blatantly lyrical and autobiographical, which I'm sure would've been somewhat uncomfortable for Alisa if it were. I love Kefali's non-glitzy directing and it makes it so much more breathtaking and universal!
This is one of the best songs that has forever captured a moment in my life..ill always return to that memory whenever I hear that opening ....it means more to me than anyone I play it to will ever understand. I've woken up to this song everyday of my life since I discovered it..i will die with this song playing.
It’s so special to me because it’s a reconstructed memory of when I lost my mother; she died when I was young, around seven. It was the biggest moment of my young life. - Alisa Xayalith
The Naked & Famous never cease to make my ears melt in a massive kickass electrorgasms.... And their videos are always thrilling as well. I really loved the choreography, the filming, the beautiful dancers, the all-white eyes creepy ending and the way it's all put together perfectly. Best band around, definitely.
Yesterday Saturday 30.11.2013 was the funeral of my father. On this beautiful song, I came by chance. It reflects my feelings and gives me comfort/consolation in my grief to him. A Big Thank You for this wonderful song. Gestern Samstag 30. November 2013 war die Beerdigung von meinem Vater. Auf dieses schöne Lied bin ich zufällig gestossen. Es widerspiegelt meine Gefühle und spendet mir Trost in meiner Trauer um ihn. Ein grosses Dankeschön für dieses wunderbare Lied.
So sorry to hear that man. I've lost my share of family and friends too. There is something beautiful about this song though, that keeps me coming back to it.
After losing my father to COVID on 20-12-21, almost 3 years now, this song have a special meaning to me, he is a Mediccine Doctor, he was about to retired,still continued helping, still to this day, people still reaching to let us know about how he helped a lot of folks, he did a lot, somethings that I didnt knew about, but to learn about it, I'm really proud and I'm trying to do better for those around me, miss him a lot, anyway , this song its amazing
As always, I fail to understand the meaning behind the video, but knowing the background of the song I can see where it's coming from. The Naked and Famous will always be my favorite band!
Directed by Joel Kefali, the clip features two young ballet dancers putting on a powerful performance at a church for a rather depressed looking audience. “At first I felt insecure singing about something so infinitely painful and blatantly autobiographical,” said lead singer Alisa Xayality. “But now I’m more comfortable explaining that ‘I Kill Giants’ is a song about losing my mum to breast cancer as a young girl." From an interview in Fender magazine.
TNAF are true artists. Their lyrics, vocals, instrumentation, and production value are top-notch. I'm not sure who's responsible for the visual art/music video side of their work, but it is excellent as well. When the COVID-19 crisis passes I can't wait for them to come to Ohio for a live show!
I first heard this song about 7 years ago and loved it, loved the band. But then I lost them and couldn't remember the band name, or song name. I tried searching for them but just couldn't find them anywhere...Today I was flipping through tiktok and they found me! I was so happy to have her show up on my fyp. Once again TT has helped me find ways to express myself and find community, thanks :)
I love this Band and I love Alisa Xayalith and her voice too. She's an awesome singer. Probably the best from New Zealand. God has gifted her a video which really sucks
I think both the music and the video are beautifull. The girls dancing express so much feeling and this video is really pure, just them dancing and nothing else. Of all the music videos you've made, this one is definetely my favourite one.
I really want TNAF to bring out an album like This Machine, I don't know why but songs like Post are some of the best things I've ever listened to. That probably is my favourite song ever.
There's a graphic novel by the same name. There seems to be a connection between the lyrics and the story of the GN, I wonder if it's just a coincidence.
It's probably a symbol for Alisa's great amount of pain as a little girl; at 7 years old, such pain is enough to destroy you, yet she held on and survived.
I was slightly disappointed that this song wasn't in the movie I Kill Giants. That being said, this is a very beautiful song, and has such an amazing story.
I'm slowly watching my father rot away and this song is pretty spot-on. Fact is, I don't know if in the end I'll say much to him. So many wasted opportunities with his kids & grand kids. Not an unusual story, unfortunately- best any of us can do is to not be this way. Sie la vie
I really think The Naked and Famous are at their best when both of singers have their own vocal sections. Love the song but like their edgier tracks are my favourite.
"I Kill Giants" by The Naked and Famous is a deeply personal song that delves into themes of loss, grief, and resilience. Alisa Xayalith, the band's lead vocalist, wrote the song as a tribute to her late mother, who passed away from breast cancer when Alisa was just seven years old. Song Themes: Loss and Grief: The lyrics convey the emotional journey of dealing with the pain of losing a loved one. The title "I Kill Giants" metaphorically represents the immense and seemingly insurmountable challenges that come with such a profound loss. Resilience and Strength: Despite the sadness, the song also speaks to the strength and resilience needed to move forward. It reflects the courage required to face and overcome personal giants-those overwhelming emotions and memories tied to grief. Motivations Behind Writing the Song: Personal Healing: For Alisa Xayalith, writing "I Kill Giants" was a form of catharsis. It allowed her to process her grief and honor her mother's memory through her music. Connecting with Listeners: By sharing such a personal experience, The Naked and Famous aimed to connect with listeners who might be going through similar experiences of loss and grief. The song offers a sense of solidarity and understanding. Emotional Expression: The song allowed the band to explore and express deep emotional themes, adding a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to their music.
I feel guilty absolutely loving a song that is so sad. It sounds so lively and fun and upbeat that you forget it's about her mother being taken by breast cancer. I can literally listen to this song a hundred times on repeat and never get tired of hearing it. I love this band with every fiber in my body. I've never heard anything like them before. They play and sing with such passion and feeling. It's something that is missing ion a lot of music these days. I was an arms length from Alisa for a show they did near me and I'll never forget how awesome and surreal it was to be that close to her. It made their music mean even more to me. They're definitely one of a kind and I'm going to love introducing my kids to them one day
"If what you're listening to doesn't make you feel something, skip to the next track"
Amen to that! It's so exciting to think about all of the awesome things I will be showing my kids(when I have them)... Especially TNAF! Best of luck to ya!
Who did you quote with such fervor?
I almost cried when I read your comment, I used to work at river island and that was one of the songs in our playlist. Always reminds me of summer in my hometown xx
My kid just introduced me to it...
Exactly know what you mean when you say its hard to like a song that's so sad. A good friend of mine just lost her mother and this is her favorite band....I liked this song and I looked up the lyrics one day................yeah..this gets skipped on my Pandora....I don't need to be crying on the way to work.lol
I can't even stop listening to this. I lost my Dad to terminal lung cancer when I was 16. It's coming up to the 2 year anniversary. This song is helping to cure the hole in my heart. Genuinely never related to a song as much as I can relate to this. It's audio perfection xo
+natta farzaneh I lost my daughter in 2014 due to her Mothers neglect and the long fought custody battle, I won custody, but by the time the one, she was already incurably sick. I relate to this song as well, way to much
c
Listen to the stripped version on a still heart. Man I'm telling ya, 😢. Sorry for your loss.
Sending you a virtual hug
😲
I considered this song to be one of the most amazing songs ever put together in alternative music! This song is next to impossible to ever get bored from. It is so well done!! WOW!!
The golden era of TNAF !! 🥰🥰🥰
way ahead of its time! Brilliant! Music of 2050!
Love your sound since we first heard it - our lead singer is a breast cancer survivor...went through the struggle together. So, this songs hits us hard. Devastatingly beautiful. Thank you for your art, my friend.
The end of June came
And took you away
We were all crying
Felt like I was dying
Black dress & black shoes
Tied laces for you
The saddest of days
Why couldn’t we save you?
Inside my head
At the edge of the bed
Where somberness lay
In your children that day
As goodbyes are spent
Holding on to what’s left
The saddest of days
Why couldn’t we save you?
Nothing but ashes
In the old fire place
With all of the memories
He has erased
Heavier heels
His mourning concealed
On the saddest of days
Why couldn’t we save you?
The poetry of this is so striking and beautiful...
nordheart 0N3
This is one of the best songs ill always cherish....it means more to me than anyone I play it to will ever understand
Thank you)
Song meaning:
ALISA:- "There’s a song called “I Kill Giants” that was supposed to be on the first record but wasn’t totally finished at that point. It’s so special to me because it’s a reconstructed memory of when I lost my mother; she died when I was young, around seven. It was the biggest moment of my young life. It wasn’t until years later that Thom gave me this graphic novel called I Kill Giants. There’s this character in it that I related a lot to and it encouraged me to finish the song."
God bless you.
That book was absolutely heartbreaking. I’m tearing up just remembering the end.
My grandma left today. Almost at the end of the June. I've been listening this song almost whole day. And probably will the next few days as well. What a beautiful piece of art. Why couldn't we save her?
I'm kind of glad they did a beautiful and simplistic interpretation of the song rather than have the video blatantly lyrical and autobiographical, which I'm sure would've been somewhat uncomfortable for Alisa if it were. I love Kefali's non-glitzy directing and it makes it so much more breathtaking and universal!
such an under rated band...
I was just thinking of saying the same
I know right... crazy
That's right.
My favorite modern band
Not by me.
This is one of the best songs that has forever captured a moment in my life..ill always return to that memory whenever I hear that opening ....it means more to me than anyone I play it to will ever understand. I've woken up to this song everyday of my life since I discovered it..i will die with this song playing.
It’s so special to me because it’s a reconstructed memory of when I lost my mother; she died when I was young, around seven. It was the biggest moment of my young life.
- Alisa Xayalith
The Naked & Famous never cease to make my ears melt in a massive kickass electrorgasms.... And their videos are always thrilling as well. I really loved the choreography, the filming, the beautiful dancers, the all-white eyes creepy ending and the way it's all put together perfectly. Best band around, definitely.
Yesterday Saturday 30.11.2013 was the funeral of my father.
On this beautiful song, I came by chance.
It reflects my feelings and gives me comfort/consolation in my grief to him.
A Big Thank You for this wonderful song.
Gestern Samstag 30. November 2013 war die Beerdigung von meinem Vater.
Auf dieses schöne Lied bin ich zufällig gestossen.
Es widerspiegelt meine Gefühle und spendet mir Trost in meiner Trauer um ihn.
Ein grosses Dankeschön für dieses wunderbare Lied.
Such a sad song. Lost my mom at age 14 (I am 31 now). I get it. So sad.
So sorry man
So sorry to hear that man. I've lost my share of family and friends too. There is something beautiful about this song though, that keeps me coming back to it.
Olivia Tennet and Kerry Wallis are the two dancers, if anyone is curious.
I was just about to ask actually 👍👍 thanks
Thank you! Some of my favorite choreography of all time!
This song brings a tear to my eye every time
After losing my father to COVID on 20-12-21, almost 3 years now, this song have a special meaning to me, he is a Mediccine Doctor, he was about to retired,still continued helping, still to this day, people still reaching to let us know about how he helped a lot of folks, he did a lot, somethings that I didnt knew about, but to learn about it, I'm really proud and I'm trying to do better for those around me, miss him a lot, anyway , this song its amazing
Absolute fucking masterpiece ✨️ RIP to all the people we've loved and lost ,never forgotten
This has to be one of the best songs ever written! So much Hope
As always, I fail to understand the meaning behind the video, but knowing the background of the song I can see where it's coming from. The Naked and Famous will always be my favorite band!
As they say personal loss can lead to great artistic motivation and this is proof of that
This song deserves billions of likes.
I love The naked and famous, my favorite band.
I LOVE how they dance! And the music is also so perfect!
Directed by Joel Kefali, the clip features two young ballet dancers putting on a powerful performance at a church for a rather depressed looking audience.
“At first I felt insecure singing about something so infinitely painful and blatantly autobiographical,” said lead singer Alisa Xayality. “But now I’m more comfortable explaining that ‘I Kill Giants’ is a song about losing my mum to breast cancer as a young girl." From an interview in Fender magazine.
I love this type of music! Does anyone have recommendations for similar bands or songs?
Just listened to the album yesterday and this was an immediate addiction!
Catchy song still caught in my mind.
The more I understand it, the more it breaks my heart.
Their music has this way of making you feel that everything will be alright in the end.
They continue to impress...nice track. They have a way of making you reflect on your life.
How does this video not have a million views yet? 990k is good, but this deserves far more after four years. Geeze, our generation sucks.
this band really deserves so much more recognition
One of the best cuts from this album. Beautiful.
TNAF are true artists. Their lyrics, vocals, instrumentation, and production value are top-notch. I'm not sure who's responsible for the visual art/music video side of their work, but it is excellent as well. When the COVID-19 crisis passes I can't wait for them to come to Ohio for a live show!
If you don’t feel alive, listen to TNAF and you’ll understand. This music makes you want to LIVE.
Love this song so much, sooo glad I got to see it live!!
this is one of those music videos that just makes you stop and think. beautiful, painful
I first heard this song about 7 years ago and loved it, loved the band. But then I lost them and couldn't remember the band name, or song name. I tried searching for them but just couldn't find them anywhere...Today I was flipping through tiktok and they found me! I was so happy to have her show up on my fyp. Once again TT has helped me find ways to express myself and find community, thanks :)
Dancer with the black hair is so awesome!! Go Kerry!! x
I love this Band and I love Alisa Xayalith and her voice too. She's an awesome singer. Probably the best from New Zealand. God has gifted her a video which really sucks
This song reminds me of one of my closest friends AJ that I've lost we used to obsess over this band together I miss u AJ ❤️
It's always amazing to fall in love with a song. :) Thanks again The Naked and Famous :)
ahh the progression of their eyes! So wonderful!
Such a gorgeous song!! beautiful preformance.. these two are so talented... great song !!
"THIS SONG & VIDEO IS SO FUCKING BEAUTIFUL!!" it's got Soul, POWER, HEART! omg just PERFECT!!
I think both the music and the video are beautifull. The girls dancing express so much feeling and this video is really pure, just them dancing and nothing else. Of all the music videos you've made, this one is definetely my favourite one.
...WHY DOES THIS NOT HAVE MORE VIEWS!!!!??????
Seriously tho lol
Doing my part.
Beautiful song and video.
Every song is awesome
i love how this song is about alisa's mom ♥ its beautiful
This was my Fav song 8 years ago… its not my Fav right now, but the feeling that produces on me… no words to describe it
how awesome is this video!!! fits the song perfectly! Amazing band!!
This video is amazing. You can see the passion of the dancers.
I really want TNAF to bring out an album like This Machine, I don't know why but songs like Post are some of the best things I've ever listened to. That probably is my favourite song ever.
There's a graphic novel by the same name. There seems to be a connection between the lyrics and the story of the GN, I wonder if it's just a coincidence.
It's not. Both are about the heroine's mother battle with cancer and having to deal with it. The graphic novel inspired the song.
Such a beautiful, sad song.
This deserves more appreciation man.
This is the best song off the album by far!
That man at 1:10 looks really awesome, the director Joel Kefali did a great job, Olivia Tennet looks beautiful and is such a great dancer :)
It's incredible how everything they do is just AWESOME
This song deserves more views!!! Love This band!
It's probably a symbol for Alisa's great amount of pain as a little girl; at 7 years old, such pain is enough to destroy you, yet she held on and survived.
When I heard this song live in Chicago last fall, I nearly fainted.
I was slightly disappointed that this song wasn't in the movie I Kill Giants.
That being said, this is a very beautiful song, and has such an amazing story.
amazing.
0:24 Sandra Bullock
thats exactly what i thought too! i was like wtf?
+cyberknot cannot unsee
NO
I thought she looked like she could be the daughter of Daniel Day Lewis
I'm slowly watching my father rot away and this song is pretty spot-on. Fact is, I don't know if in the end I'll say much to him. So many wasted opportunities with his kids & grand kids. Not an unusual story, unfortunately- best any of us can do is to not be this way. Sie la vie
My favourite song from the album, so glad this is a single! :)
Just saw them last night. They're great live
Incredibly personal lyrics. TNAF, you are inspirational.
Such an awesome song, thanks for sharing Alisa.
BRILLIANT song :) Literally cannot stop playing it
Still watch this MV religiously since 2013
Excellent song and video.
This reminds me a lot of granny. She left on the beggining on June 2016. Not the end, but all this song describes how I feel
Thanks for sharing this Alisa the song is so beautiful and perfect :)
This song fucks me up inside, it’s pure magic.
I really think The Naked and Famous are at their best when both of singers have their own vocal sections. Love the song but like their edgier tracks are my favourite.
I think I just keep replaying until this video reach the million views :)
This is a fantastic video and amazing song ❤️❤️❤️ !
Love naked & famous so happy they're back!
was trying to spot alisa and thom in the audience but didn't see them lol that would have made a nice touch!
they really never disappoint. such a great, such a great tune
So wonderfully constructed!
Their eyes towards the end are awesome haha
love the symbolism in this video. kids on fire in front of a bunch of cold heartless onlookers. pretty much sums up my whole life. lol.
This is the only Song making me cry and dance at the same time! ❤
They are freaking amazing!!!💛
I heard this band since 2012 and i love more and more ... They do criative
We’ll see our friends again God is eternal ♾🙏🏼
Easily the best track from their sophomore LP...
One of the best things new zealand has ever produced. I'm so proud of them.
Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it
+Jared Clarke I know
"I Kill Giants" by The Naked and Famous is a deeply personal song that delves into themes of loss, grief, and resilience. Alisa Xayalith, the band's lead vocalist, wrote the song as a tribute to her late mother, who passed away from breast cancer when Alisa was just seven years old.
Song Themes:
Loss and Grief: The lyrics convey the emotional journey of dealing with the pain of losing a loved one. The title "I Kill Giants" metaphorically represents the immense and seemingly insurmountable challenges that come with such a profound loss.
Resilience and Strength: Despite the sadness, the song also speaks to the strength and resilience needed to move forward. It reflects the courage required to face and overcome personal giants-those overwhelming emotions and memories tied to grief.
Motivations Behind Writing the Song:
Personal Healing: For Alisa Xayalith, writing "I Kill Giants" was a form of catharsis. It allowed her to process her grief and honor her mother's memory through her music.
Connecting with Listeners: By sharing such a personal experience, The Naked and Famous aimed to connect with listeners who might be going through similar experiences of loss and grief. The song offers a sense of solidarity and understanding.
Emotional Expression: The song allowed the band to explore and express deep emotional themes, adding a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to their music.
I love, love this. Thank you! ❤️
BEST SONG EVER CREATED.
I don't find it weird at all, it's just so full of creativity ! *_*
This such a great Song and Video by the Best and Famous.