The original idea of this song was written backstage at a show in Belgium. We were deep on tour in Europe and I was trying to figure out how to use my new mini disc recorder, a Christmas present given to me by my dad. The opening band was playing upstairs and I was downstairs playing chords on my electric guitar into the recorder. I couldn't figure out the key of the chords because the noise was so loud upstairs. I recorded what I could and listened to the tape later on the bus ride. The next day we had a soundcheck and I played the riff while the band jammed along. When it came time for the chorus I just kept the same chords and started singing a new melody. It shaped up very quickly and we had enough of an idea to work with. After the tour was over I sat down with an acoustic and figured out proper chords and worked out a bridge. "Head Up" is similar to "Crying" in that it is a little difficult to play and sing at the same time. The lyric of the song reflects what it's like trying to stay positive doing something that others around you don't approve of. This is very much the way I felt after I dropped out of school to play music. Earlier drafts of this record excluded this song. We all voted the song back onto the album after a show outside of Houston, Texas.
The original idea of this song was written backstage at a show in Belgium. We were deep on tour in Europe and I was trying to figure out how to use my new mini disc recorder, a Christmas present given to me by my dad. The opening band was playing upstairs and I was downstairs playing chords on my electric guitar into the recorder. I couldn't figure out the key of the chords because the noise was so loud upstairs. I recorded what I could and listened to the tape later on the bus ride. The next day we had a soundcheck and I played the riff while the band jammed along. When it came time for the chorus I just kept the same chords and started singing a new melody. It shaped up very quickly and we had enough of an idea to work with. After the tour was over I sat down with an acoustic and figured out proper chords and worked out a bridge. "Head Up" is similar to "Crying" in that it is a little difficult to play and sing at the same time. The lyric of the song reflects what it's like trying to stay positive doing something that others around you don't approve of. This is very much the way I felt after I dropped out of school to play music. Earlier drafts of this record excluded this song. We all voted the song back onto the album after a show outside of Houston, Texas.
(From www.sugarcult.com)
This song is so catchy. I love it =)