Feels Like We Only Go Backwards


"Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" is a song by Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala. It is the seventh track on their 2012 album Lonerism, and was released as its second single on 1 October 2012. The single features artwork from Australian artist Leif Podhajsky, who also created the artwork for their first album, Innerspeaker. In an interview with Rick Rubin on the podcast Broken Record, Kevin Parker said he wrote "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" after being inspired by "Walk in the Park" by Beach House.

Music video

The music video was directed by Joe Pelling and Becky Sloan, best known as creators of Don't Hug Me I'm Scared web series. The music video consists of psychedelic visuals animated using clay.

Critical reception

The song was voted on many year end best of lists in 2012. Pitchfork named it the 7th best song of 2012, and said of the track; "it will blow your brain back to its most purely joyous and least cynical recesses." The same website also ranked it #192 on their list of the 200 best songs of the 2010s. It placed ninth on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2012.

Usage in media

"Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" was used in the promotion of Via X's Chilean TV program Moov.
The Irish sports podcast Second Captains used the song as the theme music for its 2014 FIFA World Cup coverage.
The collaboration version of the song was featured in the movie Divergent.

Cover versions

"Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" has been performed by several artists, including Hungry Kids of Hungary and Arctic Monkeys in Triple J, Say Lou Lou and Foster the People.

Charts

Certifications