Innocent (Our Lady Peace song)


"Innocent" is a song by Canadian alternative rock group Our Lady Peace. It was released in August 2002 as the second single from their fifth studio album Gravity. It was written by lead vocalist Raine Maida.

Background and writing

Lead vocalist Raine Maida stated in 2002 that "Innocent" was one of his favorite songs from Gravity. "I wrote this song over a year ago and I was originally hesitant to play it for the band, but once we got into the studio and began working with Bob we were able to make it an Our Lady Peace song."
According to Raine, the title of the song was originally "Arrogant" and featured different lyrics. Producer Bob Rock made him rewrite most of the songs from Gravity in order to make them more accessible and easier to understand.

Content

The song is about people who suffer, including a girl with cancer. The song also references legendary rock musicians John Lennon and Kurt Cobain.

Recording

Local school children in Hawaii were used to sing background vocals on the chorus of the song.
Before Mike Turner left the band, he recorded the rhythm guitar for this track. It would later be interlaced with Steve Mazur's guitar playing for the final recording, but Turner's style of playing is still recognized.

Track listing

US Pro CD

Sony-BMG SMI EPC 5099767343920
  1. "Innocent" - 3:43

    US Music Video Promo CD

Columbia OLP-1-CC-DB-S-092402

European Pro CD

Epic LC 00199
  1. "Innocent" - 3:05
  2. "Innocent" - 3:42
  3. "Innocent" - 3:42

    European CD single

Epic EPC 673439 2
  1. "Innocent" - 3:43
  2. "Naveed " - 6:47
  3. "4 AM " - 5:01
  4. "Imagine "
  5. "Innocent"

    Music video

The music video for "Innocent" was filmed on August 31, 2002 in Syracuse, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and a school parking lot in Toronto. It features the band performing in an alley while showing people going through various struggles.
The music video went to win two MuchMusic Video Awards in 2003, including "Best Video."

In popular culture

The song was featured in an episode of the eighth season of Scrubs titled "My Lawyer's In Love".

Chart performance