Refugees (The Tears song)

"Refugees" is a song by the British alternative rock band The Tears, released in 2005 as their debut single. The song was written by Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler, the principal songwriters of the band, who had previously achieved fame as members of Suede.

The song is a melodic rock track characterized by its driving rhythm section, Butler's distinctive guitar work, and Anderson's emotive vocals. The lyrics, while not explicitly political, touch on themes of displacement, alienation, and the search for belonging, themes that resonated with the title, which carries connotations of individuals forced to flee their homes. However, the band has often clarified that the song is not intended as a direct commentary on specific refugee crises, but rather as a broader exploration of human experience.

"Refugees" was a commercial success for The Tears, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also critically well-received, praised for its songwriting, musicianship, and the chemistry between Anderson and Butler. The song remains one of the band's best-known and most popular tracks, and is often cited as a highlight of their brief but impactful discography. The release of "Refugees" was supported by a music video that visually depicted the song's themes. The single also included B-sides, expanding the band's initial recorded output.