Track-by-Track Break Down of 'Fireflies' with Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl City breaks down the RIAA certified diamond single "Fireflies" and dissects his song track-by-track discussing the writing, production, and editing of this hit single.

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[mrjeeveswilliams]

Adam breaking down Fireflies is an historic moment. It’s like Leonardo da Vinci coming back to life and explaining how he painted the Mona Lisa.

[largefatherbassmusic]

Adam talking about "a bad note" makes me giggle thinking about how the track was secretly jazz all along.

[AURofficial]

That strings section with the Cellos is MWAH!

[Dom_Rec]

The fact that Adam Young produced and created a diamond single in his bed room is probably one of the most inspiring stories I've heard, Adam truly is and inspiration to all producers out there

[DavidDiMuzio]

😮 …this just made the internet way cooler ✨🎶🤘🏼

[PaperSkies]

I'd like to make myself believeeee, that this uplooooad, issss

[wozeyszn]

man those violins and cellos playing together had me tearing up...this song encapsulates my youth and I'm sure millions of others around the world will feel that too it really is the soundtrack of a generation. Fireflies will always be nothing short of an everlasting masterpiece, so thankyou Adam!

[dragons]

As a young producer, this is potentially the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time. Owl City revealing some of his production? And he uses LOGIC? I’m loving this. I’ve had so many questions about how his music is made and it makes production a lot less intimidating, seeing how human Adam Young is - even with his magical music.

[Hypixi]

is no one gonna mention how absolutely beautiful that string section sounds?

[chad]

Whether you're an Owl City fan or not, this song is just HISTORIC. There's no way around that. It's amazing how much time, energy, work, and love he put into just this one song. And all this because of insomnia! It's such a great reminder of how even our infirmities and insecurities can become something beautiful if we let them.

[Cinder-Soft]

did not realize just how massive and intricate this song's construction actually was. always seems so simple on the receiving end. iconic song from a legendary artist, thank you for this

[BenjaminNaman]

2:56 I never realized how much I needed an orchestral version of this song.

[mikewolf]

What’s crazy is that the intro countermelody is so iconic that that alone makes you immediately think of this song

[ProGamerDudepgd]

hands down the most magical song ever made. Thank you for creating this master piece

[jgold_]

4:23 That piano line is so uplifting. It makes me feel like I'm flying, just like a firefly :)

[GreatnationHD]

After so many years, never did I imagine you’d do a breakdown or a “behind the song” for Fireflies. I don’t listen to it much but I know how much it means to alot of people, including Adam himself. Amazing, amazing stuff!!

[FelixWheatfield]

Love that all these 2000's/2010's artists are coming forward and breaking down their music "Classic Albums" style. Now that they're iconic, these songs deserve it.

[musicme]

I love how every “mistake” he lists blends into one of the most beautiful and memorable songs of our generation. I think every part of it is beautiful and there’s no ugly or mistakes or mess. It’s a beautiful symphony of emotions being poured out. It got me through so many hard times and I remember every lyric and every note, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve heard it. Thank you, Adam, for giving us not only Fireflies but all the other songs that bring poetry and beauty into this messy reality we call life. It’s a lovely place, but I wouldn’t want to live here without Owl City ❤

[rometherevenant]

The piano and strings section are seriously magical. Gives so much life to the song.

[davidgenerato]

A song that singlehandedly got me into music production, broken down piece-by-piece, YEARS LATER. Thank you, Adam. YOU ARE A BLESSING! :D