Sam Harris, one of the four members of X Ambassadors and writer of “Unconsolable,” describes the track as a reflection of growing up in Ithaca, NY. To him, the track is about the stupid things you do as an adolescent, and how those same stupid things are inevitably repeated long into adulthood.
The track’s opening lyrics capture perfectly that youthfulness and hostility toward moving on.
“I hope we stay / thick as thieves / butter and bread / pillars of colonial homes / and I wish I could shout you out.” As time and change threatens relationships, “Unconsolable” responds by grasping onto the familiar, viewing change as a cruel punishment.
The Brooklyn-based band received a fair amount of attention for “Unconsolable,” including that of Imagine Dragons member Dan Reynolds who heard their single, called their producer, and had X Ambassadors signed to their record label. Since then, the two groups have toured together, giving the Ambassadors a shove into the spotlight. If the original overwhelms, try the unplugged alternative here.