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"Fire Drill" (also registered as "Credits Song") is a song by Melanie Martinez that was released as a stand-alone single on June 26th, 2020. It was intended to be on Melanie's fourth extended play (EP), After School, however, it was later scrapped. This song also plays during the end credits of Melanie's film, K-12.

Background[]

On January 8th, 2020, Melanie held a Q&A on her Instagram story regarding her EP, After School. In this Q&A, she stated that Fire Drill would be one of seven tracks on the EP.[1] In an interview released on February 6th, 2020, Melanie revealed that the song was intended to be released as a single by the end of February.[2]

In an interview with Travis Mills for Beats 1, Melanie confirmed that the song was still planned to be released as a single before the release of After School;[3] it was later released on June 26th, 2020.

Tracklist[]

Digital track listing - Fire Drill

  • * = indicates the song is a re-release.
No. Title Writer(s) Producer(s) Length
1. "Fire Drill"* Melanie Martinez, Michael Keenan Keenan 4:15
2. "Play Date"* Martinez, Jennifer Decilveo Keenan, Decilveo 2:59

Theme[]

The song focuses on the matter of fake friends, childhood bullies, and attention-seeking people. Timothy Heller, who accused Melanie of rape in December 2017, may have inspired certain lyrics. Since the accusations, Timothy has been accused of controversial behaviors such as attention-seeking, speaking on behalf of other musical artists, and stretching the truth on social media after accusing Melanie. The song's lyrics "We're on the same side" and "Bullying / screwing around / with people they don't even really know" in the song seem to reflect how Timothy and the people online who accuse her are both assuming truths, leaving Melanie to respond that all accusations are false and the bullying should stop.

Story-wise, the song was originally meant to reflect Cry Baby's school journey and the original ending of the K-12 film.

Lyrics[]

[Verse 1]
I've never fit into any category, always deemed an outcast
Since I was in Sunday School and all the cool kids said I was weird
It's exactly the same, they say:
"Why do you dress that way?
Why do you act that way?
Why aren't you just like me?"
So is that what you really wanna say to me?
You're playin' games with me
Telling me if I'm unkind, still you abandon me
Calling me words I'm not
Painting a picture that's false
You must not know my heart, but I know it isn't your fault
You live in a world and you clutch
You don't get out very much
Livin' in a fake world full of facades and chaotic behaviour
You pull the lever for fun
Yell "Fire!" then you just run

[Chorus]
Fire drill
What would happen if a nuke just hit?
Would you say bye to your family? Would you post about it?
Fire drill
If it all went up in flames one day
Would you give your mom a hug before your house burned away?
It kills
I wish the best for you and
You think I ignore you too, but
Really I'm tryna live my own life
And be present more, and so should you
It's alright to

[Verse 2]
Cryin' inside
'Cause nothin' I say ever comes out right
We're on the same side
If I'm honest with you, you just run and hide
I'm bad at public speaking
But I'm speaking now, so hear me out (Shut up)
I personally believe that everyone is fully capable
Of more than what they're doing
All of the bullying
All of the screwing around with people
They don't even really know, oh (Blah blah blah)
Eatin' a hate soufflé and an angry, bitter sorbet
All 'cause you were bored one day
Losing your wits and your grace

[Chorus]
Fire drill
What would happen if a nuke just hit?
Would you say bye to your family? Would you post about it?
Fire drill
If it all went up in flames one day
Would you give your mom a hug before your house burned away?
It kills
I wish the best for you and
You think I ignore you too, but
Really I'm tryna live my own life
And be present more, and so should you
It's alright to

[Bridge]
I am not the government
I am not the fucked up men
I am not a part of anything that is hateful
Love is seeping out my pores
I don't hold anger anymore
Even for people who hurt and betray me (Okay)
I am not the government
I am not the fucked up men (Gross)
I am not a part of anything that is hateful
Love is seeping out my pores
I don't hold anger anymore
Even for people who hurt and betray me

[Chorus]
Fire drill
What would happen if a nuke just hit?
Would you say bye to your family? Would you post about it?
Fire drill
If it all went up in flames one day
Would you give your mom a hug before your house burned away?
It kills
I wish the best for you and
You think I ignore you too, but
Really I'm tryna live my own life
And be present more, and so should you
It's alright to

[Outro]
I'm getting out of here

Official versions[]

Version Released on Release date Producer(s) Recording date Length
Final Fire Drill June 26th, 2020 Michael Keenan 2018 4:15
Instrumental Unreleased Leaked: July 22nd, 2020 Michael Keenan 2018 4:15

Videos[]

Trivia[]

  • In early concepts of K-12, Melanie wanted to set the school on fire for the ending. However, it was scrapped due to budget issues. It is possible that this song could've originally been related to the ending.
  • The song interpolates the children's song "Do Your Ears Hang Low?".
  • A lighter being opened and lit, fire alarms, sirens, children laughing and talking, and a fire extinguisher being used can be heard throughout the song.
  • This song is registered on all repertoires as "Credits Song Fire Drill".
  • It is said that the song was delayed for release in February due to legal issues with copyright involving a fan who copyrighted the song. The song was later officially released four months later.
  • The song received favorable reviews from critics.[citation needed]

References[]

Navigation[]

ve
After School Text
Featured tracks NotebookTest MeBrain & HeartNumbersGluedField TripThe Bakery
Characters AbuelitaBunnies
Scrapped tracks AbsorbCopy Cat (ft. Tierra Whack)Erase HerFire DrillFunctionHistoryLost & FoundMazeOh No!Paper CutSpin The BottleTrophyUnder The Desk
Producers Blake SlatkinMelanie Martinez (exec.)Michael Keenan
Related Promotional photoshootsK-12CAN'T WAIT TILL I'M OUT OF K-12Merchandise
ve
K-12
Featured tracks Wheels On the BusClass FightThe PrincipalShow & TellNurse's OfficeDrama ClubStrawberry ShortcakeLunchbox FriendsOrange JuiceDetentionTeacher's PetHigh School SweetheartsRecess
Credit track Fire Drill
Bonus tracks NotebookTest MeBrain & HeartNumbersGluedField TripThe Bakery
Scrapped tracks EraserGlue StickPapercut
Characters Cry BabyAngelitaFleurCelesteMagnoliaLeoBenKellyBlue BoyBrandonBunniesDeanMs. DaphneMr. CornwellMs. HarperMs. PenelopeMiss VictoriaThe PrincipalLilithBiology TeacherPhillipeJanitorGhost GirlAbuelita
Extras Filmmerchandiseassignmentspromotional photo shootAngels SongAfter School EP
Locations K-12 Sleepaway SchoolCry Baby's House
Tour K-12 TourK-12 Tour Part 2K-12 Summer Tour (cancelled)CAN'T WAIT TILL I'M OUT OF K-12The Trilogy Tour
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