Prayer In C – Lilly Wood & The Prick and Robin Schulz

“Prayer in C” by Lilly Wood & The Prick, remixed by German DJ Robin Schulz, is a perfect example of how a song can transcend its original genre and become a global hit through the magic of remixing. Released in 2014, this remix catapulted a relatively unknown indie-folk duo into international stardom, blending folk-inspired lyrics with deep house beats. The remix not only introduced the song to a wider audience but also created a track that resonated across dance floors, radio stations, and streaming platforms around the world.

Origins of “Prayer in C”
Lilly Wood & The Prick, a French-Israeli indie pop duo, originally released “Prayer in C” as part of their 2010 debut album Invincible Friends. The original version was a slow, acoustic-driven folk song with introspective and socially conscious lyrics. Written by band members Nili Hadida and Benjamin Cotto, the song carried a melancholic tone, with its lyrics speaking to themes of disappointment, disillusionment, and prayer as a form of silent plea.

Despite its lyrical depth, the original track didn’t garner widespread attention beyond indie circles. However, when Robin Schulz came across the song, he saw potential for it to be reimagined into something entirely different.

Robin Schulz’s Transformation
Robin Schulz is a German DJ and producer known for his minimalist and melodic deep house style. In 2014, after achieving success with his remix of “Waves” by Mr. Probz, Schulz continued his ascent in the electronic music scene. He took “Prayer in C” and transformed it into a deep house track, adding his signature pulsating basslines, a relaxed yet infectious beat, and subtle electronic textures. Schulz’s remix emphasized a repetitive, hypnotic groove that contrasted sharply with the original folk arrangement but complemented its haunting melody.

Schulz’s remix sped up the tempo and added a breezy, electronic vibe, making the song more accessible to dance and radio audiences. The remix perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the electronic dance music (EDM) movement, which was dominating the global music scene at the time. With this new, dynamic arrangement, “Prayer in C” became an international sensation.

Lyrical Themes: A Prayer of Disillusionment
While Robin Schulz’s remix transformed the sound of the song, the lyrics of “Prayer in C” remain deeply rooted in themes of disappointment and social reflection. Despite its upbeat and summery musical arrangement in the remix, the lyrics tell a more somber story. The song is, in essence, a prayer filled with frustration and sorrow. The repeated refrain, “You never said a word / You didn’t send me no letter / Don’t think I could forgive you,” conveys a feeling of abandonment and betrayal.

The lyrics are a direct commentary on humanity’s failure to take care of the world and each other. Lines like “Oh, when our souls are gone and everything is done / You’ll be the one to blame,” hint at ecological and societal collapse, positioning the song as a critique of both environmental destruction and moral apathy. The use of the word “prayer” in the title implies a desperate plea, though the content of the song is more accusatory than hopeful.

The combination of these weighty lyrics with Schulz’s upbeat remix creates a juxtaposition that adds depth to the track. Listeners can enjoy it as a dance anthem, but there’s also an underlying message that invites deeper reflection.

Global Success and Chart Domination
Following its release, Robin Schulz’s remix of “Prayer in C” quickly climbed the charts worldwide. The song reached the number one spot in more than 30 countries, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy. It also gained immense popularity in non-European markets such as Australia, Israel, and Canada, making it a truly global hit. In the U.S., where deep house and tropical house were becoming increasingly popular, the song performed well on streaming platforms and gained significant radio play.

Part of the song’s success can be attributed to its universal appeal. The minimalist deep house production appealed to fans of electronic music, while the catchy melody and sing-along nature of the lyrics drew in pop audiences. Moreover, the poignant message resonated with listeners across different cultures and languages, giving the song a broader, cross-genre appeal.

Schulz’s remix helped solidify his place as one of the top DJs of the mid-2010s, and it turned Lilly Wood & The Prick into a household name. Prior to “Prayer in C,” the duo was primarily known in French indie circles, but after the remix, they became international stars.

Music Video: A Simple Yet Symbolic Visual
The official music video for Robin Schulz’s remix of “Prayer in C” is simple yet symbolic, reflecting the global and timeless nature of the song. The video features slow-motion footage of people in everyday settings—beaches, cities, and natural landscapes—interacting with one another and the world around them. Despite the idyllic settings, there’s an underlying sense of unease, which mirrors the song’s lyrical tension.

The juxtaposition of carefree summer scenes with more somber, reflective moments captures the duality of the remix. While the music might make you want to dance, the imagery—and the lyrics—encourages a deeper contemplation of the world’s problems.

Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Prayer in C” became one of the defining tracks of 2014, and its success marked a shift in the musical landscape. The song’s success demonstrated how EDM could be used to breathe new life into non-electronic genres, as it introduced folk-inspired music to a dance-focused audience.

Moreover, the remix helped pave the way for other deep house and tropical house hits that dominated charts in the mid-2010s, from artists like Kygo and Lost Frequencies. It also showed how remixes could transform obscure or niche tracks into mainstream hits, offering a fresh perspective on the role of remix culture in the music industry.

Beyond its commercial success, “Prayer in C” became a festival and party anthem, played by DJs and enjoyed by crowds around the world. Its infectious beat, paired with its reflective message, made it a memorable song that resonated long after its initial release.

Conclusion
“Prayer in C” by Lilly Wood & The Prick, remixed by Robin Schulz, is a rare example of a remix that not only retains the essence of the original song but enhances it to create something entirely new. The song’s deep house arrangement, combined with its poignant and reflective lyrics, offers a multi-layered experience for listeners. It is a track that can be enjoyed both on the dance floor and in more contemplative moments, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences years after its release.

You, You never said a word
You didn’t send me no letter
Don’t think I could forgive you
See our world is slowly dying
I’m no wasting no more time
Don’t think I could believe you
You, You never said a word
You didn’t send me no letter
Don’t think I could forgive you
See our world is slowly dying
I’m no wasting no more time
Don’t think I could believe you
You, our hands will get more wrinkle
And I hear It will be grey
Don’t think I could forgive you
And see the children are starving
and the houses were destroy
Don’t think they could forgive you
Hey, when seas will cover lands
And when men will be no more
Don’t think you can forgive you
Oh when there’s just be silence
And when life will be over
Don’t think you will forgive you
You, You never said a word
You didn’t send me no letter
Don’t think I could forgive you
See our world is slowly dying
I’m no wasting no more time
Don’t think I could believe you
You, You never said a word
You didn’t send me no letter
Don’t think I could forgive you
See our world is slowly dying
I’m no wasting no more time
Don’t think I could believe you
You, our hands will get more wrinkle
And I hear It will be grey
Don’t think I could forgive you
And see the children are starving
and the houses were destroy
Don’t think they could forgive you
Hey, when seas will cover lands
And when men will be no more
Don’t think you can forgive you
Oh when there’s just be silence
And when life will be over
Don’t think you will forgive you