Hysteria

About this song

Chris Wolstenholme's bass line is widely credited as a reason for the song's popularity. In a poll run by MusicRadar, the bass line was voted the best of all time, ahead of entries by Rush and Queen. MusicRadar praised the riff for driving the singalong and providing a solid base for Matt Bellamy's guitar work.

What it's about

The song is about the desperation of wanting someone or something you cannot have.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 2 other songs, like “How to Take Complete Control of Everything and Everyone by Cacola”.
• Covered 3 times, including “Hysteria by First to Eleven (Ft. Coen Krysiak & Q for Quinn)”.
• Written by Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard.
• Produced by Muse and Rich Costey.
• Recorded at Grouse Lodge (County Westmeath.