Link copied
Everything you need to know about this heartfelt collaboration between Mumford & Sons and Gracie Abrams, taken from the Mumford trio's 2026 album, ‘Prizefighter’.
- Song ‘Badlands’
- Lyrics“Remember they said I was born wild
I think I live on the outside
Never been fixed with a slow high yet
... - Artist(s) Mumford & Sons, Gracie Abrams
- Album Prizefighter
- Released February 20, 2026
- Label Island Records
- Songwriter(s) Mumford & Sons, Aaron Dessner
- Producer(s) Mumford & Sons, Aaron Dessner
The Background
Mumford & Sons’ 2026 album, Prizefighter - the follow-up to their 2025 comeback project, RUSHMERE - is so stacked with A-list features that it's hard to know where to start.
Even so, there's no question that Gracie Abrams’ rare guest appearance on ‘Badlands’ was one of the most hyped-about collaborations on the folk-leaning project, with Abrams joining a stellar cast of contributors, such as Hozier, Chris Stapleton and Gigi Perez.
Abrams has established herself as one of modern pop's most celebrated figures, and as a result, the ‘That's So True’ hitmaker doesn't hand out features for just anyone.
Abrams is a folk aficionado, though, having joined forces with Noah Kahan for the rousing ‘Everywhere, Everything’ back in 2023. ‘Badlands’ marks Abrams’ first release since she dropped the live version of ‘Death Wish’ in April 2025. ‘Badlands’ is a stunning addition to Prizefighter, with this soul-searching ode epitomising the sumptuously pared-down approach the Mumford trio have been diving into of late.
The Sound
We all know Mumford & Sons can crush a three-part harmony - but adding Gracie Abrams’ rich, vibrant vocals into the mix and making it a four-part harmony? Chef's kiss.
‘Badlands’ keeps the intimate piano-driven instrumental stripped-back, much like ‘Here’ with Chris Stapleton and ‘Rubber Band Man’ with Hozier, with Marcus Mumford and Abrams’ vocals combining seamlessly for the evocative, yearning chorus.
It's a classic example of less is more, with the ambience kept vulnerable and intricate throughout, while the longing delivery captures the wild, untamed spirit of the narrative.
The Meaning
“Remember they said I was born wild
I think I live on the outside
Never been fixed with a slow high yet”
‘Badlands’ is peppered with wistful reflections on our protagonist's past, as he begins by outlining that many thought he was too “wild” and that he'd forever be deemed an outsider.
“I’m always walking a thin line
Running away from a low tide
I know I’m better a high wire kid”
Our narrator learns to embrace this untethered spirit, though, and he realises he's better off walking the line between excitement and danger, rather than playing it safe and sticking to the shallow end. It's a battle-cry for the dreamers and thrill-seekers.
“Remember the wind on the badlands
When I’m still running from loose hands
Set myself up to become a man
Who wasn’t there for the backhand
Getaway car in the quicksand
I think you may never understand”
As the story progresses, our protagonist increasingly paints himself as a Western outlaw, running from “loose hands” through the badlands as he continues to live his life on the edge. “Badlands” refer to arid terrains, usually meaning the desert.
“Don’t look down now
I’m not done here yet
Don’t look down now
I’m not done here yet”
The introduction of Abrams’ ethereal vocals throughout ‘Badlands’ gives the song the feel of a dialogue, as opposed to only presenting one narrator's introspective view.
Rather than being a tale of a lonesome cowboy, the story blossoms into a joyful, freeing romance, with two lovers throughout caution to the wind as they live by their own flag.
For the full lyrics to ‘Badlands’ by Mumford & Sons and Gracie Abrams, see below:
“Remember they said I was born wild
I think I live on the outside
Never been fixed with a slow high yet
-
I’m always walking a thin line
Running away from a low tide
I know I’m better a high wire kid
-
Don’t look down now
I’m not done here yet
-
Remember the wind on the badlands
When I’m still running from loose hands
Set myself up to become a man
-
Who wasn’t there for the backhand
Getaway car in the quicksand
I think you may never understand
-
Don’t look down now
I’m not done here yet
Don’t look down now
I’m not done here yet
-
Running aware from a fine line
Run with me we can still make high
Give me a vision, give me a dime
-
Running away from a tame life
Running away like a wild child
Give me a vision, give me a dime
-
Remember they said I was born wild
I think I live on the outside
Never been fixed with a slow high yet
-
I’m always walking a thin line
Running away from a low tide
I know I’m better a high wire kid”
For more on Mumford & Sons, see below:
