Coldplay, synchronicity, and the Steve Jobs’ memorial

A few weeks after the death of Steve Jobs, a memorial service was held at what was then Apple headquarters. Apple no longer hosts a video of this service, but a shitty version plastered with ads can be found on YouTube. Like a classic Steve Jobs keynote event, it ended with musical performances by some of his favourite artists: Norah Jones and Coldplay.

Tim Cook addressing employees at the memorial service.

Before Coldplay’s four-song performance started, Chris Martin (lead singer) remarked, “We played this song for Steve 10 years ago, and he said it was sh–. He said we’d never make it”. It’s not hard to imagine hearing him say that.

In my mind, the opening bars of “Fix You” seemed instantly appropriate. Amidst a sea of people and giant iconic banners of Steve, the lyrics gave me goosebumps. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one.

When you try your best, but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the te…