13 years after its release, Snow Patrol's 'Chasing Cars' is still as popular as the day it came out. The news that the song just passed half a billion streams on Spotify is proof.

In celebration of the impressive landmark, the band dug out a letter Gary Lightbody wrote about the song in 2008. It reads:

"Chasing Cars [began in Dark Gate, Oct 2005 - Finished in Grouse Lodge, Dec 2005]

I wrote this song in Garret's garage in 2004. The minute the rest of the guys heard it they loved it, as did anyone I played it to. Do I hear a trumpet blowing? Excuse me, I'll just put it down. Better. Where were we...
It however was the most difficult to get right structurally, move from anything. See above for proof of the protracted recording span.
When we did nail it in Grouse Lodge, it was big smiles all around. It's a song of joy, love, wasting time with someone you love (the finest pursuit). There is no knife twisting, as is my usual, nothing but a happy ending. Doesn't happen very often.
God, my handwriting's bad..."

Earlier this year, 'Chasing Cars' has been named the most played song of the 21st Century so far. Achievements like this are part of the reason why Snow Patrol will receive the Oh Yeah Legend Award at the NI Music Prize this year.