“Children” is an instrumental track by Swiss-born Italian DJ and producer Robert Miles. Released in January 1995, it is one of the most iconic songs of the mid-1990s and is credited with helping to popularize the dream house genre. In June 1996, the song was included on Miles’debut studio album, “Dreamland”.
Robert Miles, born Roberto Concina, composed “Children” as part of his efforts to create music that would both energize and calm listeners. The track was initially conceived in response to the troubling images of war-torn Yugoslavia that Miles had seen, as well as to help reduce the number of accidents that occurred due to fatigued club-goers driving home after long nights of dancing.
“Children” carries a deep emotional undertone, driven by Miles’ desire to create a piece that would evoke a sense of peace and reflection. The piano riff, which is central to the track, is both haunting and soothing, designed to offer a calming effect. The song’s title, “Children,” reflects Miles’ hope for a better, more peaceful future for the next generation. The track is characterized by its distinctive piano melody, which is accompanied by synthesizers, a steady 4/4 beat, and atmospheric pads. It belongs to the dream house subgenre, a style of music that combines elements of house music with ambient and new age influences. The composition is both uplifting and introspective, allowing it to stand out in the electronic dance music scene of the time.
“Children” was a massive commercial success. It topped the charts in over 12 countries and reached the top 10 in many others, including the United States where it peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The track’s widespread appeal helped it to become one of the best-selling singles of 1996, selling more than five million copies worldwide.
Two music video for “Children” were filmed: the first one was directed by Matt Amos. It features black-and-white footage of a small girl riding in a car through a diverse range of landscape. The second video was directed by Elizabeth Bailey. It was filmed in colour and alternates between images of Miles DJing at a nightclub rave and images of children at play.