Chandelier by Sia is a recent hit song about alcoholism and substance abuse that runs rampant during parties. Some of the lyrics state how “party girls don’t get hurt…cant feel anything” because they drown out their feelings by “pushing down” substances. Swinging from a chandelier is a metaphor for partying to excess, and the song goes on to talk about how once she wakes up the morning after, she comes back to her empty reality. “Feeling the love” doesn’t refer to actual love, but rather the “love” she feels with her partying friends who suffer from the same alcoholism and substance abuse.
The music in the introduction gives the feeling of a standard party currently happening. The instruments paired with Sia’s voice bring great emotion to the song, as the content of the music is something that many people have dealt with in their lifetime. The most memorable parts of the song is definitely the high notes that Sia hits during the chorus. The video is also something that is extremely memorable, and will most likely be a big part of pop culture for a while.
I am not completely sure if this information is factual, but this song includes moments from Sia’s home-life when she was child, how her parents were alcoholic and always spent money on alcohol rather than food. As a result, Sia was forced to suppress her hunger by consuming alcohol. In turn, Sia also grew up to be a victim of alcoholism.
I personally enjoy this song a lot. It has a very somber theme in comparison to its fun beats and “soaring” tone and I especially enjoy how it’s completely relate-able for people who have gone through the same situation. It puts into words how sufferers of alcoholism and substance abuse feel and simultaneously brings more public awareness to the issue. I recommend this song to anyone who has any remote interest in pop music.
Lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sia/chandelier.html
Work Cited: Sia. Chandelier. Sia. Greg Kurstin, Jesse Shatkin, 2014. CD.
It’s interesting how Sia played on her childhood to get the theme across! Thank you for bringing that to light. Also, I agree with you that the most memorable part of the song is the chorus. Sia’s belting is so intense.
Thanks great song choice. I do agree with Amanda that the power of Sia’s voice definitely shows through in the chorus. “Belting” is such a powerful word for it.
As to the video… not really my type I guess. I actually got a bigger kick out of the Grammy version with Kristen Wiig (of course Kristen Wiig makes me laugh a lot).
She has a strong voice which is shown throughout the song especially the chorus. Great choice! Sia herself to me is a bit odd, I think she said she doesn’t show her face to the public.