Sia Details Alcoholism on Explosive New Single "Chandelier"
After forgoing solo stardom to pen pop star hits—co-writing Rihanna's "Diamonds" and Beyonce's "Pretty Hurts"—Australian singer Sia returns with her first solo single in four years, "Chandelier."
Sia's raspy vocals tell the story of a party girl with an epiphany. "I'm the one 'for a good time call' / Phone's blowin' up, they're ringin' my doorbell... Gotta get out now, gotta run from this / Here comes the shame, here comes the shame / 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 drink," she croons over a reggae-lite beat.
The chorus' booming percussion and marimbas back Sia's belting—only a handful of divas could pull off her half-scream vocals and still remain sonically pleasing. Lyrically, Sia is letting go of all inhibitions ("I'm gonna swing from the chandelier / I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist") while her vocals move from shouty wails to whistle notes.
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