
It’s been a while since I’ve been absolutely floored by a
music video. Often times they are light on substance and heavy on flash. I don’t
like much in the way of popular music (with a few exceptions) and especially don’t like the
culture magnified in the music or the videos. But every once in a while you can
find a gem in the rubble and this video is just that.
I loved Sia when I heard the song “She Wolf” by her and
David Guetta. The video was just gorgeous and her powerful, raspy voice
was perfect for conveying the deep emotion of the song. I have since come to
like many, though not all, of her songs and love her as an expressive artist.
In the song “Chandelier” Sia weaves a sad tale detailing her
personal struggles with alcoholism and prescription drugs early on in her
career. She is now sober, yay!
I recommend reading the lyrics below first and then watching the
video below the lyrics. When I first clicked play I had no idea what the
song was about, but once I saw the girl dancing it all became clear to me. It
was so exquisitely expressed.
I love that Sia chose to direct the video herself and
featured eleven-year-old dancer Maddie Ziegler to portray herself. She put Maddie
in a skin-toned leotard and a wig resembling the Sia’s own hairstyle. I think by making the dancer a child she showed the
immaturity, vulnerability, and loss of innocence that happens when you dive
headfirst into the drug and partying lifestyle.
In Maddie’s modern, interpretive dance she uses every part
of her body, every facial muscle and expression, and movement to communicate
the out-of-control insanity and addiction of the lifestyle Sia once led. It’s
almost like a cross between dancing and miming. The fact that she is in a
skin-toned leo also symbolizes innocence and vulnerability but also
recklessness, like being naked for all the world to see.
The setting was perfect. Choosing a run-down apartment and
showing that no matter how much she runs around and parties she is actually
trapped, trapped and unable to leave without help.
It’s a very melancholic video and song in it’s theme of the
unruliness of addiction and how though she smiles it’s strained, forced and not
genuine happiness or freedom.
Also this was filmed practically all in one shot, amazing!
I can't honestly explain why this video affected me so much. When I first discovered it earlier this week I had to watch it three times in a row and I was just in awe. It made me so sad and feel this renewed mercy and empathy for people trapped inside addictions and who need a high just to make it through the night. That's the power of art! This video is haunting and creepy in many ways too, maybe another reason why I liked it ha ha.
Also this was filmed practically all in one shot, amazing!
I can't honestly explain why this video affected me so much. When I first discovered it earlier this week I had to watch it three times in a row and I was just in awe. It made me so sad and feel this renewed mercy and empathy for people trapped inside addictions and who need a high just to make it through the night. That's the power of art! This video is haunting and creepy in many ways too, maybe another reason why I liked it ha ha.
Anyway, I was really inspired by Sia’s honesty in
sharing her personal experience in such a profound way. It’s hard to do this
without coming off as pretentious or ostentatious but I think she nailed it. I hope more people will come to see the beauty and power of music videos and using dance more as an artful expression instead of all the bump n' grind crap they call dance in videos today. There's so much to be done in this field and I hope more will follow in Sia's footsteps.
Also check out part two where I unpack Elastic Heart and all it's "controversy." Click this link:
Also check out part two where I unpack Elastic Heart and all it's "controversy." Click this link:
Chandelier
By, Sia
Party girls don't get hurt
Can't feel anything, when will I learn?
I push it down, push it down
I'm the one "for a good time call"
Phone's blowin' up, ringin' my doorbell
I feel the love, feel the love
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, drink
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, drink
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, drink
Throw 'em back 'til I lose count
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the
chandelier
I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist
Like it doesn't exist
I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night, feel
my tears as they dry
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the
chandelier
But I'm holding on for dear life, won't look down,
won't open my eyes
Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm
just holding on for tonight
Help me, I'm holding on for dear life, won't look
down, won't open my eyes
Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm
just holding on for tonight
On for tonight
Sun is up, I'm a mess
Gotta get out now, gotta run from this
Here comes the shame, here comes the shame
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, drink
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, drink
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, drink
Throw 'em back 'til I lose count
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the
chandelier
I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist
Like it doesn't exist
I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night, feel
my tears as they dry
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the
chandelier
But I'm holding on for dear life, won't look down,
won't open my eyes
Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm
just holding on for tonight
Help me, I'm holding on for dear life, won't look
down, won't open my eyes
Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm
just holding on for tonight
'Cause I'm just holding on for tonight
Oh, I'm just holding on for tonight
On for tonight
On for tonight