Chandelier, by Sia: This song explores the theme of alcoholism and substance abuse through the metaphor of “swinging from a chandelier”.
The song highlights the temporary feeling of release and euphoria that comes with intoxication, but also the subsequent emptiness, pain, and regret that follow and accompany addiction.
The music video for Chandelier features then-11-year-old dancer Maddie Ziegler. Throughout the video, Maddie performs an interpretive dance in a deserted, dirty apartment while spinning, kicking, leaping, crawling, falling, twirling and hiding herself behind window drapes. The music video and lyrics follow.
Party Girl
The song uses the image of a “party girl” to represent someone who turns to alcohol and other substances to numb their feelings and escape reality.
Swinging from a Chandelier
The act of “swinging from a chandelier” is a metaphor for living life to excess, particularly through partying and substance abuse.
Living Like Tomorrow Doesn’t Exist
The lyric “I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist” can be interpreted as a sign of recklessness and a desperate attempt to escape the pain and reality of the present moment.
Tears are Dying
The lyric “My tears are drying” suggests that the protagonist has been crying and is now trying to suppress her emotions through alcohol and partying.
Feeling the Love
The song uses the phrase “Feeling the love” to describe the bond she feels with her partying friends who also struggle with alcoholism and substance abuse, rather than genuine love.
Help Me, I’m Holding on for Dear Life
This lyric implies that the protagonist is struggling to hold on to her sanity and is desperate for help.
Run From This
The lyric “Run from this” suggests that the protagonist wants to escape her problems and the consequences of her actions.
Official Music Video
Lyrics: Chandelier, by Sia (2014)
Verse 1
Party girls don’t get hurt
Can’t feel anythin’, when will I learn?
I push it down, I push it down
I’m the one for a good time call
Phone’s blowin’ up, ringin’ my doorbell
I feel the love, I feel the love
Pre-Chorus
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
Throw ’em back ’til I lose count
Chorus
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
Post-Chorus
But I’m holdin’ on for dear life
Won’t look down, won’t open my eyes
Keep my glass full until mornin’ light
‘Cause I’m just holdin’ on for tonight
Help me, I’m holdin’ on for dear life
Won’t look down, won’t open my eyes
Keep my glass full until mornin’ light
‘Cause I’m just holdin’ on for tonight, on for tonight
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Verse 2
Sun is up, I’m a mess
Gotta get out now, gotta run from this
Here comes the shame, here comes the shame
(Ah)
Pre-Chorus
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
Throw ’em back ’til I lose count
Chorus
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
Post-Chorus
But I’m holdin’ on for dear life
Won’t look down, won’t open my eyes
Keep my glass full until mornin’ light
‘Cause I’m just holdin’ on for tonight
Help me, I’m holdin’ on for dear life
Won’t look down, won’t open my eyes
Keep my glass full until mornin’ light
‘Cause I’m just holdin’ on for tonight, on for tonight
Outro
On for tonight
‘Cause I’m just holdin’ on for tonight
Oh, I’m just holdin’ on for tonight
On for tonight, on for tonight
‘Cause I’m just holdin’ on for tonight
‘Cause I’m just holdin’ on for tonight
Oh, I’m just holdin’ on for tonight
On for tonight, on for tonight
