Format Digital download Label Inertia Producer(s) Kurstin | Length 4:15 Writer(s) Adele
Greg Kurstin "Bird Set Free"
(1) "Alive"
(2) | |
"Bird Set Free" is a song recorded by Sia for her seventh studio album This Is Acting (2016).
Contents
Background
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Sia said that the song was written for Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack, but they rejected it in favour of "Flashlight". Afterwards she pitched it to Rihanna, who rejected it, then to Adele, who initially recorded it but later decided to let Furler keep it.
Composition
The song "Bird Set Free" is written in the key of F minor.
Critical reception
Rolling Stone said the song is "liberating". In a review of the song's parent album This Is Acting, Kathy Iandolf of Idolator wrote "This album is dark, indicated by the lead single 'Alive,' but also by the opener 'Bird Set Free,' where Sia takes a solemn vow to emotional liberation amidst strong piano keys." Alex McCown of The A.V. Club called it the "best female empowerment sing-along Katy Perry never wrote." Calling the song a "ginormo self-empowerment anthem", Hugh Montgomory of The Independent wrote "Sia produces something more complex, battle-cries from a volatile soul."
Promotion
Sia performed "Bird Set Free" and "Alive" on the November 7, 2015 episode of Saturday Night Live.
Usage in media
"Bird Set Free" was featured over the end credits of the horror film The Shallows.