Burn – Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding’s song “Burn,” from her re-released album Halcyon Days, stands as a powerful anthem of resilience and self-empowerment. Released in 2013, the song has since become one of Goulding’s most recognizable hits, thanks to its infectious beat, compelling lyrics, and dynamic music video. In this article, we will explore the various elements that make “Burn” a significant piece in Ellie Goulding’s discography and its impact on pop music.

Musical Composition and Production
“Burn” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, electronic dance music (EDM) influences, and Goulding’s ethereal vocals. The song was produced by Greg Kurstin, a renowned producer known for his work with artists such as Adele, Sia, and Pink. The production quality of “Burn” is polished, with a mix of synthesizers, driving beats, and layered vocals that create an anthemic sound.

The song is written in the key of B minor and has a tempo of 88 beats per minute, giving it an energetic yet steady pace. The verses are relatively stripped down, allowing Goulding’s voice to take center stage, while the chorus explodes into a vibrant, danceable rhythm. This contrast between the verses and chorus adds to the song’s dynamic appeal, making it both emotionally resonant and physically invigorating.

Lyrical Themes
Lyrically, “Burn” is a celebration of inner strength and the power of collective action. The song’s chorus, “We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn,” serves as a metaphor for igniting one’s inner fire and letting it shine brightly. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and not be afraid to stand out and make a difference.

The verses reinforce this message of empowerment and unity. Goulding sings about overcoming obstacles and coming together to create something beautiful and impactful. The line, “When the light started out they don’t know what they heard / Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world,” encapsulates the song’s core theme of spreading positivity and love through collective action.

Music Video
The official music video for “Burn,” directed by Mike Sharpe, visually complements the song’s themes of light and empowerment. Set in various outdoor locations, including fields and a runway, the video features Goulding and a group of young people dancing and celebrating under a setting sun. As night falls, they light up the darkness with fireworks, sparklers, and illuminated orbs, symbolizing the transformative power of unity and individual brilliance.

The cinematography is vibrant and full of movement, mirroring the song’s energetic beat. The use of light throughout the video is particularly striking, with scenes transitioning from daylight to a luminous nighttime spectacle. This visual journey from light to dark and back again reinforces the song’s message of finding strength and hope even in challenging times.

Critical Reception and Commercial Success
“Burn” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchy melody, Goulding’s vocal performance, and its uplifting message. Critics highlighted the song’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with EDM elements, making it a standout track in Goulding’s catalog. The song was noted for its anthemic quality, with many reviewers considering it a perfect fit for both radio play and live performances.

Commercially, “Burn” was a massive success. It topped the charts in several countries, including the UK, where it became Goulding’s first number-one single. In the US, it reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing Goulding’s presence in the international pop scene. The song also performed well in Australia, New Zealand, and various European countries, contributing to its status as a global hit.

Impact and Legacy
“Burn” marked a significant milestone in Ellie Goulding’s career, elevating her status from a rising star to a bona fide pop sensation. The song’s success helped to expand her fan base and opened up new opportunities for collaboration and live performances. It also played a role in shaping the pop music landscape of the early 2010s, contributing to the popularity of EDM-infused pop songs.

Beyond its commercial achievements, “Burn” has left a lasting impact on listeners. Its message of resilience and empowerment resonates with audiences of all ages, making it a favorite at concerts, festivals, and personal playlists. The song’s anthemic quality and universal themes have ensured its longevity, with many considering it a timeless addition to Goulding’s body of work.

Conclusion
Ellie Goulding’s “Burn” is more than just a pop song; it is an anthem of empowerment and resilience. Its blend of infectious beats, uplifting lyrics, and visually stunning music video create a powerful package that continues to inspire listeners around the world. As a key track in Goulding’s career, “Burn” highlights her ability to create music that is both commercially successful and deeply meaningful. Whether you’re dancing along to its beat or finding strength in its lyrics, “Burn” is a song that ignites a spark in everyone who listens.

Lyrics

We, we don’t have to worry ’bout nothing
‘Cause we got the fire
And we’re burning one hell of a something
They, they gonna see us from outer space
Outer space, light it up
Like we’re the stars of the human race, human race

When the lights turned down, they don’t know what they heard
Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world
We’ll be raising our hands, shining up to the sky
‘Cause we got the fire, fire, fire
Yeah, we got the fire, fire, fire
And we gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn
We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn
Gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn
We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn

We don’t wanna leave
No, we just wanna be right now, right, ri-ri-right now
And what we see, is everybody’s on the floor
Acting crazy, getting loco ’til the light’s out
Music’s on, I’m waking up
We start the fire, and we burn it up
And it’s over now, we got the love
There’s no sleeping now, no sleeping now, sleeping now

When the lights turned down, they don’t know what they heard
Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world
We gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn (ooh)
Burn, burn, burn, burn, burn, burn (ooh)

We can light it up, up, up
So they can’t put it out, out, out
We can light it up, up, up
So they can’t put it out, out, out
We can light it up, up, up
So they can’t put it out, out, out
We can light it up, up, up
So they can’t put it out, out, out

When the lights turned down, they don’t know what they heard
Strike the match, play it loud, giving love to the world
We’ll be raising our hands, shining up to the sky (burn, burn, burn, burn, we gonna let it burn, burn, let it burn)
‘Cause we got the fire, fire, fire
Yeah, we got the fire, fire, fire
And we’re gonna let it burn

Ellie Goulding