Bird Set Free


 * "I'm like a bird, I'll only fly away" — Nelly Furtado

"Bird Set Free" is the opening track from Sia's seventh studio album, This Is Acting. It was released on 4 November 2015 as a promotional single.

Background
"Bird Set Free" was initially written for the musical comedy Pitch Perfect 2, but was rejected in favor of "Flashlight" — another song co-written by Sia. The song was later sent to Rihanna, who rejected it.

In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, Sia told that "Bird Set Free," along with "Alive," were originally written for Adele's then-upcoming third studio album, 25. The song made it to the final cut, and a demo was recorded by Adele, who also planned to record it for her album. However, after having been told that the track was more of a "Sia song," she returned it back to Sia. Besides, after pitching it to Adele, Sia had felt "seller's remorse" as she felt connected to the song. She describes it as "a big, anthemic, fun, sing-along-in-the-car song."

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. It was also featured in the opening credits of the 2017 film Unforgettable.

Charts
