Alive

“Alive” is a powerful anthem of survival and resilience, chronicling a journey through immense hardship to a place of triumphant self-awareness. At its core, the song is a defiant declaration of endurance against overwhelming odds. The lyrics narrate a story of a difficult upbringing, marked by isolation (“I played alone, I played on my own”) and emotional deprivation (“I wanted everything I never had / Like the love that comes with life”). The song's perspective is one of looking back at past trauma—be it emotional neglect, internal demons, or external abuse—and acknowledging the pain without letting it define the present. The central theme is captured in the recurring, powerful refrain, “I’m still breathing / I’m alive.” This isn't merely a statement of physical existence, but a profound affirmation of an unconquerable spirit. It signifies that despite every attempt to break her, whether by others (“You took it all, but I’m still breathing”) or by her own mistakes, her core being has survived. The song was originally written from the perspective of the singer Adele, focusing on her life and struggles. Therefore, it is an interpretation of another person's story of survival, which fits the theme of Sia's album, This Is Acting, which is composed of songs she wrote for other artists.

The narrative opens with a stark declaration of a tumultuous beginning, a life initiated amidst a “thunderstorm.” This immediately establishes a tone of inherent struggle and hardship from the very first breath. The protagonist recounts a childhood devoid of typical companionship, one spent playing alone and growing up far too quickly. This period of isolation and forced independence wasn't just endured; it was survived. There's a palpable sense of longing for the simple, fundamental experiences that were never afforded, particularly the kind of love that is a natural part of life. This void was filled with envy, a corrosive emotion the narrator wore like a garment and deeply despised. Yet, despite this emotional turmoil and the bitterness of wanting what others had, the core message remains one of resilience: “but I survived.”

The journey spirals into a darker, more desperate phase, described as a descent into a place where “demons go.” This metaphorical hell is a static, hopeless realm where the wind never shifts, and nothing can grow—a powerful image of complete stagnation and despair. It's a place devoid of hope, filled only with lies and the suffocating need to cry into a pillow in secret. This section paints a grim picture of hitting rock bottom, a state of profound emotional and psychological pain. However, it is precisely from this depth of despair that the central, defiant chorus erupts. The repeated, powerful assertion, “I’m still breathing... I’m alive,” serves as a visceral, gut-punch reminder of existence. It’s not just a statement of fact but a declaration of victory. The repetition transforms it into a mantra of survival, a rhythmic heartbeat against the silence of hopelessness.

The narrative then shifts to address an antagonist, a “you” who took everything. This figure could represent a specific person, a collective group, or even an internal struggle. The lyrics recount a history of making every conceivable mistake, of taking what was given without the giver ever noticing the underlying pain. This speaks to a profound invisibility, of suffering in silence while being exploited or misunderstood. Following this, there's a surge of self-actualization and defiance. The protagonist recalls going after their desires, doing things they were told they never would, and vowing to never be forgotten. This is a powerful reclaiming of agency. It’s a moment of looking back at the wreckage and the pain inflicted by others, and instead of succumbing, using it as fuel. The chorus returns with even greater force, reinforcing that despite having everything taken away, the most fundamental thing—life itself—remains. The act of breathing becomes a profound symbol of unwavering strength. The song culminates in a cathartic, almost euphoric repetition of “I’m alive,” a final, undeniable testament to enduring the storm and emerging, scarred but unbroken, on the other side.

“Alive” has a notable and well-documented creation story, deeply connected to other major artists. The song was co-written by Sia, Adele, and Tobias Jesso Jr. during a writing session for Adele's third studio album, 25. Sia stated that the song is about Adele's life and was written from her perspective. Despite being written for and with Adele, she ultimately decided not to include it on her album. After Adele's rejection, Sia, who felt a strong connection to the track, considered offering it to another superstar, Rihanna. She even asked Adele for permission to pitch it to her, requesting that Adele's original demo vocals be removed. Rihanna also passed on the song. It was at this point that Sia's own team and inner circle persuaded her that the song was too powerful to give away and that she should record it herself. The track was produced by Jesse Shatkin, who had previously collaborated with Sia on her hit “Chandelier.” Shatkin noted that because the song was initially intended for Adele, he incorporated more organic, live elements like a drummer and guitarist, which was a departure from his typical electronic-heavy production for Sia, adding a unique layer to the final version. “Alive” was released on September 25, 2015, as the lead single from Sia’s seventh studio album, This Is Acting. The album's title itself is a direct reference to the fact that its tracklist is composed of songs Sia had written for other artists, making “Alive” the perfect thematic introduction.

The rhyme and rhythm of “Alive” are crafted to support its emotional trajectory, moving from a controlled, narrative pace to a cathartic, explosive release.

Rhyme Scheme: The song does not adhere to a strict, consistent rhyme scheme throughout, favoring a more fluid structure that prioritizes emotional expression over formal constraints. In the verses, there are instances of near rhymes and slant rhymes (e.g., “overnight” and “survived,” “had” and “hated that”), which give the lyrics a conversational, prose-like feel. The pre-chorus uses a clearer AABB-like pattern (“go”/“grow,” “lies”/”cry”), building tension and predictability before the chorus hits.

Rhythm and Tempo: The song is a mid-tempo power ballad. The verses have a more deliberate, steady rhythmic pulse, carried by the piano, allowing the lyrical storytelling to take center stage. The rhythm becomes much more pronounced and driving in the chorus, with a powerful, almost martial drum beat that underscores the feeling of a battle being won. Sia’s vocal rhythm is particularly effective; she often stretches and holds notes to emphasize key emotional words, then delivers other lines in a rapid, percussive manner, creating a dynamic interplay between her voice and the underlying music. This rhythmic contrast enhances the song’s dramatic build and release.

“Alive” is a masterclass in emotional escalation, using a combination of literary and musical techniques to create its powerful impact.

• Vocal Delivery: Sia's vocal performance is central to the song's style. She employs a technique known as an “overblown vocal break,” deliberately allowing her voice to crack and break at moments of high emotional intensity, particularly on the words “breathing” and “alive.” This isn't a flaw but a stylistic choice that conveys immense vulnerability and raw, untamed power. Critics described her vocal run at the end as “ragged, throat-cracking, enrapturing.” The dynamic shift from the more restrained, lower-register verses to the explosive, high-belted chorus is a key musical technique that mirrors the lyrical journey from quiet suffering to loud defiance.
• Musical Arrangement: Produced by Jesse Shatkin, the song's arrangement builds dramatically. It starts with a relatively simple piano accompaniment, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics and Sia's voice. As the song progresses toward the chorus, layers of percussion, guitar, and synths are added, creating a crescendo that erupts into a massive, anthemic sound. This gradual build in instrumentation mirrors the emotional swell from despair to triumph.
• Narrative Perspective: The song is written in the first-person, creating an immediate and intimate connection with the listener. This confessional style makes the declarations of survival feel personal and authentic, even though Sia is technically “acting” out a role written for Adele.

“Alive” served as the lead single for Sia's critically and commercially successful album This Is Acting, setting the stage for the album's unique concept of songs rejected by other artists. Upon its release, the song received praise from critics, who highlighted Sia's “devastating, electrifying” vocals and the track's powerful, anthemic quality. The song achieved moderate commercial success worldwide, reaching the top 40 in over 15 countries, including Australia, Spain, and France. In the U.S., it debuted at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, while in the U.K., it peaked at number 30. The song's music video, co-directed by Sia and Daniel Askill, garnered significant attention. It features a young Japanese martial artist, Mahiro Takano, performing a powerful karate routine, which visually interprets the song's themes of strength and resilience. A separate Japanese official video starring actress Tao Tsuchiya was also released, leading the song to peak at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. The song was performed live on several major platforms, including Saturday Night Live and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, further cementing its place in the public consciousness.

The lyrics of “Alive” are rich with potent symbolism and metaphors that articulate a story of survival and rebirth.

• The Thunderstorm: The opening line, “I was born in a thunderstorm,” is a powerful metaphor for a life that began in chaos, conflict, and turmoil. It immediately sets a tone of struggle from the very moment of existence, suggesting that hardship is an intrinsic part of the protagonist's story.
• Demons and a Barren Landscape: The verse describing a “one-way ticket to a place where all the demons go / Where the wind don’t change and nothing on the ground can ever grow” symbolizes a state of severe depression or hopelessness. This imagery paints a picture of a mental or emotional hell—a static, lifeless environment where personal growth is impossible and one is trapped with their inner demons.
• Breathing as Life Force: The most significant recurring motif is the act of breathing. The lines “I'm still breathing” and “I'm alive” are repeated with increasing intensity throughout the song. Breathing is the most fundamental sign of life, and here it is used as a powerful symbol of resilience. It represents a raw, primal defiance; despite everything that has been taken away or endured (“You took it all, but I’m still breathing”), the essential life force remains unbroken. It is more than mere survival; it is a declaration of victory over adversity.

The most prominent and significant recurring elements in “Alive” are the lyrical phrases that form the core of its message, functioning as powerful mantras of survival.

• “I survived”: This phrase concludes the narrative sections of the first two verses. Its placement at the end of stanzas describing a difficult childhood and emotional pain (“I played alone... I survived”; “I wore envy and I hated it, but I survived”) acts as a resolute summary of each struggle. It's a statement of fact that sets the stage for the more emotional declaration to come.
• “I’m still breathing”: This is the central motif of the song. Repeated multiple times in the pre-chorus and chorus, it functions as a powerful, rhythmic incantation. Its repetition builds intensity and reinforces the song's primary theme: that the most fundamental sign of life is the ultimate victory. The phrase is often sung with a raw, cracking vocal delivery, emphasizing the effort and struggle inherent in the act of breathing under duress.
• “I’m alive”: This phrase is the cathartic release and the song's ultimate conclusion. While “I’m still breathing” suggests ongoing endurance, “I’m alive” is a triumphant, exultant declaration of the state of being that has been fought for and won. Its repetition in the chorus, often belted at the peak of Sia's vocal range, serves as the song's emotional climax, embodying a sense of euphoric liberation from past suffering.