Lithium (Evanescence song)

Lee had originally composed the song on guitar when she was 16 years old, but never used it despite liking its chorus. While writing the album, she completed the song on piano, finishing the verses.{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1540914/story.jhtml |title=Evanescence: Amy Lee Explains the New Songs |publisher=VH1 |first=C. |last=Bottomley |date=September 18, 2006 |access-date=November 6, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016104811/http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1540914/story.jhtml |archive-date=October 16, 2006}} Lee used the word "Lithium" as a "metaphor for numbness" for herself, adding that she's known people on the medication and seen its effects.{{cite magazine|magazine=Access|title=Return of the Snow White Queen|date=October–November 2006|issue=84|first=Pamela|last=Chelin|page=14}} She described the song's theme as a representation of "happiness from a negative point of view", viewing it as "I don't want to numb myself and not feel anymore". Her inspiration for the song was the feeling that she was "in love with my sorrow". Elaborating in an interview, she stated: "I get into these moods where I write music. It's not about so much about being depressed, it's just the strange low that I ride. But at the same time I want to be free and break through and be happy. I think that was kind of me, getting ready to play [and saying], 'That's it, drop the ball and just change and move on.'"{{cite web|url=https://www.songwriteruniverse.com/evanescence123.htm|title=Amy Lee Talks About Evanescence's Hit Album, The Open Door, And Her Songwriting|publisher=Songwriter Universe|first=Dale|last=Kawashima|date=November 15, 2006|access-date=August 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821003856/http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/evanescence123.htm|archive-date=August 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}} The song is about wanting to "break free" from cycles of being stuck in negative situations.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/amy-lee-gets-it-off-her-chest/2006/10/15/1160850802401.html?page=2 |title=Amy Lee gets it off her chest |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |page=2 |date=October 16, 2006 |access-date=August 29, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108055012/http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/amy-lee-gets-it-off-her-chest/2006/10/15/1160850802401.html?page=2 |archive-date=November 8, 2012 }}

"Lithium" is a power ballad with "cinematic production, gripping orchestration and Amy Lee's voice gliding through verses and soaring over choruses", wrote Billboard.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pRIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA37|title=Reviews: Singles: Evanescence - Lithium|magazine=Billboard|date=January 13, 2007|access-date=August 20, 2017|volume=119|number=2|page=37|issn=0006-2510}} It depicts the singer's love-hate relationship with sadness.{{cite web|url=https://music.mxdwn.com/2015/11/18/news/amy-lee-of-evanescence-lights-up-the-wiltern-with-endless-vocal-power-review-photos-set-list/|title=Amy Lee of Evanescence Lights Up the Wiltern with Endless Vocal Power (Review, Photos, Set List)|publisher=MXDWN|first=Raymond|last=Flotat|date=November 18, 2015|access-date=August 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821004347/https://music.mxdwn.com/2015/11/18/news/amy-lee-of-evanescence-lights-up-the-wiltern-with-endless-vocal-power-review-photos-set-list/|archive-date=August 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iemUgvxmQcYC&pg=PA67 |title=She sold more than 15 million albums with Evanescence, only to find herself in abusive relationships |magazine=Spin |date=October 2006 |first=Melissa |last=Maerz |volume=22 |number=10 |pages=67–70|issn=0886-3032 |access-date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127035322/https://books.google.com/books?id=iemUgvxmQcYC&pg=PA67|archive-date=November 27, 2022|url-status=live}} Entertainment Weekly writer Jon Dolan described the song as a "tortured Queensrÿche-style pain strummer" in which Lee explores a form of addiction.{{cite news|last=Dolan |first=Jon |title=The Open Door (2006) |url=http://ew.com/article/2006/10/09/open-door/ |access-date=August 20, 2013 |newspaper=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 9, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606163113/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C1543081%2C00.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011 }} Kerrang!{{'s}} Sam Law said it utilizes "tinkling piano", Lee's "wide-ranging vocals", and "crashes of metallic instrumentation" layered onto the composition, thematically "drawing comparisons between a medicated state and the numbness of uncertainty and depression." Lee employs her lower vocal register, with her vocals spanning from the low note of A{{flat}}3 to the high note of G{{flat}}5.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0055973|title=Evanescence 'Lithium' Sheet Music|last=Lee|first=Amy|date=January 17, 2007 |publisher=Musicnotes.com|access-date=August 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821004740/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0055973|archive-date=August 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}} According to the sheet music published on the website Musicnotes.com, the song is written in the key of B{{flat}} minor.

Lee initially considered four different album tracks for the second single, and ultimately decided on "Lithium". "Lithium" was made available for digital download on December 4, 2006, along with its B-side "The Last Song I'm Wasting on You" and a recording of a live acoustic performance of "All That I'm Living For".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/lithium-ep/209052471|title=Lithium - EP|date=December 4, 2006 |publisher=iTunes Store (UK)|access-date=August 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010092539/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/lithium-ep/id209052471|archive-date=October 10, 2015}}{{cite magazine |title=The Essence of Evanescence |magazine=Metal Edge |volume=52 |issue=11 |pages=5–10 |first=Bryan |last=Reesman |date=November 2006 |issn=1068-2872}} Lee wrote "The Last Song I'm Wasting on You" while touring Fallen, recording it in a bathroom on an analog device. She deemed it "one of those personal, hard moments, when beauty is born out of pain".{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/12/05/evanescence-amy-lee-stories-behind-songs/|title=Evanescence's Amy Lee reveals stories behind the songs|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=December 5, 2016|access-date=March 2, 2023}} The song was later included as a bonus track on several editions of The Open Door.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

In 2017, a reworked orchestral version of the song was recorded and included on Evanescence's fourth studio album Synthesis. It was performed during the band's Synthesis Tour in support of the album.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/reviews/concert-review-evanescence-hits-with-orchestra-greek-theatre-amy-lee-1202592240/|title=Concert Review: Evanescence Amp Up the Drama With 28-Piece Orchestra at L.A.'s Greek Theatre|work=Variety|first=Roy|last=Trakin|date=October 17, 2017|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021192707/http://variety.com/2017/music/reviews/concert-review-evanescence-hits-with-orchestra-greek-theatre-amy-lee-1202592240/|archive-date=October 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

Stephen Thomas Erlewine described "Lithium" as a "churning" song.{{cite web|last=Thomas Erlewine |first=Stephen |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=The Open Door - Evanescence |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-open-door-mw0000445527 |website=AllMusic |access-date=August 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006181913/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-open-door-mw0000445527 |archive-date=October 6, 2015 }} Rolling Stone{{'}}s Rob Sheffield viewed it as Lee's ode to Kurt Cobain.{{cite news|last=Sheffield |first=Rob |title=Evanescence - The Open Door |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-open-door-20061005 |access-date=August 20, 2013 |newspaper=Rolling Stone |date=October 6, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010170856/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-open-door-20061005 |archive-date=October 10, 2011 }} Andy Gill from The Independent said it captures the album's mood "wreathed in the genre staples of black-clad, mascara'd gloom", naming it one of the standout tracks.{{cite news|last=Gill |first=Andy |title=Album: Evanescence |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-evanescence--none-onestar-twostar-threestar-fourstar-fivestar-418823.html |access-date=August 20, 2013 |newspaper=The Independent |date=October 6, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112053913/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-evanescence--none-onestar-twostar-threestar-fourstar-fivestar-418823.html |archive-date=November 12, 2012}} In an album review, Sara Berry from St. Louis Post-Dispatch deemed it a "reflective, piano-heavy ballad".{{Cite news |url=http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/article_9847293e-36c7-5e3a-b70a-33742d671d9a.html?print=1 |title=Evanescence makes welcome return through 'The Open Door' |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |first=Sara |last=Berry |date=August 20, 2017 |access-date=June 20, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012163207/http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/article_9847293e-36c7-5e3a-b70a-33742d671d9a.html?print=1 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 }} Alex Nunn of musicOMH disliked the song, calling it a "bloated rocker".{{cite magazine |url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/evanescence-3_0107.htm |title=Evanescence - Lithium |magazine=musicOMH |first=Alex |last=Nunn |access-date=August 20, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011120420/http://www.musicomh.com/singles/evanescence-3_0107.htm |archive-date=October 11, 2012 }} Writing for BBC Radio 1, Fraser McAlpine felt it "seemed have lost what we liked about their singles – a bit of oomph".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2007/01/evanescence_lithium_1.shtml|title=Chart Blog:Evanescence - 'Lithium'|work=BBC Online|first=Fraser|last=McAlpine|date=January 1, 2007|access-date=August 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523092914/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2007/01/evanescence_lithium_1.shtml|archive-date=May 23, 2016|df=mdy-all}} A Stornoway Gazette writer dubbed the song an "extreme-power-ballad maelstrom" and a "rare instance of when pop metal actually does justice to both musical genres."{{cite news |url=http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/the-open-door-evanescence-1-116426 |title=The Open Door - Evanescence |work=Stornoway Gazette |date=October 20, 2006 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001011826/http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestyle-leisure/the_open_door_evanescence_1_116426 |archive-date=October 1, 2011 }}

IGN's Ed Thompson wrote that Lee's piano playing on songs like "Lithium" completes the album.{{cite web |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/737/737281p1.html |title=Evanescence - The Open Door |website=IGN |first=Ed |last=Thompson |date=October 4, 2006 |access-date=August 19, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221452/http://music.ign.com/articles/737/737281p1.html |archive-date=June 28, 2011 }} Mark Daniell of Jam! called it a "full-bodied" song.{{cite news|work=Jam!|title=Lee opens up about new Evanescence disc|first=Mark|last=Daniell|date=June 19, 2006}} A writer from the Leader-Post praised Lee's "stunning notes" on "Lithium", which he considered the equivalent of "My Immortal" from debut album Fallen.{{cite news|title='Open Door' to likeable return of Evanescence |url=http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/arts_life/story.html?id=0564d70c-be75-4fcf-aa10-77109fe79bd2 |access-date=August 20, 2013 |work=Leader-Post |date=November 11, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304212157/http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/arts_life/story.html?id=0564d70c-be75-4fcf-aa10-77109fe79bd2 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }} Writing for Revolver, Eli Enis said "Lithium" is "a prime example of Lee skillfully using her voice as an instrument that perfectly complements everything else going on around her."{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/fan-poll-evanescence-singer-amy-lees-top-5-vocal-performances#5-my-immortal|title=Fan Poll: Evanescence Singer Amy Lee's Top 5 Vocal Performances|work=Revolver|date=March 9, 2022|accessdate=May 12, 2022}} Billboard regarded it as "the kind of number Evanescence was born to perform: cinematic production, gripping orchestration and Amy Lee's voice gliding through verses and soaring over choruses", concluding that Lee's "latest musical affair with darkness is captivating" and would almost make listeners "wish [their] heart was broken".

In 2011, Loudwire journalist Mary Ouellette, placed the song at number nine on her list of 10 Best Evanescence Songs, and praised Lee's "sweeping" vocals which "complement" her piano playing, adding that "Lithium" was one of the many highlights on The Open Door.{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/top-evanescence-songs/ |title=10 Best Evanescence Songs |work=Loudwire |first=Mary |last=Oullette |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808003835/http://loudwire.com/top-evanescence-songs/ |archive-date=August 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} In 2016, Brittany Porter from AXS listed it at number six on her list of the band's ten best songs.{{cite web |url=https://www.axs.com/the-top-10-best-evanescence-songs-79934 |title=The top 10 best Evanescence songs |publisher=AXS |first=Brittany |last=Porter |date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819021541/https://www.axs.com/the-top-10-best-evanescence-songs-79934 |archive-date=August 19, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} Kerrang!{{'}}s Sam Law ranked the song at number four on his list of the 20 greatest Evanescence songs, calling it "a showcase for [Lee] as the classical powerhouse", noting that its "icy" music video "perfectly compliments one of their most cinematically sweeping works."{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-20-greatest-evanescence-songs-ranked|title=The 20 greatest Evanescence songs – ranked|work=Kerrang!|date=August 21, 2020|accessdate=October 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221032717/https://www.kerrang.com/the-20-greatest-evanescence-songs-ranked|archive-date=February 21, 2022|url-status=live}}

In the week ending of February 10, 2007, "Lithium" peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles, a chart which acts as a 25-song extension to the Billboard Hot 100. The song also charted on two other Billboard component charts in the U.S, peaking at number 39 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, where it spent a total of four weeks, and at number 37 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks where it spent a total of three weeks. In Australia, the song debuted at its peak position of number 28 on the ARIA Singles Chart for the chart issue dated January 28, 2007. It spent an additional week at the same position and a total of eight weeks on the chart, last seen at 49 on March 18, 2007. It achieved a higher position of 16 on the New Zealand Singles Chart on January 29, 2007 in its second week of charting there.

"Lithium" charted in various countries across Europe, peaking within the top 50. In the UK, it debuted at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart for the week ending January 14, 2007. The following week, it moved to a position of number 52, and exited the chart after this week.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20070114/7501/|title=Archive Chart: 2007-01-27|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=August 19, 2017|df=mdy-all}} On the UK Rock Singles Chart, it debuted at number three for the week ending January 7, 2007.{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20070107/111/ |title=Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40: 07 January 2007 - 13 January 2007 |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=August 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810130341/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20070107/111/ |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} It moved to the top of the chart the following week, where it spent an additional week on the chart issue dated January 27, 2007.{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20070114/111/ |title=Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40: 14 January 2007 - 20 January 2007 |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=August 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810130824/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20070114/111/ |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20070121/111/ |title=Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40: 21 January 2007 - 27 January 2007 |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=August 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810131143/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20070121/111/ |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} In Ireland, the song debuted and peaked at number 30 on the Irish Singles Chart for the week ending January 11, 2007. In continental Europe, "Lithium" achieved its highest peak in Italy where it debuted at number two for the week of February 8, 2007. It spent a total of ten weeks on the chart and marks the band's second highest-charting single on the single charts in Italy after "Bring Me to Life" peaked at number one in 2003. The single further peaked at number 23 in Sweden, 40 in Switzerland, 41 in Austria and 44 in Germany.

The music video was directed by Paul Fedor. Lee wrote the treatment for the video, which features a winter backdrop, with Lee in all-white and all-black, and includes scenes of her under the surface of a lake in a forest. Lee said it represents the happiness and sorrow "almost singing to each other, trying to figure out how both of us can work."{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1544656/after-facing-big-bad-wolf-amy-lee-faces-herself-in-evanescence-clip/ |title=After Facing Big Bad Wolf, Amy Lee Faces Herself In Evanescence Clip |publisher=MTV News |first=Corey |last=Moss |date=November 2, 2006 |access-date=November 2, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708061623/http://www.mtv.com/news/1544656/after-facing-big-bad-wolf-amy-lee-faces-herself-in-evanescence-clip/|archive-date=July 8, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-frontwoman-on-lineup-changes-marriage-and-family-values-tour|title=Evanescence Frontwoman On Lineup Changes, Marriage And Family Values Tour|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 20, 2007|accessdate=May 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626090856/https://blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-frontwoman-on-lineup-changes-marriage-and-family-values-tour|archive-date=June 26, 2022|url-status=live}} She expressed that it's "all about touching somebody and I hope it does that". Fake snow and trees were used on the set along with various other objects to create a "frozen, gothic, cemetery feel". For the scenes filmed in water, the lake was dyed black, and a hydraulic lift was used for Lee to easily sink in the water.

The music video was available online on November 27, 2006,{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-lithium-video-posted-online/|title=Evanescence: 'Lithium' Video Posted Online|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=November 27, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821004034/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/evanescence-lithium-video-posted-online/|archive-date=August 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}} and posted on Evanescence's official website in December.{{cite news|url=http://www.evanescence.com/news.asp |title=The Open Door - Available Now |publisher=Evanescence.com |date=December 2006 |access-date=May 12, 2023|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061225125216/http://evanescence.com/news.asp|archive-date=December 25, 2006}} The clip peaked at number four on Total Request Live{{'s}} countdown list of the best music videos in January 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/entry/bands_on_trl_countdown|title=32 times the scene rocked the 'TRL' countdown|work=Alternative Press|first=Rachel|last=Campbell|date=October 5, 2017|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026163847/https://www.altpress.com/features/entry/bands_on_trl_countdown|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}} A behind-the-scenes clip from the filming set of the music video was posted on January 12, 2007 on the band's official YouTube channel.{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk30TKWSS1Q|title=Evanescence - The Making of "Lithium"|publisher=Evanescence|via=YouTube|date=January 12, 2007|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329164154/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk30TKWSS1Q|archive-date=March 29, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

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{{col-2}}

• ;Single (Part 1){{cite AV media notes |title=Lithium|others=Evanescence |year=2006|type=Single - Part One |publisher=Wind-up Records|id=88697 04209 2}}

1. "Lithium" - 3:44
2. "The Last Song I'm Wasting on You" - 4:07

• ;Maxi single (Part 2){{cite AV media notes |title=Lithium|others=Evanescence |year=2006|type=Maxi Single - Part Two |publisher=Wind-up Records|id=88697 04206 2}}

1. "Lithium" - 3:44
2. "The Last Song I'm Wasting on You" - 4:07
3. "All That I'm Living For" (Acoustic version) - 4:33
4. "Lithium" (Video/Acoustic version) - 3:50

{{col-2}}

• ;7" Vinyl Picture Disc{{cite AV media notes |title=Lithium|others=Evanescence |year=2006|type=Single - Part Two |publisher=Sony BMG Music Entertainment|id=88697042167}}

1. "Lithium" - 3:44
2. "The Last Song I'm Wasting on You" - 4:07

• ;EP single

1. "Lithium" - 3:46
2. "The Last Song I'm Wasting on You" - 4:07
3. "All That I'm Living For" (Acoustic version) - 4:31

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Evanescence|title=Lithium |award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2006|certyear=2024|access-date=June 13, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|nosales=yes|noshipments=yes}}

• List of UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart number ones of 2007

{{reflist|30em}}

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