Song on Fire
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Song on Fire
| cover = SongOnFire.jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Nickelback
| album = Feed the Machine
| released = {{Start date|2017|04|28}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = Rock
| length = {{Duration|m=3|s=50}}
| label = BMG
| writer = {{flatlist|
- C. Kroeger
- Peake
- Hayley Warner
- Steph Jones
- Ryan Spraker
}}
| producer =
| prev_title = Feed the Machine
| prev_year = 2017
| next_title = Must Be Nice
| next_year = 2017
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|qFzTdmZywK8|"Song on Fire"}}}}
}}
"Song on Fire" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback. It is the second single from their ninth studio album, Feed the Machine. It was released on April 28, 2017.
Background
The song was first revealed with a lyric video on April 27, 2017.{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nickelback-lyric-video-for-song-on-fire-from-feed-the-machine-album/ |title=Nickelback: Lyric Video For 'Song On Fire' From 'Feed The Machine' Album |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=April 27, 2017 |accessdate=May 5, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.radiometal.com/article/nickelback-devoile-nouvelle-chanson-song-on-fire-via-lyric-video,256180 |title=NICKELBACK dévoile la nouvelle chanson "Song On Fire" via une lyric vidéo |publisher=Radio Metal |date= |accessdate=May 5, 2017}} The song was released as a single on the next day, April 28.{{cite web|last=Rheubottom |first=Robert |url=https://www.axs.com/watch-nickelback-debuts-lyric-video-for-brand-new-single-song-on-fire-117912 |title=Watch: Nickelback debuts lyric video for brand new single 'Song on Fire' |publisher=AXS |date=April 28, 2017 |accessdate=May 5, 2017}} The band later released an official music video on June 12, 2017, four days before the release of Feed the Machine.{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/nickelback-song-on-fire-video/|title=Nickelback in Hot Pursuit With Spiritual 'Song on Fire' Video|website=Loudwire|accessdate=June 21, 2017}}
Composition and themes
The song has been described as a mid-tempo power ballad.{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/new_music_nickelback_unveil_song_on_fire_as_second_single_off_upcoming_album_feed_the_machine.html |title=New Music: Nickelback Unveil 'Song on Fire' as Second Single Off Upcoming Album 'Feed the Machine' | Music News @ |website=Ultimate-guitar.com |date=April 28, 2017 |accessdate=May 5, 2017}} The song opens with somber, clean guitar notes set to a light backing beat and Chad Kroeger's "gritty croon". The song's power builds over the course of the verses and bridge, until the chorus erupts as a "fiery rock anthem". Lyrically, the song has been called "an ode to lost love", containing lyrics such as "The first words that come out/And I can see this song will be about you/I can't believe that I can breathe without you/But all I need to do is carry on". Themes of despair and hopelessness fill the song, with lyrics referring to crying during writing the song lyrics, and the song's title being in reference to setting the lyrics sheet on fire and disposing of the song altogether. Written by band frontman Chad Kroeger, some have speculated that the song may be about his split from ex-wife Avril Lavigne, however Kroeger has denied this.{{Cite news|url=http://etcanada.com/news/232771/nickelbacks-chad-kroeger-says-song-on-fire-is-not-about-relationship-with-avril-lavigne/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612220241/http://etcanada.com/news/232771/nickelbacks-chad-kroeger-says-song-on-fire-is-not-about-relationship-with-avril-lavigne/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 12, 2017|title=Nickelback's Chad Kroeger Says 'Song On Fire' Is Not About Relationship With Avril Lavigne|last=Morawetz|first=Kate|date=June 12, 2017|work=ET Canada|access-date=June 17, 2017}}
Reception
Many journalists praised the song for being a more emotional and heart-felt counterpoint to the band's heavy prior single from the album, "Feed the Machine".{{cite web|author=Charles Ken |url=http://audioinkradio.com/2017/05/nickelback-song-on-fire-feed-the-machine/ |title=Nickelback Release 'Song on Fire' off 'Feed the Machine' |publisher=Audio Ink Radio |date= |accessdate=May 5, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.waaf.com/blogs/listen-new-single-nickelback-song-fire|title=Listen to the New Single from Nickelback, Song on Fire|date=April 28, 2017|website=Waaf.com|accessdate=May 5, 2017|archive-date=April 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428171439/http://www.waaf.com/blogs/listen-new-single-nickelback-song-fire|url-status=dead}} Loudwire praised that it "toys with emotions, taking listeners from bleak lows to empowering highs by the time the chorus arrives and will undoubtedly be a new live favorite, calling for lighters (and phones) to be held in the air, illuminating the sea of fans packed into arenas and outdoor venues.{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/nickelback-new-track-song-on-fire/ |title=Nickelback Release Moody New Track 'Song on Fire' |website=Loudwire.com |date= |accessdate=May 5, 2017}} AXS also praised the song for showing "Kroeger's ability to craft solid hooks and infectious melodies...on full display." Billboard praised how well the song worked with its accompanying music video, calling it "one of their most poignant pieces yet" and concluded that "Although the sounds and complementary imagery are impactful enough, their message goes beyond the characteristically anthemic chorus", specifically citing its ending as a standout part.{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7825828/nickelback-song-on-fire-video|title=Nickelback's New Video Turns Latest Single 'On Fire': Exclusive|website=billboard.com|accessdate=June 21, 2017}}
Personnel
- Chad Kroeger – lead vocals, guitar
- Ryan Peake – guitar, keyboards
- Mike Kroeger – bass guitar
- Daniel Adair – drums
Charts
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| scope="col"| Chart (2017)
! scope="col"| Peak |
|---|
| {{single chart|Scotland|98|date=2017-05-05|rowheader=true|accessdate=May 6, 2017}} |
| {{single chart|Slovakia2|51|year=2017|week=29|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 25, 2017}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrocksongs|39|artist=Nickelback|rowheader=true|accessdate=May 9, 2017}} |