"Song on Fire" is a song by Canadian

rock Rock most often refers to: * Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids * Rock music, a genre of popular music Rock or Rocks may also refer to: Places United Kingdom * Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wale ...

band

Nickelback Nickelback is a Canadian Rock music, rock band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Hanna, Alberta. Throughout its history, it has consisted of lead guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, rhythm guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Ryan ...

. It is the second

single Single may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * Single (music), a song release Songs * "Single" (Natasha Bedingfield song), 2004 * "Single" (New Kids on the Block and Ne-Yo song), 2008 * "Single" (William Wei song), 2016 * "Single", by ...

from their ninth studio album, ''

Feed the Machine ''Feed the Machine'' is the ninth studio album by Canadian rock band Nickelback, and was released on June 16, 2017. It is the band's first release through record label BMG. ''Feed the Machine'' debuted at number five on the US ''Billboard'' ...

''. It was released on April 28, 2017.

Background

The song was first revealed with a

lyric video A music video is a video that integrates a song or an album with imagery that is produced for promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a music marketing device intended to promote the sale of m ...

on April 27, 2017. The song was released as a single on the next day, April 28. The band later released an official

music video A music video is a video that integrates a song or an album with imagery that is produced for promotion (marketing), promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a music marketing device intended to ...

on June 12, 2017, four days before the release of ''

''.

Composition and themes

The song has been described as a

mid-tempo In musical terminology, tempo (Italian for 'time'; plural 'tempos', or from the Italian plural), measured in beats per minute, is the speed or pace of a given composition, and is often also an indication of the composition's character or atmos ...

power ballad A sentimental ballad is an emotional style of music that often deals with romantic and intimate relationships, and to a lesser extent, loneliness, death, war, drug abuse, politics and religion, usually in a poignant but solemn manner. Balla ...

. The song opens with somber, clean guitar notes set to a light backing

beat Beat, beats, or beating may refer to: Common uses * Assault, inflicting physical harm or unwanted physical contact * Battery (crime), a criminal offense involving unlawful physical contact * Battery (tort), a civil wrong in common law of inte ...

and

Chad Kroeger Chad Robert Kroeger (, Turton; born November 15, 1974) is a Canadian musician who is best known for being the lead singer, lead guitarist, primary songwriter, and founding member of the rock band Nickelback. In addition to his work with Nic ...

's "gritty

croon A crooner is a singer who performs with a smooth, intimate style that originated in the 1920s. The crooning style was made possible by better microphones that picked up quieter sounds and a wider range of frequencies, allowing the singer to acce ...

". The song's power builds over the course of the verses and

bridge A bridge is a structure built to Span (engineering), span a physical obstacle (such as a body of water, valley, road, or railway) without blocking the path underneath. It is constructed for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, whi ...

, until the

chorus Chorus may refer to: Music * Chorus (song), the part of a song that is repeated several times, usually after each verse * Chorus effect, the perception of similar sounds from multiple sources as a single, richer sound * Chorus form, song in whic ...

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 The lead vocalist in popular music is typically the member of a group or band whose voice is the most prominent melody in a performance where multiple voices may be heard. The lead singer sets their voice against the accompaniment parts of the ...

, some have speculated that the song may be about his split from ex-wife

Avril Lavigne Avril Ramona Lavigne ( ; ; born September 27, 1984) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. She is a key musician in popularizing pop-punk music, as she paved the way for female-driven, punk-influenced pop music in the early 2000s. List of awa ...

, however Kroeger has denied this.

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, "

". ''

Loudwire ''Loudwire'' is an American online media magazine that covers news of hard rock and heavy metal artists. It is owned by media and entertainment business Townsquare Media. Since its launch in August 2011, ''Loudwire'' has secured exclusive i ...

'' 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.

AXS AXS may refer to: Anschutz Entertainment Group * AXS (company), primary ticket platform developed by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). * AXS TV, a cable channel partially owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). Other * Access (group), a Japa ...

also praised the song for showing "Kroeger's ability to craft solid hooks and infectious melodies...on full display." ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...

'' 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.

Personnel

– lead vocals, guitar *

Ryan Peake Ryan Anthony Peake (born March 1, 1973) is a Canadian musician, singer and songwriter who is best known as the rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist of the Canadian rock band Nickelback. He has been with the band since their incepti ...

– guitar, keyboards *

Mike Kroeger Michael Douglas Henry Kroeger (born June 25, 1972), known professionally as Mike Kroeger is a Canadian musician, best known as the bassist and a founding member of the rock band Nickelback. Formed in his hometown of Hanna, Alberta in 1995 with ...

– bass guitar *

Daniel Adair Daniel Patrick Adair (born February 19, 1975) is a Canadian musician. He is best known for his work with Nickelback and his previous work with 3 Doors Down. He also works with the Canadian band Suspect and the instrumental fusion band Martone. ...

– drums

Charts

References

{{Nickelback 2017 singles 2017 songs Nickelback songs Songs written by Chad Kroeger Songs written by Ryan Peake Songs written by Hayley Warner Songs written by Steph Jones