Words as Weapons

Album: Fire Within (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This emotive ballad was written by Birdy with OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder. It finds Birdy in a battle with a guy who uses his words as weapons, trying to cut her down. But this time she's ready: as shield, she will shed no tears.

    Birdy and Tedder also collaborated on Fire Within's lead single "Wings."
  • The song's music video was directed by Sophie Muller. The British director has also worked on music videos for Björk, Katy B and OneRepublic. Asked by The Idolator about the visual concept, Birdy explained: "It's obviously not the true story of the song, but I really wanted a story line. So I'm meant to be a ghost in it. An evil ghost and I'm haunting my ex-boyfriend, who isn't very nice."
  • Speaking about the song, Birdy commented: "'Words as Weapons' is one of my favorite tracks on the album and I love performing it live. I love the way the track is layered with harmonies which creates a wall of sound. I'm hugely proud of the song."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."

Church Lyrics

Church LyricsMusic Quiz

Here is the church, here is the steeple - see if you can identify these lyrics that reference church.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Who Did It First?

Who Did It First?Music Quiz

Do you know who recorded the original versions of these ten hit songs?

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.