Hostage
by Sia

Album: 1000 Forms of Fear (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This bouncy tune is a collaboration with the Strokes' guitarist Nick Valensi, who played on Sia's 2010 album We Are Born. One of the earlier songs composed for 1000 Forms of Fear, the Australian singer-songwriter performed it back in 2011 on tour.
  • Like many of Sia's songs (David Guetta, "Titanium," Rihanna, "Diamonds," Britney Spears, "Perfume"), this is built on a simple metaphor.

    In this instance the narrator is held hostage by her man's love, and though her lover keeps breaking her heart, she feels like he:

    Put me in cuffs, lock me up.
    I'm held hostage by your touch
    This prison is rough, but I can't get enough

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin Popoff

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin PopoffSong Writing

A talk with Martin Popoff about his latest book on Rush and how he assessed the thousands of albums he reviewed.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.