You shout it out, but I can’t hear a word you say
I’m talking loud, not saying much
I’m criticised, but all your bullets ricochet
You shoot me down, but I get up
I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down, but I won’t fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down, but I won’t fall
I am titanium
Cut me down, but it’s you who’ll have further to fall
Ghost town and haunted love
Raise your voice, sticks and stones may break my bones
Talking loud, not saying much
I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down, but I won’t fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down, but I won’t fall
I am titanium
I am titanium
I am titanium
Stone heart, machine gun
Fired at the ones who run
Stone heart, as bulletproof glass
You shoot me down, but I won’t fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down, but I won’t fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down, but I won’t fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down, but I won’t fall
I am titanium
I am titanium
Song Info
| Released | 9 May 2011 |
| Recorded | 2010 |
| Genre | Pop, House, Dance |
| Length | 4:05 (album version) 5:12 (extended edit) 3:30 (radio edit) |
| Label | Virgin – EMI |
| Songwriter(s) | Sia Furler – David Guetta – Giorgio Tuinfort – Nick van de Wall |
| Producer(s) | David Guetta – Giorgio Tuinfort – Afrojack |
The Creation Story
The journey of “Titanium” is as fascinating as the song itself. Originally, Guetta had recorded the track with Mary J. Blige, but the final version featured Sia’s vocals – which were initially meant to be just a demo. Sia, primarily known as a songwriter at the time, had no intention of being the featured artist. However, when Guetta heard her version, he was so moved by the raw emotion in her voice that he decided to keep it.
The production process involved multiple studios across different continents. Guetta worked on the instrumental track in Paris, while Sia recorded her vocals in Los Angeles. The song was written by Sia Furler, David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort, and Nick van de Wall (Afrojack), combining their diverse musical backgrounds to create something truly unique.
Commercial Success and Impact
The song’s commercial performance exceeded all expectations:
UK Performance:
- Peak Position: #1
- Weeks in Top 10: 12
- Certified: 3× Platinum
- Sales: Over 1.8 million copies
Global Impact:
- US Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #7
- Worldwide Sales: Over 6 million copies
- YouTube Views: Exceeded 1 billion views
- Spotify Streams: Over 1.2 billion streams
Musical Analysis
The song’s structure breaks down into several key elements:
| Production Elements | Impact |
|---|---|
| Synthesizer Chords | Creates emotional foundation |
| Progressive House Beat | Drives energy throughout |
| Filtered Bass | Adds depth and warmth |
| Layered Vocals | Builds intensity in chorus |
Cultural Impact
“Titanium” marked a pivotal moment in electronic dance music, helping bridge the gap between EDM and mainstream pop. The song’s message of resilience and strength resonated with audiences worldwide, becoming an anthem of empowerment.
What sets “Titanium” apart is its ability to work in multiple contexts:
- As a club anthem
- As an emotional pop ballad
- As a radio-friendly hit
- As a personal empowerment song
Legacy
Over a decade later, “Titanium” remains a benchmark for electronic-pop crossover success. Its influence can be heard in countless songs that followed, establishing a template for emotional electronic music that maintains both commercial appeal and artistic integrity.
The song’s success also helped establish Sia as a performing artist in her own right, leading to her eventual breakthrough as a solo performer. For David Guetta, it represented another milestone in his journey from club DJ to global superstar producer.
Production Techniques
The song’s production showcases several innovative techniques:
Sound Design Elements:
- Heavily processed synth layers
- Dynamic filtering
- Strategic use of silence
- Precise vocal processing
- Careful balance of electronic and organic elements
Conclusion
“Titanium” represents more than just a successful single – it’s a masterclass in electronic pop production, emotional songwriting, and artistic collaboration. Its enduring popularity and influence on contemporary music make it a defining song of the 2010s, demonstrating how electronic dance music could be both commercially successful and artistically meaningful.
