Released: 2016
“Unstoppable” by Sia carries within its lyrics a powerful manifesto of resilience, confidence, and sheer determination. This anthemic track masterfully veils vulnerability behind a facade of invincible strength, with Sia skillfully narrating an unyielding narrative of self-reliance and omnipotence.
The song kicks off with the lines “All smiles, I know what it takes to fool this town. I’ll do it ’til the sun goes down. And all through the nighttime.” Here, Sia is conveying an image of an individual who knows how to put on a performance, keep up an image, and mask genuine feelings behind a veneer of contentment. The nighttime represents the pursuit of a seemingly incessant concealment, and the unwavering resolve to maintain an outward appearance of strength, despite the vulnerability within.
“Oh, yeah, I’ll tell you what you wanna hear. Leave my sunglasses on while I shed a tear. It’s never the right time.” The use of sunglasses here is not just as an accessory, but a metaphor for a screen or barrier – a defense mechanism to conceal true emotions. This subtle imagery presents a stark contrast between the appearant strength exuded by the protagonist and the concealed emotional turmoil.
“I put my armor on, show you how strong I am. I put my armor on, I’ll show you that I am.” The armor is emblematic of both protection and power, symbolizing her resilience and will to fight through adversities. Armor, a significant part of a warrior’s arsenal, subtly weaves a narrative of combat and perseverance. The repetition of these lines emphasizes the commitment to this display of strength.
The chorus “I’m unstoppable. I’m a Porsche with no brakes,” leaves little room for ambiguity. Sia is tapping into pop culture imagery here, likening herself to a high-end, high-performance car barrelling down life’s highway in full-throttle, unyielding, and relentless. The absence of brakes is suggestive of her unstoppable nature, her drive to press forward, regardless of the obstacles that come her way.
“Break down, only alone I will cry out loud. You’ll never see what’s hiding out. Hiding out deep down.” This verse offers an insight into the protagonist’s vulnerability and humanity. It highlights the dichotomy of private pain and public strength, underscoring the human tendency to keep hardships under wraps, hinting at an internal struggle that remains unseen to the outside world.
Funneled through a powerful voice and sobering lyrics, “Unstoppable” is a testament to human resilience and the power of self-belief. It’s an anthem for the underdogs, the fighters, the ones who display a brave face to the world while battling their private demons. Sia channels the spirit of pop music – breaking barriers and inspiring listeners to embrace their power and potential.
