Skyscraper

Story of Song

“Skyscraper” was originally written for Demi Lovato, inspired by a picture of the apocalypse. The picture featured a single skyscraper standing amongst all the ruins in the aftermath. Kerli Koiv told Seventeen that: “The world was in ruins and in the middle of all the collapsed buildings was one skyscraper still standing tall. It was slightly raining and the first rays of sun were starting to shine through thick clouds of smoke. I was actually feeling amazing when I wrote it. It came from a really empowered place. I come from a very small place in Eastern Europe so my whole life has kind of been one big fight to live my dream against all odds. But I think it’s hard to be human in general –—we all have our own struggles and things to overcome.”  Kerli also said in regards to what kind of feelings girls should have when they listen to the song that: “I think the lyrics say it already. You can hit the lowest low and face the darkest dark, but you can always get back up and get in the light.” Demi Lovato had personal struggles at the time, causing her to deeply relate to the song. When Prison Guard Sam Bailey won the tenth season of The X Factor, she released a cover of “Skyscraper” as her winner’s single. Sam told the Leicester Mercury that: “I love the lyrics to ‘Skyscraper,’ that no matter how they put you down, you can still reach for your dreams.  It is the story of my X Factor journey, how I was singing for years and no-one batted an eyelid.”  Demi Lovato reached out to Sam Bailey after her win, tweeting “Congratulations @SamBaileyREAL on winning X Factor UK!! Love your version of Skyscraper!”

Release date

December 16, 2013

Songwriter/s

Kerli Koiv – Lindy Robbins – Toby Gad

Label

Syco – Sony

Chart Rankings

Sam Bailey’s cover of “Skyscraper” was the 2013 Christmas number one single on the UK Singles Chart. All of the proceeds from the song go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together For Short Lives. The song also reached number one in Ireland and Scotland.

Artist’s age on release date

Sam Bailey was 36 when Skyscraper was released

Cover Versions

Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper” was covered not only by Sam Bailey, but also by Boyce Avenue featuring Megan Nicole on Apple & Spotify; CIMORELLI; Maddi Jane; Vazquez Sounds; Connie Talbot; Tyler Ward (acoustic); Megan and Liz; TeraBrite (pop goes punk); Angelic; Roland Bingaman; Travis Ratledge; Tiffany Alvord; Ryan Beatty; Christina Grimmie; J Rice ft Jessica Sanchez; Marina Dalmas; Camila Cabello; and Alexa Goddard.

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