"Sparrow" is a song by Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé. It was released on 15 March 2019 by Virgin EMI Records as the lead single from her third studio album, Real Life. "Sparrow" was written by Sandé primarily, with Laidi Saliasi credited as an additional songwriter. The track was produced by percussionist Troy Miller, with Sandé serving as a co-producer. The song, a power ballad with gospel influences, features lyrics which Sandé described as being inspired by the "intoxicating positivity" of Nigerian musician Fela Kuti.
Background and recording Sandé sent demos of the song to producer Troy Miller, who she was familiar with due to his work with British musician Laura Mvula. Sandé referred to wanting a "militant, marching beat" prominent in the track. Miller wrote the string arrangements for "Sparrow", and recorded the instrumentation with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Release The track was first announced through Sandé's Twitter account on 11 March 2019, four days prior to release. "Sparrow" was released on 15 March 2019 through British record label Virgin EMI Records, as the lead single from Sandé's upcoming third studio album. It was sent to radio formats that same day, and premiered through Zoe Ball's breakfast radio show on BBC Radio 2. On the same day, Sandé performed "Sparrow" live on 15 March 2019 at Elstree Studios for the charity telethon event Comic Relief.
Music video The music video for "Sparrow" was released on 26 March 2019. The video, directed by Sarah McColgan and edited by Ernie Gilbert, was shot in New York City. According to Elle, the video "explores themes of strength, movement and freedom".
Credits and personnel Credits adapted from YouTube, provided by Universal Music Group.
Emeli Sandé – lead vocals, music production Troy Miller – music production, recording engineering, mix engineering, vocal arrangement, string arrangement, drums, piano, Hammond organ, Moog Taurus, baritone guitar Dani Spragg – recording engineering Robbie Nelson – recording engineering Jonathan Allen – recording engineering Miles Showell – mastering Priscilla Jones-Campbell – background vocals, choir Subrina McCalla – background vocals Adeola Shyllon – background vocals Joy Farruka – choir Cherri Kirton – choir Phebe Edwards – choir Marsha Morrison – choir Heavily Sapong – choir James Thompson – choir Xavier Barnet – choir Jaz Ellington – choir Clare Duckworth – violin Ginette Decuyper – violin Laura Dixon – violin Gerald Gregory – violin Maxine Kwok-Adams – violin Claire Parfitt – violin Sylvain Vasseur – violin Julian Gil Rodriguez – violin Thomas Norris – violin Matthew Gardner – violin Belinda Mcfarlane – violin Iwona Muszynska – violin Csilla Pogany – violin Edward Vanderspar – viola Malcolm Johnston – viola Anna Bastow – viola German Clavijo – viola Carol Ella – viola Robert Turner – viola Rebecca Gilliver – cello Alastair Blayden – cello Noel Bradshaw – cello Eve-Marie Caravassilis – cello Daniel Gardner – cello Hilary Jones – cello Colin Paris – double bass Patrick Laurence – double bass Matthew Gibson – double bass
Charts Chart (2019) Peakposition
Release history Country Date Format Label Various 15 March 2019 Digital download, streaming Virgin EMI
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