Sticks and Stones (Nicola Roberts song)

Last updated

"Sticks and Stones"
Song by Nicola Roberts
from the album Cinderella's Eyes
Genre Pop
Length3:55
Label Polydor
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Tikovoi

"Sticks and Stones" (stylised as "sticks + stones") is a song recorded by English singer Nicola Roberts, for her debut studio album, Cinderella's Eyes (2011). Roberts co-wrote the song with Maya von Doll and its producer Dimitri Tikovoi. "Sticks and Stones" lyrically discusses her negative experiences as part of the girl group Girls Aloud, including that of her underage alcohol consumption and "faceless" bullying from the media and other celebrities. The song found success with anti-bullying organisations and garnered positive reviews from music critics, with many complementing the honesty of its lyrics.

Contents

A lyric video was posted on Roberts' official Twitter account and YouTube channel. [1] She performed an acoustic version of the track, which was then also uploaded to her official YouTube channel. [2] Roberts appeared on British morning show BBC Breakfast to discuss her activism and the lyricism of the track, which led her to do the same on BBC News and discuss the same issues with Rolling Stone . Continuing her activism, she talked to the education secretary Michael Gove to help eradicate bullying.

Writing and inspiration

After winning the reality television series Popstars: The Rivals to become one fifth of the girlband Girls Aloud, Roberts found herself subject to bullying. [3] She endured years of taunting and being branded "the ugly one" of the group and she would often "cry herself to sleep", finding herself to be a victim of "faceless" bullying, advocated by celebrities such as Chris Moyles and Lily Allen. [3] The abuse soon began to have an effect on Roberts mental stability, suffering from an "identity crisis". The taunts brought her close to a breakdown, with Roberts stating she was "miserable and confused" and soon after she found comfort in drinking alcohol. [3] Originally, her ginger hair was something she "absolutely loved" as it was "just [her] thing" but, after joining the band, her appearance became an issue with the press – and Roberts recalled feeling that "the general perception" of her "is really not great at all." [3] "People feel they can say nasty things and have anonymity behind the net – as they did with all the nasty comments about me – without fear of recrimination", Roberts said, and five years after the bullying, she found herself in a "better place", with critics complementing her image such as Clemmie Moodie from the Daily Mirror who said "the 25-year-old radiates confidence and, with a string of fashion successes has blossomed." [3] "Sticks and Stones" was then written in response to these negative feelings, and Roberts found throughout the writing process she was cautioned by the serious subject matter, wishing to create a track featuring a "universal chorus" and to avoid self-indulgence. [3]

Development and music

"I wanted a song that could highlight the subject so it was like, actually I’m so not on my own here. And it wasn’t until I put it on YouTube and people left comments underneath that I realised what it meant to people, and it’s just unbelievable. It’s amazing that people who maybe wouldn’t say anything to a friend would post a paragraph on YouTube about the way they feel. I think it’s just so powerful."

– Roberts discussing the concept and reaction of the track. [4] [5]

After the writing process, Roberts described the production of "Sticks and Stones" a "nightmare". [6] Ownership over the song was something she wanted "every single last little bit" of, so she could maintain her writing credits for the track and make something she is "proud of". [1] Roberts' behaviours left her late for several recording sessions, stating that she'd "rather be late" than feel bad. [1]

The song describes a time when Roberts was in severe depression, and discusses when she would "beg" her driver to buy her alcohol underage – with lyrics saying, "How funny that I was too young for so many things, yet you thought I'd cope with being told I'm ugly." [7] Whilst writing for website Holy Moly, Roberts discussed the concept of "Sticks and Stones". She said, "What it is with Sticks and Stones is I wanted all the people out there who hurt like that to know that they’re not the only ones in that position. Sometimes there’s so many people in the world suffering from the same thing or hurting from the same thing, but they feel like they’re on their own. I wanted a song that could highlight the subject so it was like, actually I’m so not on my own here." [4] Lyricism on the track, of which some was based around rap, hears Roberts performing about personal events. She said:

The lyrics are quite personal. I like rap music, and rappers use real-life language and don’t hold back in what they talk about. My lyrics aren’t generic pop lyrics just there because they rhyme. I’ve tried to write things as I’d say them, so it sounds more like me. There’s a song called Sticks And Stones, which is about when I was 17 and I thought I’d won the jackpot when I got in the band [Girls Aloud], and then things not turning out as I might have expected. The middle eight on that song is very honest and truthful. [8]

Advocacy

Roberts in the lyric video for "Sticks and Stones". A clip of the video was broadcast in an interview on BBC Breakfast, during which Roberts found it difficult to listen to the track in the company of others. Sticks+stones.png
Roberts in the lyric video for "Sticks and Stones". A clip of the video was broadcast in an interview on BBC Breakfast, during which Roberts found it difficult to listen to the track in the company of others.

The release of Cinderella's Eyes sparked interest surrounding the track "Sticks and Stones", which saw Roberts appear on British television show BBC Breakfast, to discuss the lyricism of the track in relation to bullying. Shortly before the interview commenced, a portion of the lyric video was broadcast live which made Roberts "nervous", [4] stating she does not "like listening to that song when other people are around". She found that the presenters of the interview were more interested that she had initially expected, which made the situation increasingly difficult. [4] In addition to advocating bullying as a top issue on the show, Roberts gave an interview to BBC News, where presenters once again discussed the track and lyrical themes within. During the interview, Roberts said that social networking site Twitter is a tool that highlights the severity of bullying, calling it "out of control". [9]

Roberts then gave an interview to Rolling Stone, in which she discussed "Sticks and Stones", her advocacy against bullying, and how she is "sick" of an image driven society. [10] In the past, Roberts had pushed for a ban on under 18s using tanning beds, which followed through after backing from health secretary Andy Burnham. This initiated talks with Roberts and the British parliament. [10] Roberts took a similar stance on bullying, saying it "doesn't need to happen", and that the British laws are failing to combat the issue. She noted, "People are still scared to go to school, kids are threatening to kill themselves; it's disgusting that it persists. So, again, I'm giving a voice to a cause, to hopefully affect change." [10] Roberts then started communications with the education secretary, Michael Gove, to help raise awareness of the issue. [9] On her official website, Roberts explained her progression to help eradicate bullying, saying:

"The internet has really highlighted this issue. It shows us how easy it is for people to pass judgement on others and it also shows us that people now have a place for expression. Whether it be twitter or blog posts it gives people a place to offload. Whenever I have bought somebody's record I always flick through and search for the ones that I really relate to at that time, they become my favourites, I play that song to death and then the rest of the album gets its chance. Music is there to milk an emotion I think. Whether it be a party track when you want to feel sky high or an emotional song when you need something to draw out how you feel inside. That's my sticks and stones and it's so comforting to know that it's yours too. I'm going to try my best to speak to Micheal Gove the educational secretary about how we can work out a better support system in schools for people finding themselves in unbearable situations every time they walk through the school gate… I'll keep you posted on that. Wish me luck!" [11]

Response

"I was crying when I was reading the comments. It didn’t help that the song was playing at the same time I was reading, so it was like double whammy. It makes me feel a little bit emotional as it is. But it really struck a chord. It’s so personal to me that I didn’t realise it could be the same for someone else and the comments made me realise that and it’s just amazing. People really resonate with it and that’s the whole reason why I write music. I want people to relate to it. That’s what I want when I listen to a record. I want a song to make me go: 'that’s how I feel right now'. I feel like I’ve managed to do that with Sticks and Stones, and I feel proud that I have that. It’s a song that has a purpose rather than just a generic concept."

Roberts discussing her reaction to the positive reception the track received. [4]

Lyricism of the track has been "applauded" by anti-bullying organisations, whom have claimed it has "won her a legion of new fans". [3] Emily Mackay of NME gave a positive review saying "it’s hard to imagine what it must be like for a teenager to submit to that kind of sniping scrutiny" calling the track "beautiful" and concluding her review saying the "ballad goes some way of explaining it without over-egging the point." [12] Krystina Nellis of Drowned in Sound called the track "cuttingly personal". [13] In a review for Cinderella's Eyes James Lachno of The Daily Telegraph discussed "Sticks and Stones" lyricism noting "but it’s Roberts’s autobiographical lyrics – notably tackling body image – that consistently startle, recalling the aching sincerity of diminutive Swede Robyn." [14] Matthew Horton of Virgin Media positively commented on the lyricism of both tracks; "Take a Bite" and "Sticks and Stones" from Cinderella's Eyes, Horton described "Sticks and Stones" as a "gorgeous ballad" and concluded his response saying, "This quiet one has found a platform and she’s not going to step down without a fight." [15] Roberts stated she struggles to listen to the track in the company of others, and that her parents were deeply affected when they listened to it. [3] The effect of "Sticks and Stones" on her family and friends was discussed by Roberts who said;

It’s been a bit of an eye-opener to my family and friends. We all just pretended it wasn’t happening, the whole situation made me feel embarrassed – the horrible comments. We never talked about it. But the song really struck her because I never spoke about it so how would they know? She sort of saw what I went through, the brave face I put on. In terms of the rest of the band, none of us spoke about the bullying; we pretended it wasn’t happening. They could see I was embarrassed by it and didn’t want to bring it up and make it worse, or make one of the girls uncomfortable and embarrassed. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walk This Way</span> 1975 single by Aerosmith

"Walk This Way" is a song by the American rock band Aerosmith. Written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, the song was originally released as the second single from the album Toys in the Attic (1975). It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1977, part of a string of successful hit singles for the band in the 1970s. In addition to being one of the songs that helped break Aerosmith into the mainstream in the 1970s, it also helped revitalize their career in the 1980s when it was covered by hip hop group Run-D.M.C. on their 1986 album Raising Hell. This cover was a touchstone for the new musical subgenre of rap rock, or the melding of rock and hip hop. It became an international hit and won both groups a Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Single in 1987 Soul Train Music Awards. Both versions are in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

<i>What Will the Neighbours Say?</i> 2004 studio album by Girls Aloud

What Will the Neighbours Say? is the second studio album by English-Irish all-female pop group Girls Aloud. It was released in the United Kingdom on 29 November 2004 by Polydor Records. Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania were enlisted to produce the entire album, allowing for more inventive ideas. What Will the Neighbours Say? explores various subgenres of pop music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kristine W</span> American musician and entrepreneur

Kristine Elizabeth Weitz, widely known by her stage name Kristine W, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and entrepreneur. She is most widely known as a dance music artist. Born and raised in Pasco, Washington, she found early success competing in pageants and talent contests, winning Miss Washington and a preliminary swimsuit award as well as a NFT award in the Miss America pageant. Kristine W is now one of the most popular dance club artists of all time, with 17 #1s to date on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. She is currently listed among Billboard's 8 Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists, and she was ranked number three in Billboard's Top Dance Artists of the Decade. She is especially popular in the gay community and is an outspoken supporter of LGBT rights, frequently performing at pride rallies and charity events for pro-LGBT organizations throughout the U.S.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicola Roberts</span> British singer/songwriter

Nicola Maria Roberts is a British pop singer. She rose to prominence in late 2002 upon winning a place in Girls Aloud, a girl group created through ITV's Popstars: The Rivals. The group's success helped them win the competition and they were later entered in Guinness World Records as the most successful reality television music-group. They enjoyed 20 consecutive top-ten singles, spawning five albums and positive critical responses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jumper (Third Eye Blind song)</span> 1998 single by Third Eye Blind

"Jumper" is a song by American rock band Third Eye Blind from their eponymous debut studio album (1997). It was released to radio as the fifth and final single from the album on August 4, 1998, by Elektra Records. Frontman Stephan Jenkins is credited as the sole writer of the song, whilst production on the song was helmed by Jenkins and Eric Valentine. According to Jenkins, "Jumper" focuses on an act of suicide, with the broader message of the song being about human compassion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cher Lloyd</span> English singer (born 1993)

Cher Lloyd is an English singer. She finished fourth place in the seventh series of The X Factor in 2010. Following the seventh series finale, Lloyd was signed to Syco Music. Her debut single, "Swagger Jagger", was released in July 2011 and entered at number one on the UK Singles Chart. Lloyd's second single, "With Ur Love", was released in October 2011, and peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart. Her debut studio album, Sticks and Stones, had two releases: its standard edition and a US version. The album peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart, while the latter version debuted at number nine in the US Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beat of My Drum</span> 2011 single by Nicola Roberts

"Beat of My Drum" is a song by British recording artist Nicola Roberts. It was released on 2 June 2011, by Polydor Records, as the lead single from Roberts' debut solo album, Cinderella's Eyes (2011). The song was simultaneously released with the on air on sale method, receiving no prior promotion. "Beat of My Drum" was written by Roberts, Dimitri Tikovoï, Maya von Doll and Diplo, and was initially produced by Roberts and Tikovoï. Written to feel British and fun, Roberts intended "Beat of My Drum" to be a song which people could sing and dance.

<i>Cinderellas Eyes</i> 2011 studio album by Nicola Roberts

Cinderella's Eyes is the debut studio album by English recording artist Nicola Roberts. It was released on 23 September 2011 by Polydor Records. As a member of the British girl group Girls Aloud, Roberts drew inspiration from her time with the group. Her experience with Girls Aloud's formation found her being labelled "ugly" by the media, and the constant negative attention and subsequent personal problems resulted in her struggling with her confidence. She started recording for the album in 2010 and co-wrote all of the original tracks on the album, working closely with producers Dimitri Tikovoï, Maya von Doll and Diplo on the album, as well as Canadian electropop band Dragonette. The concept of the album derived from fairy tales, focusing mostly upon "Cinderella" after titling the album Cinderella's Eyes. The album artwork features Roberts next to a collection of vintage artefacts wearing a modern interpretation of the Cinderella glass slipper, co-produced by shoe designer Atalanta Weller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucky Day (Nicola Roberts song)</span> 2011 single by Nicola Roberts

"Lucky Day" is a song by British recording artist Nicola Roberts. It was released on September 18, 2011, under label Polydor Records as the second single from Roberts debut album Cinderella's Eyes. The song was written by Roberts and was produced by Canadian electropop group Dragonette. "Lucky Day" is an upbeat pop song featuring synths; lyrically the song talks of a boy not succumbing to advances—but doing so eventually—although Roberts stated the concept relates to all aspects of life and luckiness. Roberts' vocals have been compared to that of Liza Minnelli and the track has been compared to the music of David Guetta and the Katy Perry track "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)".

"Side Effects" is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey from her eleventh studio album, E=MC² (2008). It was written by Carey, Scott Storch, Crystal Johnson and the song's featured artist, Young Jeezy. It was inspired by Carey's marriage to record executive Tommy Mottola and his controlling nature over her and her career. Carey discusses how she still deals with the side effects of the experiences that she encountered during the relationship. Critical response to the song was positive, with many critics highlighting it as an album standout, praising its candid lyrics and honesty. It charted at number 93 on the US Billboard Pop 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">With Ur Love</span> 2011 single by Cher Lloyd

"With Ur Love" is a song by English singer Cher Lloyd featuring vocals from American singer Mike Posner. The single was released on 4 October 2011, and was written by Shellback, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin and Posner and was produced by Shellback and Martin. Musically "With Ur Love" is a mid-tempo pop song, with elements of R&B and lyrically speaks about the euphoria of being in love. The song debuted at number four in the United Kingdom, becoming Lloyd's second top ten single. It also reached the top ten in Ireland and the top twenty in Flanders and New Zealand.

<i>Sticks and Stones</i> (Cher Lloyd album) 2011 studio album by Cher Lloyd

Sticks and Stones is the debut studio album by English recording artist Cher Lloyd. It was released on 4 November 2011, through Syco Records. Lloyd co-wrote five songs and worked with various producers and songwriters for her first full-length release, including The Runners, Kevin Rudolf, and Savan Kotecha, among others. Lloyd herself called the album a "jukebox."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yo-Yo (Nicola Roberts song)</span> 2012 single by Nicola Roberts

"Yo-Yo" is a song by British recording artist Nicola Roberts, released as the third and final single from Roberts' debut solo album Cinderella's Eyes on 6 January 2012. Originally, "Yo-Yo" was set to be Roberts' debut single, but "Beat of My Drum" was selected in its place. "Beat of My Drum" and "Lucky Day", Roberts' previous singles, garnered positive comments from critics, but failed to impact commercially. "Yo-Yo" was written by Roberts, Maya Von Doll and Dimitri Tikovoi while it was produced by latter, and was the first song to be composed by the group. Roberts also claimed the track had defined her musical style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Want U Back</span> 2012 single by Cher Lloyd featuring Astro

"Want U Back" is a song by English singer Cher Lloyd from her debut studio album, Sticks and Stones (2011). It was released as the third single from the album on 3 February 2012, and it was released as the lead single from the US version of the album on 22 May 2012. The UK single release features guest vocals from The X Factor US contestant Astro. In the United States, the song was released as a solo single, without Astro's verses. Its remix features Snoop Dogg. The song was written by Savan Kotecha and Shellback, with production being handled by the latter. Musically, "Want U Back" is a pop song, with elements of bubblegum and synth-pop, while lyrically the song is about a girl who's jealous of her ex-boyfriend's new relationship, and tries to sabotage the new relationship.

"Memory of You" is a song by British all-female pop group Girls Aloud recorded during sessions for their fifth studio album Out of Control (2008). The song was written by Girls Aloud, Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania, and produced by Higgins and Xenomania. Described as "more dance oriented than pop," the track is influenced by trance and progressive house music, originating as a track entitled "Japan" by trance project Cadence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicola Roberts discography</span>

The discography of British singer Nicola Roberts consists of one studio album, three singles, and three music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meredith O'Connor</span> Musical artist

Meredith O'Connor is the Celebrity Youth Activist for the NGOCSD-NY supporting the United Nations and communities globally; a Radio Hit Recording Artist, and has been deemed an icon in antibullying by The City of Los Angeles, and recognized as such at the United Nations. She has played to packed audiences globally and her hit songs are known by millions around the world. Her music has been featured on Teen Nick and Radio Disney. Her activism for antibullying and mental health is credited with saving and changing the lives of her fans. She has been a leading force in the cause of ending bullying and promoting mental health, as well as being recognized for positively influencing the entertainment industry as a whole and recently speaking alongside Charles Schwab, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Khan Academy's Salman Khan, being recognized as a leader in her industry. She has also been recognized for her work by members of the United States Congress and the City of Los Angeles. O'Connor is honored to serve on the advisory board of the NGO for Sustainable Development, NY. The singer-songwriter, actress and former Model is currently based in Los Angeles, and New York. Her latest release is a star-studded international collaboration, titled "You Are Not Alone (International)". "With some of the biggest names from K-Pop, to Bollywood, Afropop, and more, celebrities from all over the world unite to raise funds and awareness to mental health through the messaging of the song." The beneficiary of the song is NAMI. Celebrities on the song include Minzy, RUGGERO, Reekado Banks, and the late legendary icon from the Supremes, Mary Wilson, along with O'Connor.

"Why Did You Do That?" is a song recorded by American singer Lady Gaga for the 2018 film A Star Is Born and released on the soundtrack of the same name. It was written by Gaga with Diane Warren, Mark Nilan Jr., Nick Monson and Paul "DJWS" Blair, and produced by all but Warren. The song appears in the film during a sequence when Gaga's character, Ally, performs on Saturday Night Live, watched by her husband Jackson. Later Jackson berates Ally for selling out with the song's trite lyrics, but she defends it. "Why Did You Do That?" was written to evoke both a retro and a modern feel, and was recorded while Gaga was on her Joanne World Tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Made Me Do It (song)</span> 2018 single by Cheryl

"Love Made Me Do It" is a song by English singer Cheryl. It was released on 9 November 2018 through 3 Beat Records, following the premiere on Capital FM. "Love Made Me Do It" is a pop song written by Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Natasha Bedingfield, Kylie Minogue and Miranda Cooper, as well as its producers The Invisible Men and Dylan Cooper. Lyrically, it speaks of Cheryl's failed relationships and how easy she finds it to fall in love. The song debuted at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and spent one week in the Top 40. The accompanying music video was directed by Sophie Muller and shows the singer dancing with alternative camera shots and cuts.

<i>Freewheelin Woman</i> 2022 studio album by Jewel

Freewheelin' Woman is the thirteenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Jewel, released on April 15, 2022, via her own label, Words Matter Media. It is Jewel's first album in seven years, following 2015's Picking Up the Pieces. The album was co-produced by Jewel and Butch Walker and was developed with the intention for Jewel to create music that she felt connected to and excited about rather than creating in order to meet expectations. Lyrically, the album touches on themes of independence, hope, womanhood, and heartbreak.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Eames, Tom (14 September 2011). "Nicola Roberts unveils new song 'Sticks + Stones'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  2. ↑ "Cinderella's Eyes Tracks Live and Acoustic". Polydor Records. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Moodie, Clemmie (27 September 2011). "Nicola Roberts: I was bullied for four years over the way I looked". Daily Mirror . Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Roberts, Nicola. "Guest Blog: Nicola Roberts, Lucky Day, Sticks + Stones". Holy Moly. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  5. ↑ "Behind the Video: Beyoncé – 'Dance for You'". Rap-Up . Devin Lazerine. 30 November 2011.
  6. ↑ Rebecca (15 September 2011). "Nicola Roberts clearly doesn't give a monkey's what people think of her". Yahoo! . Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  7. ↑ Nicholson, Rebecca (4 June 2011). "Nicola Roberts: Diplo and Metronomy dance to the bang of my drum". The Guardian . Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  8. ↑ Williams, Andrew (26 June 2011). "Nicola Roberts: I thought I'd won the jackpot when I got in Girls Aloud". Metro . Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  9. 1 2 "Nicola Roberts: 'Twitter highlights bullying problem'". BBC. 30 September 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  10. 1 2 3 Nika, Colleen (11 October 2011). "Nicola Roberts, One-Fifth of Britain's Biggest Girl Group, Talks Solo Record and Style Ambitions". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on 12 October 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  11. ↑ Roberts, Nicola (11 October 2011). "What's happening lovelies". Polydor. Archived from the original on 14 October 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  12. ↑ Mackay, Emily. "First Listen – Nicola Roberts, 'Cinderella' s Eyes'". NME . Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  13. ↑ Nellis, Krystina. "Nicola Roberts – Cinderella's Eyes". Album review. Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  14. ↑ Lanchno, James (22 September 2011). "Nicola Roberts: Cinderella's Eyes, CD review". The Daily Telegraph . London. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  15. ↑ Horton, Matthew. "Cinderella's Eyes – Nicola Roberts". Album review. Virgin Media. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.