Shot Me Down

Album: Lovers On The Sun (2014)
Charted: 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song samples Cher's 1966 classic hit single "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)," which peaked at #2 in the US and #3 in the UK. It was famously covered by Nancy Sinatra in the same year. "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" has since been borrowed from in all manner of creative ways by modern day producers. In 2005 production duo Audio Bullys had a UK Top Three hit with their reconstructed dance interpretation of Nancy Sinatra's version. And in 2013 will.i.am appropriated the lyrics and melody for his own single "Bang Bang," which was recorded for the Great Gatsby soundtrack.
  • The song features vocals by pop singer Skylar Grey, who first gained widespread fame as the songwriter who created the hook chorus for Eminem and Rihanna's international hit "Love The Way You Lie." She was also a guest vocalist on hit singles by Dr Dre ("I Need a Doctor") and Diddy-Dirty Money ("Coming Home").

    The pair first met at a sushi restaurant in LA. According to Grey, Guetta knew about her work as a songwriter and vocalist but was less familiar with what she actually looked like. "I guess he thought I was really unattractive and overweight," she explained to Billboard magazine. "He's like 'oh, you're not fat and ugly we can keep you on the song!'"

    Grey decided to quick to move on from Guetta's untactful comment. "I was like, you're French, you're forgiven," she said. "He's actually really fun to work with."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.