Songfacts®:

• The lead single from Sarah McLachlan's 2014 album Shine On, this song was inspired by Malala Yousafzai (born July 12, 1997), a Pakistani student who is known for her activism for girls' and women's rights, especially in the area of education. She started writing a blog at the age of 11 about her life under Taliban rule, which was published by the BBC. Malala was shot in an assassination attempt by a Taliban gunman, but has since recovered.
• McLachlan told the story of the song to Jam! Music: "It started off being about bullying, but it needed to be something stronger than that. When the story of Malala Yousafzai being shot in the head by the Taliban came out, she easily became the heroine of that song. She was so profoundly strong -- speaking up for herself in the face of grave danger. She's such a great role model for the two young girls I have and for humans in general."
• Shine On was recorded in Vancouver with longtime collaborator/producer Pierre Marchand. McLachlan explained that the record was inspired by her father's passing in December 2010 and her own appreciation of life: "This album is about moving through the second half of my life in a more mindful and meaningful way, recognizing that every day, every moment is precious and though we all have our issues and problems, our damages, we all have the ability to continue to learn, grow from our experiences, thrive and shine on," she said. "Many of the songs are inspired at least partially or wholly by my father's passing three years ago and the profound effect losing him had on me. I had to find my footing again without the anchor of his unconditional love."