Burn

This was the first single released by the UK singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding from Halycon Days, which was her repacked edition of her sophomore album. The re-issue, featuring ten additional tracks, was made available less than a year after Halcyon's release. The song has a very positive message, with Goulding asking us to light the fire that impels us to great things, and to let it burn for all to see.

The song was written by Goulding with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder (Adele, Beyoncé), Noel Zancenella (Demi Lovato) and Brent Kutzle (OneRepublic's bassist). It was produced by Greg Kurstin (Kelly Clarkson, Pink). "It's something different for me," Goulding enthused to Radio.com. "It has a different rhythm, it's a different kind of vibe and I really enjoy performing it and singing it.

This was originally demoed by Leona Lewis in 2011 for her Glassheart album, but the X factor alumna scrapped the tune when the project was retooled to include more ballads. Lewis told Pop Justice that she doesn't regret giving away the song. "Actually, I've recorded quite a few songs that other artists have done really well with," she said, referring to having also originally recorded Rihanna's "We Found Love." "They should all, clearly, buy me Christmas presents," Lewis joked, adding: "The thing is, if I had released 'Burn', I don't think it would have gone on to do as well as Ellie's version. It wouldn't have worked for me. It just wouldn't have. It was meant to be hers, I'm glad she did it, and I think she did it really well. I really like Ellie Goulding, I'm a big fan."