Song for the Lonely

Warner Bros. Records

Company type	Record label
Industry	Music
Headquarters	United States
Products	Music recordings, singles, albums
Parent	Warner Music Group

Song for the Lonely—initially named (This is) A Song for the Lonely—is a track by American artist Cher from her twenty-fourth studio project, Living Proof (2001). Crafted by songwriters Mark Taylor, Paul Barry, and Steve Torch, with production helmed by Taylor, it was issued on March 19, 2002, serving as the album’s second international single and the primary release in North America through Warner Bros. Records and WEA. This dance-pop number was originally conceived as a romantic composition but gained additional significance for Cher in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

Critics responded favorably to "Song for the Lonely," commending its sincere lyrics paired with a vibrant rhythm. While it achieved modest success on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 85, it reached number one on both the Maxi-Singles Sales and Dance Club Play charts. The single also secured top forty positions in markets such as Canada, The Czech Republic, and Romania. Its accompanying music video, directed by Stu Maschwitz and shot in New York City, depicts Cher traversing urban streets across various historical eras, accompanied by figures representing those times. To support the single's release, Cher performed it at the American Music Awards of 2002, appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and included it in her setlists during the Living Proof: The Farewell Tour (2002–05) as well as her concert residency Cher (2008–11).

Background and release

Composed and recorded in London prior to the September 11 attacks, "Song for the Lonely" was intended for inclusion on Cher’s twenty-fourth studio album, Living Proof (2001). It swiftly became one of her preferred selections from the record. Following the attacks, Cher revealed in a Larry King Live interview that the song assumed a new layer of meaning, particularly highlighting the lyric "when heroes fall in love and war, they live forever." She regarded it as among her most powerful performances, capturing a world untouched by tragedy. The album’s liner notes dedicate "Song for the Lonely" to the brave individuals of New York City—including firefighters, police officers, Mayor Giuliani, Governor Pataki, and her friend Liz.

The public reception was notably positive. James Lonten, manager of a Borders bookstore in New York City, remarked that the track "literally stops people dead in their tracks" due to its emotional impact. John Boulos, senior vice president of promotion at Warner Bros. Records, stressed that there was no intention to capitalize on the September 11 events for marketing purposes but acknowledged that those circumstances increased public attention toward the song. Released on March 19, 2002, as the lead single from Living Proof in the United States, it appeared under the title "(This Is) A Song for the Lonely" on European and other international versions.

Composition

"Song for the Lonely" is a dance-pop piece driven by guitar riffs, composed by Mark Taylor and Paul Barry—the duo responsible for Cher’s 1998 hit "Believe." Billboard critic Chuck Taylor lauded its dynamic energy and noted that Cher’s trademark vocoder effect was notably absent, emphasizing instead its infectious chorus and pulsating rhythm. Although initially written as a love song, Cher later connected its themes to the aftermath of September 11, underscoring its blend of solace and gravitas within the lyrics. Tony Peregrin from PopMatters characterized it as conveying an emotional yet somber message.

Critical reception

"Song for the Lonely" received favorable feedback from music reviewers. Michael Paoletta of Billboard described it as "an empowering anthem" with the capacity to replicate the success of "Believe." Chuck Taylor, also writing for Billboard, suggested the track might even outshine that earlier hit, calling it a jubilant and broadly appealing anthem poised for chart dominance. Kerry L. Smith from AllMusic highlighted its sincere tribute to the events of September 11, while Barry Walters of Rolling Stone recognized its deliberate yet honorable message, delivered with a polished entertainment flair. Gordon Ashenhurst of Metro Weekly referred to it as a "dynamic lead single," and Sal Cinquemani at Slant Magazine praised its raw and passionate delivery, free from electronic enhancements. Tony Peregrin from PopMatters described the song as a catchy and vibrant tune driven by synthesizer layers and rhythmic beats.

Commercial performance

In the U.S., "Song for the Lonely" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at its highest position of number 85 on the chart dated April 6, 2002, maintaining a presence for six weeks. It achieved greater success on other charts, securing number one spots on both the Maxi-Singles Sales and Dance Club Play charts, breaking into the top 20 on Adult Contemporary, and ranking within the top 40 on Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 listings. The single also reached number 18 on the Canadian Singles Chart and, despite being released exclusively in North America, climbed to number 39 in Romania through radio airplay.

Music video

The music video was helmed by first-time director Stu Maschwitz and filmed on the streets of New York City in December 2001. Maschwitz’s vision portrayed Cher as a guide through New York’s historical timeline, utilizing reverse time-lapse sequences to illustrate iconic buildings emerging. After Cher personally endorsed the concept, production began with special authorization from Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s office to allow live audio playback—a practice recently prohibited in Manhattan.

Because makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin was ill, Cher took charge of applying her own makeup. The shoot featured extensive use of smoke machines, which prompted complaints due to heightened city sensitivities following 9/11. A police officer initially threatened to stop the smoke effects; however, after Maschwitz presented him with an autographed Polaroid, they were able to complete their final smoke-filled scene.

The video opens in sepia tone with Cher dressed in contemporary attire walking through streets reminiscent of 18th-century New York. As it progresses through subsequent centuries, the visuals shift from black and white to full color while showcasing construction scenes of city buildings. Interspersed are shots of Cher clad in white and aerial views of New York City. Individuals representing each historical period join her until a large crowd symbolizing all eras gathers. The video was released on VHS in 2002 for U.S. promotion, with an alternate version included on the DVD The Very Best of Cher: The Video Hits Collection (2004).

Live performances

To support "Song for the Lonely" and its parent album, Cher delivered performances at various notable events. She kicked off the 2002 American Music Awards with a dance-driven rendition while sporting a blonde wig. Additional appearances promoting the single included spots on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Late Show with David Letterman, and VH1 Divas.

The track was part of Cher's setlist during her 2002–05 Living Proof: The Farewell Tour, performed as the second song during the initial four legs. This segment featured dancers removing her headdress and robe to reveal a midriff-baring vest paired with beaded harem pants. After being omitted for five legs, it returned as the concluding number at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on May 2, 2005. Cher also briefly included "Song for the Lonely" during her 2008–11 concert residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Usage in media

In 2005, "Song for the Lonely" was utilized in international television commercials for Weight Watchers, aimed specifically at women facing weight challenges. The advertisement drew criticism due to its suggestion that these women were lonely and unloved, prompting a revision that replaced the vocal track with an instrumental version. Additionally, the song was incorporated into the jukebox musical The Cher Show (2018) and featured in the Broadway production Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.

Track listing

US CD maxi single

1. "Song for the Lonely" (Almighty mix) – 8:46
2. "Song for the Lonely" (Illicit vocal mix) – 8:09
3. "Song for the Lonely" (Thunderpuss club mix) – 8:43
4. "Song for the Lonely" (Thunderpuss Sunrise mix) – 8:25
5. "Song for the Lonely" (Almighty radio mix) – 3:34
6. "Song for the Lonely" (Illicit radio edit) – 3:51
7. "Song for the Lonely" (Thunderpuss radio edit) – 4:06

Digital download

1. "Song for the Lonely" (Almighty radio mix) – 3:34
2. "Song for the Lonely" (Illicit radio edit) – 3:51
3. "Song for the Lonely" (Thunderpuss radio edit) – 4:06

Credits and personnel

Information adapted from Living Proof album and CD maxi single liner notes.

• Cher – lead vocals
• Mark Taylor – songwriting, production, mixing
• Paul Barry – songwriting, guitar
• Steve Torch – songwriting
• Tracer Ackerman – backing vocals
• Adam Phillips – guitar
• Jong uk Yoon – assistant engineer
• Christian Saint Val – assistant engineer
• Neil Tucker – assistant engineer
• SMOG Design, Inc. – art direction and design
• Barrie Goshko – art direction

Weekly charts

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Chart (2002)	Highest position
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)	18
Czech Republic (IFPI)	13
Italy Airplay (Music & Media)	16
Poland Airplay (Music & Media)	11
Romania (Romanian Top 100)	39
Scandinavia Airplay (Music & Media)	14
UK Club Chart (Music Week)	24

Year-end charts

Chart (2002)	Ranking
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)	180
US Dance Club Play (Billboard)	28
US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)	3

See also

• List of number-one dance singles of 2002 (U.S.)