Silhouettes (song)

*For other uses, see Silhouettes (disambiguation)*.

## Aurora singles chronology

"**Silhouettes**" is a song by Australian singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer Aurora. It was released on July 10, 2015 as the title track and fourth single from Aurora's second studio album, *Silhouettes* (2015).

## Background and composition

Following a series of moderately successful collaborative or promotional singles, Red Rose Records became restless and began applying pressure for Aurora to produce another chart-topper prior to the release of her forthcoming sophomore album. Sensing their waning patience and support, Aurora cleared her schedule and was immediately booked a 24-hour studio session with the intention of working until she had a surefire hit. Aurora referenced a prior single of hers in a meeting with her A&R, claiming, "You already know I'm not one to 'Surrender'."

"Silhouettes" is composed as a folk song. During her overnight studio session, a fatigued Aurora mistakingly read an analogue clock's time as 2:00 AM rather than 12:10 AM in the dim studio light. "I was frantic, I honestly thought I had somehow squandered two hours," Aurora revealed in a promotional radio interview for the single, "Realising my perceptual error, not only was I relieved, but I was reinspired. I knew I must write about this phenomenon." Lyrically, it utilises perceptual illusions as a metaphor for how a person can conceal their true nature behind a false exterior.

## Critical reception

"Silhouettes" was favourably received, with critics praising its use of imagery and mature perspective, impressed Aurora completed the track "in a day".

It received a rating of 8.575 by Platvian music critics.

## Commercial performance

"Silhouettes" debuted and peaked at #2 on the Platvia HitList chart dated July 21, 2015.

## Lyrics

I breathe the radiance
Before a striking setting sun
A million silhouettes
Of which I'm drawn to only one
An elegant enigma
Tricks my eyes of what they see
Sometimes a silhouette
Defies what it appears to be
**First Verse**
A pyramid unwavering
Would stand the test of time
But you're a mound of shattered glass
Impossible to climb
The Eiffel Tower glorious
Would stand so proud and tall
But you're a house of wild cards
A breeze may cause your fall
**Pre-Chorus**
Perceptual illusions cast a shadow of confusion
Enlighten me as you fade into sight
A picturesque oasis brings dimension to the faceless
What is this grand mirage I'm puzzled by?
**Chorus**
I breathe the radiance
Before a striking setting sun
A million silhouettes
Of which I'm drawn to only one
An elegant enigma
Tricks my eyes of what they see
Sometimes a silhouette
Defies what it appears to be
**Second Verse**
Believed you were my temple
An eternal sanctuary
Instead I'd found my prison
Hope was but imaginary
Believed you were my warrior
Courageous, brave at heart
Instead your blade went through me
Like a sanguine work of art
**Pre-Chorus**
Perceptual illusions cast a shadow of confusion
Enlighten me as you fade into sight
A picturesque oasis brings dimension to the faceless
What is this grand mirage I'm puzzled by?
**Chorus**
I breathe the radiance
Before a striking setting sun
A million silhouettes
Of which I'm drawn to only one
An elegant enigma
Tricks my eyes of what they see
Sometimes a silhouette
Defies what it appears to be
**Bridge**
The evening sun has left the sky
Along with every trace of light
Without your silhouette façade
It's clear to see your inner dark
The morning sun returns at dawn
You'll wake to find I'm moving on
Try all you like to make me stay
This silhouette must walk away
**Chorus**
I breathe the radiance
Before a striking setting sun
A million silhouettes
Of which I'm drawn to only one
An elegant enigma
Tricks my eyes of what they see
Sometimes a silhouette
Defies what it appears to be
**Outro**
I breathe the radiance
Before a striking setting sun
A million silhouettes
Of which I'm drawn to only one

## Live performances

"Silhouettes" was included in the setlist for Aurora's debut concert tour, The Heartstorm Tour. It was performed as the final track during the tour's fourth act, titled "Pressure", being the nineteenth performance overall.

## Re-recorded version

Following her split from Red Rose Records in 2020, "Silhouettes" was re-recorded for Aurora's album *Silhouettes: Deluxe* (2021).