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{{short description|2003 single by Nelly Furtado}}
{{Short description|2003 single by Nelly Furtado}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Powerless (Say What You Want)
| name = Powerless (Say What You Want)
Line 9: Line 9:
| artist = [[Nelly Furtado]]
| artist = [[Nelly Furtado]]
| album = [[Folklore (Nelly Furtado album)|Folklore]]
| album = [[Folklore (Nelly Furtado album)|Folklore]]
| released = {{start date|df=yes|2003|10|07}}
| released = {{start date|df=yes|2003|10|06}}
| format =
| recorded =
*[[CD single]]
*[[music download|digital download]]
*[[maxi single]]
| recorded = 2003
| studio =
| studio =
* The Gymnasium ([[Santa Monica, California]])
| venue =
* [[Metalworks Studios|Metalworks]] ([[Mississauga]], Canada)
| genre =
| genre =
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=53}}
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=53}}
| label = [[DreamWorks Records|DreamWorks]]
| label = [[DreamWorks Records|DreamWorks]]
| writer =
| writer =
*Nelly Furtado
* Nelly Furtado
*[[Gerald Eaton]]
* [[Gerald Eaton]]
*[[Brian West (musician)|Brian West]]
* [[Brian West (musician)|Brian West]]
*[[Trevor Horn]]
* [[Trevor Horn]]
*[[Anne Dudley]]
* [[Anne Dudley]]
*[[Malcolm McLaren]]
* [[Malcolm McLaren]]
| producer =
| producer =
*Track & Field
* Track & Field
*Nelly Furtado
* Nelly Furtado
| prev_title = [[Fotografía]]
| prev_title = [[Fotografía]]
| prev_year = 2003
| prev_year = 2003
| next_title = [[Try (Nelly Furtado song)|Try]]
| next_title = [[Try (Nelly Furtado song)|Try]]
| next_year = 2004
| next_year = 2004
| misc = {{Audio sample
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|2qXsrCL9lxA|"Powerless (Say What You Want)"}}|header=Audio video}}
| type = single
| file = Powerless (Say What You Want) sample.ogg
}}
}}
}}


"'''Powerless (Say What You Want)'''" is a [[pop music|pop]] song written by [[Nelly Furtado]], [[Gerald Eaton]] and [[Brian West (musician)|Brian West]] for Furtado's second studio album, ''[[Folklore (Nelly Furtado album)|Folklore]]'' (2003). It contains a sample of Malcolm McLaren's "[[Buffalo Gals (Malcolm McLaren song)|Buffalo Gals]]" which was written by [[Anne Dudley]], [[Trevor Horn]] and [[Malcolm McLaren]]. It was produced by Furtado and Track & Field and was chosen to be the lead [[single (music)|single]] from the album, released in December 2003. [[Banjo]] player [[Béla Fleck]] appears on the track.
"'''Powerless (Say What You Want)'''" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter [[Nelly Furtado]] from her second studio album, ''[[Folklore (Nelly Furtado album)|Folklore]]'' (2003). The song was written and produced by Furtado, [[Gerald Eaton]], and [[Brian West (musician)|Brian West]]. It contains a sample of [[Malcolm McLaren]]'s "[[Buffalo Gals (Malcolm McLaren song)|Buffalo Gals]]", which was written by [[Trevor Horn]], [[Anne Dudley]], and McLaren. The song was released as the album's lead single in October 2003.


==Background==
==Background==
"Powerless" addresses how Furtado herself was discriminated against in that her record company wanted to hide her ancestry: "Paint my face in your magazines/Make it look whiter than it seems/Paint me over with your dreams/Shove away my ethnicity". According to Furtado, “I noticed that when I turned on the TV, I didn’t really see anybody that looked like me. So it’s really important for me to keep that realness in me and always remember where I came from, while at the same time always entertaining people. I like music to be inclusive.” Afterwards, come reflections on gaining strength through the things that are truly important - "real power comes from not caring about power and just letting yourself be free." - and "have balance in life".<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1480374/nelly-furtado-mashes-cultures-and-a-bumblebee-together-for-new-video/ |title=Nelly Furtado Mashes Cultures (And A Bumblebee) Together For New Video |publisher=MTV |date=2003-11-12 |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref>
"Powerless (Say What You Want)" addresses how Furtado was discriminated against as her record company wanted to hide her ancestry: "Paint my face in your magazines/Make it look whiter than it seems/Paint me over with your dreams/Shove away my ethnicity". According to Furtado, "I noticed that when I turned on the TV, I didn't really see anybody that looked like me. So it's really important for me to keep that realness in me and always remember where I came from, while at the same time always entertaining people. I like music to be inclusive." Furtado also commented on gaining strength through the things that are truly important, saying that "real power comes from not caring about power and just letting yourself be free" and affirming that it is "good to have balance in life".<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1480374/nelly-furtado-mashes-cultures-and-a-bumblebee-together-for-new-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006205059/http://www.mtv.com/news/1480374/nelly-furtado-mashes-cultures-and-a-bumblebee-together-for-new-video/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 October 2015 |title=Nelly Furtado Mashes Cultures (And A Bumblebee) Together For New Video |publisher=MTV |date=12 November 2003 |access-date=4 January 2021}}</ref>

Of the instrumentation, Furtado said: "I get to see a lot of DJ-oriented performance stuff, and I'm into the heaviness of breakbeats, how raw and powerful they are. Everything lately has become so synthesized, but just the standard sound of breakbeats is inspiring. 'Powerless' uses breakbeats like that; it's a real groove, a real vibe. It just carries you away. There’s a banjo mixed with a breakbeat from elements of Malcolm McLaren's '[[Buffalo Gals]].' So right away you're bobbing your head. The lyrics are initially in-your-face, like, 'Okay, I know I'm going to be stereotyped in my life because that is the world we live in; that's society.' But the song tries to find some sense of order in this complicated world."{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}


The song was named 'Single of the Year' at the 2004 [[Juno Awards]].
Of the instrumentation, Furtado said: "I get to see a lot of DJ-oriented performance stuff, and I'm into the heaviness of breakbeats, how raw and powerful they are. Everything lately has become so synthesized, but just the standard sound of breakbeats is inspiring. 'Powerless' uses breakbeats like that; it's a real groove, a real vibe. It just carries you away. There’s a banjo mixed with a breakbeat from elements of Malcolm McLaren's '[[Buffalo Gals]].' So right away you're bobbing your head. The lyrics are initially in-your-face, like, 'Okay, I know I'm going to be stereotyped in my life because that is the world we live in; that's society.' But the song tries to find some sense of order in this complicated world." The song won Single of the year at the 2004 [[Juno Awards]].


==Music video==
==Music video==
The [[music video]] was directed by [[Bryan Barber]] and was shot in the period of three days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarongoffman.com/nelly/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012221647/http://aarongoffman.com/nelly/ |archivedate=12 October 2007 }}</ref> The video revolves around a classic psychological metaphor: Nelly trapped inside a box from which she seeks to escape. Inside, the box is plastered with posters that act as doors or windows for the artist's imagination. Her situation is a metaphor for being both defined and confined by the illusory commercial reality of her celebrity and beauty. The video was shot on various sets and dressed locations, and in a large customized box crate, which were all created by production designer Aaron Goffman. Using Photoshop and Illustrator, Moneyshots designed the posters and graphics that surround Nelly in the box and added the transitions that transport Nelly back and forth between the imprisoning box and the poster environments that signify the escape self-expression can bring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarongoffman.com/nelly/nellysynopsis.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009060532/http://www.aarongoffman.com/nelly/nellysynopsis.html |archivedate=9 October 2007 }}</ref>{{clear|left}} There is an alternate version of the video featuring Nelly in a field, and shown in several screens in different parts of a city, showing the movements of the modern life.
The [[music video]] was directed by [[Bryan Barber]] and was shot over three days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarongoffman.com/nelly/ |title=Nelly furtado POWERLESS music video |access-date=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012221647/http://aarongoffman.com/nelly/ |archive-date=12 October 2007 }}</ref> The video revolves around a classic psychological metaphor: Furtado trapped inside a box from which she seeks to escape. Inside, the box is plastered with posters that act as doors or windows for the artist's imagination. Her situation is a metaphor for being both defined and confined by the illusory commercial reality of her celebrity and beauty. The video was shot on various sets and dressed locations, and in a large customized box crate, which were all created by production designer Aaron Goffman. Using Photoshop and Illustrator, Moneyshots designed the posters and graphics that surround Furtado in the box and added the transitions that transport her back and forth between the imprisoning box and the poster environments that signify the escape that self-expression can bring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aarongoffman.com/nelly/nellysynopsis.html |title=POWERLESS music video synopsis |access-date=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009060532/http://www.aarongoffman.com/nelly/nellysynopsis.html |archive-date=9 October 2007 }}</ref>{{Clear|left}} There is an alternate version of the video featuring Furtado in a field, and shown in several screens in different parts of a city, showing the movements of the modern life.


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
; UK CD single<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000127MJY |title=Powerless by Nelly Furtado: Amazon.co.uk: Music |website=Amazon.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref>
'''UK CD maxi-single'''<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000127MJY |title=Powerless by Nelly Furtado: Amazon.co.uk: Music |website=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (Album Version) - 3:53
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (album version) – 3:53
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (JOSH - Desi REMIX) - 3:12
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (JoSH Desi remix) – 3:12
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (Alternative Acoustic Mix) - 3:47
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (alternative acoustic mix) – 3:47


; German 2-track single
'''European 2-track CD single'''
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (Album Version) - 3:53
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (album version) – 3:53
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (Alternative Acoustic Mix) - 3:47
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (alternative acoustic mix) – 3:47


; German 4-track single<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000UH76U |title=Nelly Furtado - Powerless - Amazon.com Music |website=Amazon.com |date= |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/release/765165 |title=Nelly Furtado - Powerless (Say What You Want) (CD) |website=Discogs.com |date= |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref>
'''European CD maxi-single'''<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000UH76U |title=Nelly Furtado - Powerless - Amazon.com Music |website=Amazon.com |access-date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (Album Version) - 3:53
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (album version) – 3:53
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (Alternative Acoustic Mix) - 3:47
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (alternative acoustic mix) – 3:47
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (Josh Desi Remix) - 3:47
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (JoSH Desi remix) – 3:47
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (Instrumental Version) - 3:53
# "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (instrumental) – 3:53

==Credits and personnel==
Credits are lifted from the ''[[Folklore (Nelly Furtado album)|Folklore]]'' album booklet.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Folklore|title-link=Folklore (Nelly Furtado album)|others=[[Nelly Furtado]]|year=2003|type=US CD album booklet|publisher=[[DreamWorks Records]]|id=B0001007-12}}</ref>

'''Studios'''
* Recorded at The Gymnasium ([[Santa Monica, California]]) and [[Metalworks Studios]] ([[Mississauga]], Canada)
* Mastered at [[Bernie Grundman]] Mastering (Hollywood, California)

'''Personnel'''
{{div col}}
* Nelly Furtado – writing, lead and background vocals, production
* [[Gerald Eaton]] – writing
* [[Brian West (musician)|Brian West]] – writing, engineering
* [[Trevor Horn]] – writing ("Buffalo Gals")
* [[Anne Dudley]] – writing ("Buffalo Gals")
* [[Malcolm McLaren]] – writing ("Buffalo Gals")
* Track & Field – production, programming
** Track – [[Flanging|flange]] guitar, electric [[harmonium]] (left-hand)
** Field – electric harmonium (right-hand)
* James Bryan – acoustic guitar
* Steve Carnelli – banjo, [[mandolin]]
* [[Mike Elizondo]] – [[Echoplex]] [[slide guitar]]
* Brad Haehnel – mixing, engineering
* Joe Labatto – engineering
* Steve Chahley – engineering assistance
* Ian Bodzasi – engineering assistance
* [[Brian Gardner|Brian "Big Bass" Gardner]] – mastering
{{div col end}}


==Charts==
==Charts==
Line 71: Line 95:


===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!scope="col"|Chart (2003–2004)
!scope="col"|Chart (2003–2004)
!scope="col"|Peak<br>position
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Australia|37|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Australia|37|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Austria|7|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Austria|7|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Flanders Tip|2|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}
{{single chart|Flanders Tip|2|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true|access-date=13 December 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Wallonia Tip|7|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}
{{single chart|Wallonia Tip|7|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true|access-date=13 December 2018}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|CIS|75|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true|songid=437|access-date=11 August 2019|refname="cis"}}
!scope="row"|Canada ([[Countdown (MuchMusic)|MuchMusic Countdown]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hitsofalldecades.com/chart_hits/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1323&Itemid=52|title=MuchMusic (Canada) Weekly Single Charts for 2004|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}</ref>
|6
|-
|-
{{single chart|CIS|75|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true|songid=437|accessdate=11 August 2019}}
{{single chart|Germany|8|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|songid=5995|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Germany2|8|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|songid=5995|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Ireland3|36|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true|access-date=25 January 2020}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Italy|26|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true|access-date=13 December 2018}}
{{singlechart|Ireland|36|year=2004|week=3|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Italy|26|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}
{{single chart|Dutch40|5|year=2004|week=5|rowheader=true|access-date=13 December 2018}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Dutch100|6|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
{{singlechart|Dutch40|5|year=2004|week=5|rowheader=true|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch100|6|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|New Zealand|16|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Romania ([[Romanian Top 100]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rt100.ro/editie-top-100_x10116.html|title=Arhiva romanian top 100 – Editia 17, saptamina 26.04 – 02.05, 2004|publisher=[[Romanian Top 100]]|language=ro|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050221022228/http://www.rt100.ro/editie-top-100_x10116.html|archive-date=21 February 2005|access-date=14 May 2020}}</ref>
{{singlechart|New Zealand|16|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
|16
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Russia Airplay ([[TopHit]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ru/weekly/20031121-20031127|title=Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Nov 27, 2003|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=23 April 2024}}</ref>
{{singlechart|Scotland|12|date=20031220|rowheader=true|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}
| 82
|-
|-
{{single chart|Scotland|12|date=20031220|rowheader=true|access-date=13 December 2018}}
{{singlechart|Sweden|37|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Switzerland|16|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Sweden|37|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Switzerland|16|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Powerless (Say What You Want)|rowheader=true}}
{{singlechart|UK|13|date=20031220|rowheader=true|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardbubbling100|9|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|UK|13|date=20031220|rowheader=true|access-date=13 December 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardadultpopsongs|16|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboardbubbling100|9|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboarddanceclubplay|5|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|16|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardpopsongs|30|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|5|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|30|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!scope="col"|Chart (2003)
!scope="col"|Chart (2003)
!scope="col"|Position
!scope="col"|Position
|-
|-
! scope="row"| [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] (Tophit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.ru/en/chart/airplay/yearly/2003-01-01/all/all|title=CIS Year-End Radio Hits (2003)|publisher=[[Tophit]] |accessdate=11 August 2019}}</ref>
!scope="row"|CIS (TopHit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.ru/en/best-music-2003|title=CIS Year-End Radio Hits (2003)|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=11 August 2019}}</ref>
|140
|style="text-align:center;"| 140
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Russia Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ru/annual/2003|title=Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart: 2003|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=23 April 2024|archive-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422160833/https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ru/annual/2003|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 137
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Charts 2003: Most-Played Adult Top 40 Songs|magazine=[[Airplay Monitor]]|volume=11|issue=51|page=22|date=19 December 2003}}</ref>
|87
|}
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!scope="col"|Chart (2004)
!scope="col"|Chart (2004)
!scope="col"|Position
!scope="col"|Position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=s&id=2004|title=Jahreshitparade Singles 2004|language=German|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=s&id=2004|title=Jahreshitparade Singles 2004|language=de|access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref>
|28
|28
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Germany (Official German Charts)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-2004|title=Top 100 Singles - Jahrescharts 2004|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment]]|language=German|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Germany (Official German Charts)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-2004|title=Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 2004|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment charts|GfK Entertainment]]|language=de|access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref>
|28
|28
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2004&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten - Single 2004|publisher=[[MegaCharts]]|language=Dutch|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/2004|title=Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2004|publisher=[[Dutch Top 40]]|access-date=13 January 2020}}</ref>
|18
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2004&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 2004|publisher=[[MegaCharts]]|language=nl|access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref>
|32
|32
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2004|title=Swiss Year-End Charts 2004|language=German|accessdate=December 13, 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2004|title=Swiss Year-End Charts 2004|language=de|access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref>
|78
|78
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Adult Top 40 Songs|magazine=[[Billboard Radio Monitor]]|volume=12|issue=51|page=26|date=17 December 2004}}</ref>
|69
|}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Powerless (Say What You Want)"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Nelly Furtado|title=Powerless (Say What You Want)|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2003|certyear=2023|access-date=June 1, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}


==Release history==
==Release history==
Line 148: Line 193:
! Region
! Region
! Date
! Date
! Format
! Format(s)
! Label
! Label(s)
! Ref.
! {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| United States
! scope="row"| United States
| rowspan="2"| 7 October 2003
| 6 October 2003
| [[Hot AC|Hot AC radio]]
| {{hlist|[[Contemporary hit radio]]|[[Hot AC|hot AC radio]]}}
| rowspan="2"|[[DreamWorks Records|DreamWorks]]
| rowspan="4"| [[DreamWorks Records|DreamWorks]]
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-RandR-IDX/IDX/00s/03/RR-2003-10-03-OCR-Page-0034.pdf#search=%22nelly%20furtado%20going%20for%20adds%22|title=Radio & Records|date=October 3, 2003|website=Worldradiohistory.com|access-date=22 January 2022}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate%3D10%2F07%2F2003%26Format%3D10 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021090052/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10%2F07%2F2003&Format=10 |archivedate=21 October 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
| [[Mainstream radio]]
| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate%3D10%2F07%2F2003%26Format%3D1 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021090129/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10%2F07%2F2003&Format=1 |archivedate=21 October 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Canada
! scope="row"| Canada
| 21 November 2003
| 21 November 2003
| rowspan="3"| [[Maxi single]]
| rowspan="5"| [[CD single|CD]]
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.ca/Powerless-Say-What-You-Want/dp/B0000UH76U |title=Powerless (Say What You Want): Nelly Furtado|website=Amazon.ca |access-date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
| [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]]
|-
| <ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.amazon.ca/Powerless-Say-What-You-Want/dp/B0000UH76U |title=Powerless (Say What You Want): Nelly Furtado|website=Amazon.ca |date= |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Australia
| 24 November 2003
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue718.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 24th November 2003|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|page=25|date=24 November 2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20031206130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20031207-0000/Issue718.pdf|archive-date=6 December 2003|access-date=16 May 2021}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| 8 December 2003
| 8 December 2003
| <ref>{{cite magazine|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=27|date=6 December 2003}}</ref>
| [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
| <ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Powerless-Nelly-Furtado/dp/B000127MJY |title=Powerless by Nelly Furtado |website=Amazon.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Germany
! scope="row"| Germany
| 15 December 2003
| 15 December 2003
| Universal Music
| {{hlist|[[Universal Music Group|Universal]]|[[Motor Music]]}}
| <ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.amazon.de/Powerless-Nelly-Furtado/dp/B0000UH76U |title=Powerless - Nelly Furtado |website=Amazon.de |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/Powerless-Nelly-Furtado/dp/B0000UH76U |title=Powerless - Nelly Furtado |website=Amazon.de |access-date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Japan
| rowspan="2"| 21 January 2004
| [[Universal Music Japan]]
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.universal-music.co.jp/u-pop/mein/release/0401.html|title=2004/1月新譜リリース表|trans-title=January 2004 New Release List|publisher=[[Universal Music Japan]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603183414fw_/http://www.universal-music.co.jp/u-pop/mein/release/0401.html|archive-date=3 June 2004|access-date=28 August 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| [[Music download|Digital download]]
| 21 January 2004
| DreamWorks
| [[music download|Digital download]]
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005P23YKG |title=Powerless (Say What You Want) (International Version): Nelly Furtado |website=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
| Polydor
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005P23YKG |title=Powerless (Say What You Want) (International Version): Nelly Furtado |website=Amazon.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Germany
! scope="row"| Germany
| 2 February 2004
| 2 February 2004
| [[CD single|CD]]
| CD
| Universal Music
| {{hlist|Universal|Motor Music}}
| <ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.amazon.de/Powerless-Furtado-Nelly/dp/B0001HOWWY |title=Powerless - Nelly Furtado |website=Amazon.de |date= |accessdate=2016-05-05}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/Powerless-Furtado-Nelly/dp/B0001HOWWY |title=Powerless – Nelly Furtado |website=Amazon.de |access-date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
|}
|}


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{YouTube|mVvr6PKUoEs|"Nelly Furtado - Powerless (Stripped)"}}
*"Powerless (Say What You Want)" Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NneJjhHWP6A
* {{MetroLyrics song|nelly-furtado|powerless-say-what-you-want}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{Nelly Furtado}}
{{Nelly Furtado}}
{{Nelly Furtado singles}}
{{Nelly Furtado singles}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2003 singles]]
[[Category:2003 singles]]
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[[Category:Juno Award for Single of the Year singles]]
[[Category:Juno Award for Single of the Year singles]]
[[Category:Songs written by Malcolm McLaren]]
[[Category:Songs written by Malcolm McLaren]]
[[Category:Songs about racism and xenophobia]]

Latest revision as of 21:37, 27 June 2024

"Powerless (Say What You Want)"
Single by Nelly Furtado
from the album Folklore
Released6 October 2003 (2003-10-06)
Studio
Length3:53
LabelDreamWorks
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Track & Field
  • Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado singles chronology
"Fotografía"
(2003) 		"Powerless (Say What You Want)"
(2003) 		"Try"
(2004)
Audio video
"Powerless (Say What You Want)" on YouTube

"Powerless (Say What You Want)" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado from her second studio album, Folklore (2003). The song was written and produced by Furtado, Gerald Eaton, and Brian West. It contains a sample of Malcolm McLaren's "Buffalo Gals", which was written by Trevor Horn, Anne Dudley, and McLaren. The song was released as the album's lead single in October 2003.

Background

[edit]

"Powerless (Say What You Want)" addresses how Furtado was discriminated against as her record company wanted to hide her ancestry: "Paint my face in your magazines/Make it look whiter than it seems/Paint me over with your dreams/Shove away my ethnicity". According to Furtado, "I noticed that when I turned on the TV, I didn't really see anybody that looked like me. So it's really important for me to keep that realness in me and always remember where I came from, while at the same time always entertaining people. I like music to be inclusive." Furtado also commented on gaining strength through the things that are truly important, saying that "real power comes from not caring about power and just letting yourself be free" and affirming that it is "good to have balance in life".[1]

Of the instrumentation, Furtado said: "I get to see a lot of DJ-oriented performance stuff, and I'm into the heaviness of breakbeats, how raw and powerful they are. Everything lately has become so synthesized, but just the standard sound of breakbeats is inspiring. 'Powerless' uses breakbeats like that; it's a real groove, a real vibe. It just carries you away. There’s a banjo mixed with a breakbeat from elements of Malcolm McLaren's 'Buffalo Gals.' So right away you're bobbing your head. The lyrics are initially in-your-face, like, 'Okay, I know I'm going to be stereotyped in my life because that is the world we live in; that's society.' But the song tries to find some sense of order in this complicated world."[citation needed]

The song was named 'Single of the Year' at the 2004 Juno Awards.

Music video

[edit]

The music video was directed by Bryan Barber and was shot over three days.[2] The video revolves around a classic psychological metaphor: Furtado trapped inside a box from which she seeks to escape. Inside, the box is plastered with posters that act as doors or windows for the artist's imagination. Her situation is a metaphor for being both defined and confined by the illusory commercial reality of her celebrity and beauty. The video was shot on various sets and dressed locations, and in a large customized box crate, which were all created by production designer Aaron Goffman. Using Photoshop and Illustrator, Moneyshots designed the posters and graphics that surround Furtado in the box and added the transitions that transport her back and forth between the imprisoning box and the poster environments that signify the escape that self-expression can bring.[3]

There is an alternate version of the video featuring Furtado in a field, and shown in several screens in different parts of a city, showing the movements of the modern life.

Track listing

[edit]

UK CD maxi-single[4]

  1. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (album version) – 3:53
  2. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (JoSH Desi remix) – 3:12
  3. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (alternative acoustic mix) – 3:47

European 2-track CD single

  1. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (album version) – 3:53
  2. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (alternative acoustic mix) – 3:47

European CD maxi-single[5]

  1. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (album version) – 3:53
  2. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (alternative acoustic mix) – 3:47
  3. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (JoSH Desi remix) – 3:47
  4. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" (instrumental) – 3:53

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are lifted from the Folklore album booklet.[6]

Studios

Personnel

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Powerless (Say What You Want)"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Germany (BVMI)[37] Gold 150,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Vereinigte Staaten 6 October 2003
DreamWorks [38]
Kanada 21 November 2003 CD [39]
Australien 24 November 2003 [40]
Vereinigtes Königreich 8 December 2003 [41]
Deutschland 15 December 2003
[42]
Japan 21 January 2004 Universal Music Japan [43]
Vereinigtes Königreich Digital download DreamWorks [44]
Deutschland 2 February 2004 CD
  • Universal
  • Motor Music
 [45]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Nelly Furtado Mashes Cultures (And A Bumblebee) Together For New Video". MTV. 12 November 2003. Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  2. ^ "Nelly furtado POWERLESS music video". Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 11 October 2007.
  3. ^ "POWERLESS music video synopsis". Archived from the original on 9 October 2007. Retrieved 11 October 2007.
  4. ^ "Powerless by Nelly Furtado: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  5. ^ "Nelly Furtado - Powerless - Amazon.com Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  6. ^ Folklore (US CD album booklet). Nelly Furtado. DreamWorks Records. 2003. B0001007-12.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  8. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  9. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  10. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  11. ^ Nelly Furtado — Powerless (Say What You Want). TopHit. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  12. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  13. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Nelly Furtado". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  14. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  15. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 5, 2004" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  16. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  17. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)". Top 40 Singles.
  18. ^ "Arhiva romanian top 100 – Editia 17, saptamina 26.04 – 02.05, 2004" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on 21 February 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  19. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Nov 27, 2003". TopHit. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  20. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  21. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)". Singles Top 100.
  22. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Powerless (Say What You Want)". Swiss Singles Chart.
  23. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  24. ^ "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard.
  25. ^ "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  26. ^ "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
  27. ^ "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  28. ^ "CIS Year-End Radio Hits (2003)". TopHit. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  29. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart: 2003". TopHit. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  30. ^ "The Year in Charts 2003: Most-Played Adult Top 40 Songs". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 11, no. 51. 19 December 2003. p. 22.
  31. ^ "Jahreshitparade Singles 2004" (in German). Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  32. ^ "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 2004" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  33. ^ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2004". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  34. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2004" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  35. ^ "Swiss Year-End Charts 2004" (in German). Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  36. ^ "2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Adult Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 12, no. 51. 17 December 2004. p. 26.
  37. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Nelly Furtado; 'Powerless (Say What You Want)')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  38. ^ "Radio & Records" (PDF). Worldradiohistory.com. 3 October 2003. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  39. ^ "Powerless (Say What You Want): Nelly Furtado". Amazon.ca. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  40. ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 24th November 2003" (PDF). ARIA. 24 November 2003. p. 25. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 December 2003. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  41. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 6 December 2003. p. 27.
  42. ^ "Powerless - Nelly Furtado". Amazon.de. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  43. ^ "2004/1月新譜リリース表" [January 2004 New Release List] (in Japanese). Universal Music Japan. Archived from the original on 3 June 2004. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  44. ^ "Powerless (Say What You Want) (International Version): Nelly Furtado". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  45. ^ "Powerless – Nelly Furtado". Amazon.de. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
[edit]
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