Thank You (Dido song)
Encyclopedia
"Thank You" is a song by Dido
. The song made its first appearance in 1998, on the soundtrack of Sliding Doors
, although it was not released as a single
until late 2000. It later featured on Dido
's debut album, No Angel
, becoming the album's biggest hit. Samples
from the track were featured in the song "Stan
" by Eminem
.
Dido wrote the song as a tribute to her boyfriend, entertainment lawyer Bob Page; they got engaged in 2001 but split the following year. It remains Dido's biggest hit single in the USA to date, and her only one to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100
.
"White Flag
", which features on her second album Life For Rent
, is about their split.
chart in April 2001, becoming Dido's first and only top three single in the United States
.
In the UK Singles Chart
, "Thank You" also reached a peak position of #3, becoming the singer's third top three single from No Angel in the United Kingdom
. It was Dido's biggest single in the United Kingdom, until the release of "White Flag".
Since becoming her biggest hit in both countries, the song has often been recognized as Dido's signature song
.
" samples the first verse of the song for its chorus. Dido herself appears in the music video for "Stan" and has made appearances on Eminem's tours to perform the song. When Eminem
performed "Stan" live at the 2001 Grammy Awards
, Elton John
sang the Dido sample as he played piano during the performance.
remixed the song, it won a Grammy Award
for "Best Remixed Recording" in 2002.
for "Thank You". In the video, Dido has not paid her bills, and the government comes to tear down her house. The construction workers put an eviction notice on her door and move her things out. Dido, who seems oblivious to the fact that her house has been barricaded, is seen simply singing the song. In the end, she is escorted out of her home and is forced to walk the streets with a backpack and suitcases.
The end of the video implies that her house is being torn down for redevelopment (her home is sandwiched between two large skyscrapers). The video was directed by Dave Meyers
and was released in January 2001.
Enhanced CD
in 2005 Katharine Worsley, Duchess of Kent, who, after relinquishing royal
duties, worked as a classical music teacher, chose Thank You as one of her favourite pieces.
It was also voted the 57th Most Annoying Pop Songs We Hate To Love in a recent poll on BBC.
Dido (singer)
Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong , known as Dido, is an English singer-songwriter.Dido shot to worldwide success with her debut album, No Angel...
. The song made its first appearance in 1998, on the soundtrack of Sliding Doors
Sliding Doors
Sliding Doors is a 1998 British-American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Peter Howitt and starring Gwyneth Paltrow and John Hannah, and featured John Lynch, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Virginia McKenna. The music was composed by David Hirschfelder...
, although it was not released as a single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
until late 2000. It later featured on Dido
Dido (singer)
Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong , known as Dido, is an English singer-songwriter.Dido shot to worldwide success with her debut album, No Angel...
's debut album, No Angel
No Angel
No Angel is the debut album by pop singer/songwriter Dido. Originally released in June 1999 in the United States, the album found a mass audience when it was released worldwide in February 2001...
, becoming the album's biggest hit. Samples
Sampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
from the track were featured in the song "Stan
Stan (song)
"Stan" is the third single from The Marshall Mathers LP, by rapper Eminem featuring Dido. It peaked at number one in the United Kingdom and Australia. It is also included on Curtain Call: The Hits, performed with Eminem and Dido as well track 17 on Curtain Call: The Hits as a live Performance from...
" by Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
.
Dido wrote the song as a tribute to her boyfriend, entertainment lawyer Bob Page; they got engaged in 2001 but split the following year. It remains Dido's biggest hit single in the USA to date, and her only one to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
.
"White Flag
White Flag (song)
"White Flag" is a song by English singer-songwriter Dido, released as the lead single from her second album Life for Rent on 1 September 2003. "White Flag" is the biggest hit of Dido's career. It is considered one of her signature songs, and helped Life for Rent sell over ten million copies worldwide...
", which features on her second album Life For Rent
Life for Rent
Life for Rent is the second studio album by the British singer-songwriter Dido, released by Arista Records on 29 September 2003. The album was produced by Rollo Armstrong and American songwriter Rick Nowels. Work on the album began in mid 2002...
, is about their split.
Chart performance
"Thank You" reached a peak position of #3 on the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
chart in April 2001, becoming Dido's first and only top three single in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
In the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, "Thank You" also reached a peak position of #3, becoming the singer's third top three single from No Angel in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It was Dido's biggest single in the United Kingdom, until the release of "White Flag".
Since becoming her biggest hit in both countries, the song has often been recognized as Dido's signature song
Signature song
A signature song is the one song that a popular and well-established singer or band is most closely identified with or best known for, even if they have had success with a variety of songs...
.
Cover versions and other samples
- In 1999, long before the song became a hit, Mexican group FlansFlansFlans was an all female Mexican pop music group, which enjoyed popularity from the mid 1980s to the early 1990s. Its members were the singers Ivonne Margarita Guevara García, Ilse María Olivo Schweinfurth and Irma Angélica Hernández Ochoa...
recorded a Spanish version entitled "Gracias". It was released as the third single from the album "Hadas". - In 2002, saxophonist Marion MeadowsMarion MeadowsMarion Meadows is an American tenor saxophonist, soprano saxophonist, composer, and smooth jazz recording artist of Native American, African American and Caucasian descent. Meadows has released a total of 9 albums to date.-Upbringing:...
covered the song from his album In Deep. - In 2005, Italian artist Flexter released a Euro House cover of the song.
- In 2006, Snoop DoggSnoop DoggCalvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
also sampled the beat of "Thank You" on his song "Round Here" from his 2006 album, Tha Blue Carpet TreatmentTha Blue Carpet TreatmentTha Blue Carpet Treatment is the eighth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg; released by Geffen Records on November 21, 2006. The album debuted at number five on the Billboard charts.- Album information :...
. The song was produced by Dr. DreDr. DreAndre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
. - In 2008, West Coast rapper The GameThe Game (rapper)Jayceon Terrell Taylor , better known by his stage name Game, formerly The Game, is an American rapper and actor. As a member of G-Unit, he rose to fame in 2005 with the success of his debut album, The Documentary, which earned him two Grammy Award nominations...
's song "My LifeMy Life (The Game song)"My Life" is the third single from The Game's third studio album, LAX which was released on August 22, 2008. The song, produced by Cool & Dre, features Lil Wayne.-Recording:Producers Cool & Dre have released a video documenting how they created the beat....
" samples the piano melody of "Thank You". This song was produced by Cool & DreCool & DreCool & Dre are a team of hip hop producers from Miami, Florida, consisting of Marcello "Cool" Valenzano and Andre "Dre" Christopher Lyon.-Epidemic Records:...
. - Also in 2008, MandopopMandopopMandopop is a colloquial abbreviation for "Mandarin popular music." It is categorized as a subgenre of commercial Chinese-language music within C-pop. Mandopop was the first variety of popular music in Chinese to establish itself as a viable industry. As the name implies, Mandopop features songs...
singer Jolin TsaiJolin TsaiJolin Tsai was born on 15 September 1980. She is a Taiwanese Golden Melody Award-winning Mandopop singer, dancer and actor. She is managed by Mars Entertainment Ltd .-Career:...
covered "Thank You" in her English cover album Love ExerciseLove ExerciseLove Exercise is Taiwanese Mandopop artist Jolin Tsai's first English studio cover album. It was released on 30 October 2008 by Gold Typhoon , formerly EMI Music Taiwan...
.
Eminem's "Stan"
Eminem's critically acclaimed single "StanStan (song)
"Stan" is the third single from The Marshall Mathers LP, by rapper Eminem featuring Dido. It peaked at number one in the United Kingdom and Australia. It is also included on Curtain Call: The Hits, performed with Eminem and Dido as well track 17 on Curtain Call: The Hits as a live Performance from...
" samples the first verse of the song for its chorus. Dido herself appears in the music video for "Stan" and has made appearances on Eminem's tours to perform the song. When Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
performed "Stan" live at the 2001 Grammy Awards
Grammy Awards of 2001
The 43rd Grammy Awards were held on February 21, 2001. Steely Dan was the biggest winner winning three awards including Album of the Year for Two Against Nature. U2 was also a big winner winning three awards as well; including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Beautiful Day. Dr...
, Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
sang the Dido sample as he played piano during the performance.
Deep Dish version
The house duo Deep DishDeep Dish
Deep Dish is a duo of DJs and house-music producers consisting of Iranian-American members Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia and Sharam Tayebi. Based in Washington, D.C., Shirazinia and Tayebi are well known for providing house or dance remixes of tracks of famous stars such as Madonna, Cher and Gabrielle,...
remixed the song, it won a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
for "Best Remixed Recording" in 2002.
Music video
Dido recorded a music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for "Thank You". In the video, Dido has not paid her bills, and the government comes to tear down her house. The construction workers put an eviction notice on her door and move her things out. Dido, who seems oblivious to the fact that her house has been barricaded, is seen simply singing the song. In the end, she is escorted out of her home and is forced to walk the streets with a backpack and suitcases.
The end of the video implies that her house is being torn down for redevelopment (her home is sandwiched between two large skyscrapers). The video was directed by Dave Meyers
Dave Meyers (director)
David "Dave" Meyers is an American music video director.-Career:Meyers has directed over 200 music videos including: P!nk's "There You Go", "Most Girls", "You Make Me Sick", "Get The Party Started", "Don't Let Me Get Me", "Feel Good Time", "Stupid Girls", "U + Ur Hand", "So What", "Please Don't...
and was released in January 2001.
Charts
| Charts (2001) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Austrian Singles Chart | 1 |
| Belgian Singles Chart (Flanders Flanders Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp... ) |
12 |
| Belgian Singles Chart (Wallonia) | 19 |
| Canadian Singles Chart Canadian Singles Chart The Canadian Singles Chart is currently compiled by the U.S.-based music sales tracking company, Nielsen SoundScan . The chart is compiled every Wednesday, and is published by Jam! Canoe on Thursdays.... |
1 |
| Dutch Singles Chart | 8 |
| French Singles Chart | 15 |
| Irish Singles Chart | 5 |
| Italian Singles Chart | 20 |
| German Singles Chart | 17 |
| Greek Singles Chart | 3 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 1 |
| Norwegian Singles Chart | 5 |
| Russian Singles Chart | 1 |
| Spanish Singles Chart | 1 |
| Swedish Singles Chart | 22 |
| Swiss Singles Chart | 1 |
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
3 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
3 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Hot Dance Club Play The Hot Dance Club Songs chart is a weekly national survey of the songs that are most popular in U.S. dance clubs... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks Adult Top 40 is a variation on the United States Billboard charts... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks The Adult Contemporary chart is a weekly chart published in Billboard magazine that lists the most popular songs on adult contemporary and "lite-pop" radio stations in the United States... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard Top 40 Mainstream | 1 |
Track listing
CD- "Thank You" (Album Version)
- "Thank You" (Deep Dish Not Elton Vocal)
- "Thank You" (Skinny Mix)
Enhanced CD
- "Thank You" (Album Version)
- "Thank You" (Deep Dish Not Elton Vocal Radio Edit)
- "Thank You" (Skinny Mix)
- "Thank You" (CD-Rom Video)
Wider popularity
In an interview on BBC Radio 3BBC Radio 3
BBC Radio 3 is a national radio station operated by the BBC within the United Kingdom. Its output centres on classical music and opera, but jazz, world music, drama, culture and the arts also feature. The station is the world’s most significant commissioner of new music, and its New Generation...
in 2005 Katharine Worsley, Duchess of Kent, who, after relinquishing royal
Royal family
A royal family is the extended family of a king or queen regnant. The term imperial family appropriately describes the extended family of an emperor or empress, while the terms "ducal family", "grand ducal family" or "princely family" are more appropriate to describe the relatives of a reigning...
duties, worked as a classical music teacher, chose Thank You as one of her favourite pieces.
It was also voted the 57th Most Annoying Pop Songs We Hate To Love in a recent poll on BBC.