The song was released physically and digitally on 7 December 2012, as the fourth and final single from Coulter's third studio album Fear & Freedom (2012).

"Burn It Down" was written by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Samantha Powell, who produced the song under her production name Sammy Jay with Anthony Maniscalco.

[3] The single cover was revealed on 5 October 2012, showing Coulter striking a pose in front of a sky blue backdrop, wearing a yellow sequin dress.

[4] "Burn It Down" was released physically and digitally 7 December 2012, as the fourth and final single from Coulter's third studio album Fear & Freedom.

[7] Nick Bond of the Star Observer noted it as a highlight from the album and wrote that it has "the so-hot-right-now sounds of club-ready dance-pop with the most honest and personal lyrics of her career".

[8] Beat magazine called "Burn It Down" a "Calvin Harris-style banger" and noted that Coulter "overstretches it in the verses, but hits the mark pretty well when the chorus drops".

[2] In April–May 2014, Coulter was the supporting act for Jason Derulo's Australian leg of his Tattoos World Tour, where she performed the song as part of her set list.

[17][18] On 29 September 2012, marketing website StarNow announced that volunteer extras were needed for the beach party and diner scenes of the music video.