“Walking on Broken Glass” is a song written and performed by Scottish singer Annie Lennox, taken from her 1992 album, Diva. This song peaked at #14 in the Billboard 100, #1 in Canada and #8 in the UK in 1992.
The video was directed by Sophie Muller, the music video is based in part on the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons, and on period films dealing with the late 18th century, such as Amadeus. John Malkovich, who starred in the film.
A very well done pop song. For some reason, the song has always reminded me of something Squeeze would do.
From Songfacts
The video was based on the 1988 movie Dangerous Liaisons, with elaborate costumes inspired by film, which was set in France during the 1700s. John Malkovich, who starred in the movie, also appeared in the video, as does Hugh Laurie, who went on to star in the TV show House. With the string section and harpsichord sound, the music fit the theme.
Contrary to the lilting melody, the lyrics describe a woman who is anguished over a breakup.
The elaborate photography on the Diva album was done by Anton Corbijn, who also worked with U2 and Depeche Mode. >>
Annie Lennox recalled the song’s promo in a blog promoting her 2009 greatest hits album: “This was a wonderful video to create. There were some wonderful people involved – John Malkovich and Hugh Laurie (before he had an American accent)! That was tremendous fun. The idea of it being a period piece, like Les Liaisons Dangereux. The alternative title for ‘Broken Glass’ could easily have been ‘Hell hath no more fury than a woman scorned.’ The video is very wry and tongue-in-cheek. People can take me a little seriously sometimes, but I do actually have a rather radical sense of humor.”
The music video was helmed by prolific director Sophie Muller, a frequent collaborator of Annie Lennox who cut her teeth directing several Eurythmics clips, including “I Need A Man,” “You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart,” and “Angel.”
Walking on, walking on broken glass
Walking on, walking on broken glass
You were the sweetest thing that I ever knew
But I don’t care for sugar, honey, if I can’t have you
Since you’ve abandoned me
My whole life has crashed
Won’t you pick the pieces up
‘Cause it feels just like I’m walking on broken glass
Walking on, walking on broken glass
The sun’s still shining in big blue sky
But it don’t mean nothing to me
Oh, let the rain come down
Let the wind blow through me
I’m living in an empty room
With all the windows smashed
And I’ve got so little left to lose
That it feels just like I’m walking on broken glass
And if you’re trying to cut me down
You know that I might bleed
‘Cause if you’re trying to cut me down
I know that you’ll succeed
And if you want to hurt me
There’s nothing left to fear
‘Cause if you want to hurt me
You’re doing really well, my dear
Now everyone of us was made to suffer
Everyone of us was made to weep
We’ve been hurting one another
Now the pain has cut too deep
So take me from the wreckage
Save me from the blast
Lift me up and take me back
Don’t let me keep on walking
I can’t keep on walking, keep on walking on broken glass
Walking on, walking on broken glass
Walking on, walking on broken glass
Walking on, walking on broken glass
Walking on, walking on broken glass
She had such a powerful voice then.
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She really did…She sometimes is overlooked. I liked this song right away when I heard it.
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She definitely did not get the credit she deserved. Did you see her perform with David Bowie in the Freddie Mercury tribute a few years ago? FANTASTIC!
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Yes I saw that. It was great….I don’t know if people think of her as an eighties new wave singer…but she can sing anything.
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She sure can, just like Pat Benetar.
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Yea Benetar gets passed off as just a rock singer also.
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I know, but she has an awesome voice Neal Geraldo is a pretty gifted guitar player as well.
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Love this one. I really like Hugh Laurie I the video – pretty much doing his Prince George from Blackadder. Apparently the strings inspired Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe.
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Interesting way it ends — with her back in his arms! Wonderful song by Annie Lenox.
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I really like the song… I meant to do this one last week
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good song. Annie has a great voice, and like I expressed here not long ago somehow I never quite warmed up to Eurythmics but some of her solo stuff (like this one) I think are very good
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Does this song remind you of Squeeze at all? It’s probably just me.
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hmm, hadn’t thought of that but if I listen to it just musically and discard the vocals, I’d say yes there is some similarity. A good little tune
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Another one I like.
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This song to me is completely forgettable, but it’s really fun to see an old video with Hugh Laurie and John Malkovich.
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Problem is with me…I can’t forget this song…it sticks in my head.
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