The Meaning Behind The Song: “Break It Down Again” by Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears, the British pop band formed in the early 1980s, created music that would define the sound and vibe of that era. Their song “Break It Down Again” was released in 1993 as part of their album “Elemental”. The song has an upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics, but what is the meaning behind it? Let’s dive into the lyrics of “Break It Down Again” to uncover the true message.
Verse 1: “The more you see, the less you know”
This is the first line of the song, and it sets the tone for what’s to come. The more people see, the less they know because they see so many things that it becomes overwhelming. This could be a reference to the media or the fast-paced world we live in.
Verse 2: “Don’t find yourself an enemy”
This line is a message to the listeners not to become enemies with anyone because it’s not worth the time or effort. It’s better to let things go and move on with life, rather than holding onto grudges and negative feelings.
Chorus: “Break it down again, no more sleepy dreaming”
The chorus is the most prominent part of the song and contains the main message. “Break it down again” means to take things apart and examine them closely. It’s a call to action for listeners to break down their thoughts and feelings to understand themselves better. “No more sleepy dreaming” refers to not just going through the motions of life but being present and making an effort to understand oneself.
Verse 3: “The only way is up”
This line refers to a positive outlook and belief that things will only get better. No matter how low or hopeless a situation may seem, there is always a way out, and it’s up to the individual to find the courage to move forward.
Chorus: “Break it down again, no more sleepy dreaming”
The second chorus repeats the message of the first chorus, emphasizing the importance of breaking down thoughts and feelings and being present in life.
Verse 4: “A message to the heart, to make the come-back start”
The final verse is a message to the hearts of the listeners, encouraging them to start fresh and make a comeback. This can be interpreted as a call to action for listeners to make positive changes in their lives.
Overall, “Break It Down Again” is a song about breaking down one’s thoughts and feelings to understand oneself better and move forward in life. The upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics make it an enjoyable song, but the message is equally important.
FAQs:
1. What inspired Tears for Fears to write “Break It Down Again”?
“Break It Down Again” was inspired by the fast-paced world we live in, where people see so many things but know so little. The band wanted to encourage listeners to break down their thoughts and feelings to understand themselves better.
2. What was the reception to “Break It Down Again” when it was released?
“Break It Down Again” was a commercial success and reached number 20 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.
3. Did Tears for Fears tour after the release of “Break It Down Again”?
Yes, Tears for Fears embarked on a world tour to support their album “Elemental” after the release of “Break It Down Again”. They performed in North America, Europe, and Australia.
4. What other songs did Tears for Fears release?
Tears for Fears released other hit songs such as “Shout”, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, and “Mad World”.
5. Was the meaning of “Break It Down Again” open to interpretation?
Yes, the meaning of “Break It Down Again” was open to interpretation, as with most art forms. The message behind the song could be different for every individual listener.
6. What genre of music does “Break It Down Again” belong to?
“Break It Down Again” belongs to the pop-rock genre.
7. Did Tears for Fears write their own songs?
Yes, Tears for Fears wrote their own songs. The members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith were the primary songwriters for the band.
8. Who produced “Break It Down Again”?
“Break It Down Again” was produced by Alan Griffiths and Tim Palmer.
9. What was the music video for “Break It Down Again” like?
The music video for “Break It Down Again” featured the band performing the song in a warehouse. It also featured various people, including a man with a giant paper maché head and a group of blue-painted people.
10. Did Tears for Fears win any awards for “Break It Down Again”?
Although “Break It Down Again” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, it did not win the award.
11. What was the inspiration for the album “Elemental”?
“Elemental” was inspired by the band’s personal struggles and the changes they were experiencing in their lives. It was their first album in seven years, and they felt the need to capture their experiences and emotions in their music.
12. Are Tears for Fears still performing today?
Yes, Tears for Fears is still performing today. Roland Orzabal continues to tour under the name Tears for Fears and performs their classic hits as well as new material.
