The Meaning Behind The Song: Nothing Breaks Like A Heart by Mark Ronson (featuring Miley Cyrus)
Mark Ronson’s hit single ‘Nothing Breaks Like a Heart’ featuring Miley Cyrus, has quickly become one of the biggest hits worldwide, with more than 230 million views on YouTube. Although it is an upbeat, danceable and nostalgic track, it is also an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking song with a deep social message. In this article, we explore the meaning behind the song and the lyrical content of each verse and chorus.
The Story Behind “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart”
The song was released on November 29th, 2018, and was co-written by Mark Ronson, Ilsey Juber, Conor Rayne, Thomas Brenneck, The Picard Brothers, Clement Picard and Maxime Picard. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s director and writer, Dan Mazer, directed the music video for the song.
According to Ronson, the song began as an ode to the broken-heart ballads that he fell in love with while growing up: “I’ve always loved really sad songs and sad ballads, always gravitates towards those,” he said in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s Beats 1. “This started out as one, then took on kind of a different life”
The Lyrical Content of “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart”
The song addresses a variety of social issues and is a commentary on contemporary American society and its shortcomings. The song is lyrically very powerful and does not shy away from the difficult subject matter it addresses. Here are the lyrical breakdowns of the song’s verses and chorus:
Verse 1
The first verse of the song talks about the paradox of the American Dream and the harsh reality that many people face. The verse touches on several themes such as the political climate, gun violence, and drug addiction:
“This world can hurt you, it cuts you deep and leaves a scar. Things fall apart, but nothing breaks like a heart. And nothing breaks like a heart”
These lyrics are a commentary on the current state of the United States of America, where shootings and drug addiction are rampant.
Chorus
The chorus is simple yet powerful:
“Nothing, nothing, nothing gon’ save us now. Nothing, nothing, nothing gon’ save us now.”
The repetition of the words “nothing” and “save” suggests that there is a lack of hope or any kind of solution for contemporary American problems.
Verse 2
The second verse talks about the rules and limitations that society imposes on individuals:
“This world can hurt you, it cuts you deep and leaves a scar. Things fall apart, but nothing breaks like a heart. And nothing breaks like a heart.”
The verse is an allusion to the restrictions that society places on individuality and personal freedom. It could also be interpreted as talking about media censorship and the limitations that it imposes on creativity and freedom of speech.
Chorus 2
The second iteration of the chorus is just as simple and powerful:
“Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing gon’ save us now. Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing”
The repetition of the word ‘nothing’ is carried over from the first chorus and is used to emphasise the lack of solutions or hope.
Verse 3
The third verse focuses on love and loss:
“This world can hurt you, it tries to break you, and off your heart. And if you blink too much, you might miss the stars. And it burns, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. When the world falls down, you pick up and start again.”
This verse speaks to the strength of the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity. It is also an ode to love, which is something that can help people hold on when the world around them is falling apart.
Outro
The song’s outro talks about perseverance and hope: “It takes a lot to change a man. Hell, it takes a lot to try. Maybe just the things you plan. You burn out, fade away, it’s a new day, it’s a new day.” This final message shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of change and growth.
FAQs About “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart”
1. What inspired Mark Ronson to write “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart”?
Mark Ronson was inspired to write “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” by the sad ballads he grew up with. He initially intended it to be a ballad, but it took on a different, more upbeat life of its own.
2. What is the meaning of the song’s title?
The title is a metaphor for the difficulties that people face in life. While many things can fall apart, nothing breaks the human heart quite like life’s hardships and trials.
3. What message does the song convey?
The song takes a critical look at contemporary American society and its shortcomings, with a particular focus on gun violence, drug addiction, and limitations on personal freedom. The repeated use of “nothing” throughout the song emphasises the lack of hope and accountability for these issues.
4. What differentiates “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” from other contemporary pop songs?
“Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” is distinguished from other contemporary pop songs by its subject matter and lyrical content. The song conveys a powerful message and tackles difficult issues that aren’t typically addressed in pop music.
5. What is the role of Miley Cyrus in the song?
Miley Cyrus lends her unique voice and musical style to the song. Her emotive vocals add depth and sincerity to the song’s message.
6. Who directed the music video for “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart”?
The music video for the song was directed by Dan Mazer, a British writer and director known for his work on the TV show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
7. What visual elements are present in the music video for the song?
The music video features a car chase, a shot-up television, a burning football field, and a provocative scene where Cyrus rides a wrecking ball. These visuals serve as metaphors for the song’s themes of violence and destruction.
8. What has the reaction to the song been like?
The song has been well-received by both audiences and critics. It has charted highly in many countries worldwide, reaching the top 10 in several countries including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
9. What is the significance of the song’s repetition of “nothing”?
The song’s repetition of “nothing” serves to emphasise the lack of hope and accountability for contemporary American issues. It conveys a sense of helplessness and despair over problems that seem intractable.
10. Does the song offer any hope?
The song’s final lyrics suggest that there is always the possibility of change, even in the darkest of times: “It takes a lot to change a man. Hell, it takes a lot to try. Maybe just the things you plan. You burn out, fade away, it’s a new day, it’s a new day.”
11. How have critics and reviewers responded to “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart”?
The song has been widely praised for its deft handling of difficult subject matter, its powerful message, and its catchy, upbeat sound. Reviewers have noted its depth and sincerity, as well as its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
12. What can we expect from Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus in the future?
While neither artist has released any announcements about future collaborations, many fans are eagerly anticipating new music from both Ronson and Cyrus. Given the success of “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart,” it seems likely that both artists will continue to produce meaningful and impactful music in the years to come.
