GUSWORLD
Rant Of The Day THIS RANT 18/07/97

Rant Of The Day is where I get to mouth off about whatever I feel like for however long I like. Theoretically, I'll update my whinge/opinion piece every weekday; in practice, maybe not so often.

The art of lyric writing

Regular Gusworld readers will be familiar with my obsession with Belinda Carlisle, and may even recall my awarding her the Single Of The Week for her sterling track, 'Always Breaking My Heart'. As I noted at the time, this track was composed and produced by Roxette's Per Gessle.

Mr Gessle has produced a solo album recently, and on the first single, 'Do You Wanna Be My Baby?', includes his first demo version of 'Always Breaking My Heart'. While musically it's almost identical (save that Belinda has a better singing voice), there were quite a few changes made to the lyrics between demo and release. Because I like obsessing over these things, I've reproduced both versions of the lyrics below, with the differences in the second version underlined. Budding lyrics writers should pay especial attention. There's a prize for anyone who can explain the second verse of the demo version.

Finished version (Belinda):

Is this what you want
Every finger points at me
This might be funny
If it wasn't such a tragedy
After a while
It gets harder to smile
And pretend that things are OK

Chorus:
So when you need me
In the middle of the night
I won't be there cos
You're always breaking my heart
You're always breaking my heart
You always tear it apart
Yeah oh yeah

So cross yourself now
Get down on your knees and pray
But no powers from heaven
Could ever take the darkness away
I tried climbing the walls
But you've built them too tall
So it's time I walk away now

Chorus

Reach out a hand to hold
Ain't it sad when the distance grows
Two hearts cling to their fates
Remember that first embrace
But I can't worry anymore

Chorus

 Demo version (Per):

Is this what you want
Every finger points at me
I've eaten your words
But are they really here for me
I've tasted before
You crashed at my door
You're bringing some hard stuff baby

Chorus:
So when you need me
In the middle of the night
I won't be there cos
You're always breaking my heart
You're always breaking my heart
You always tear it apart
Yeah oh yeah

So take off your shades
Go get down on your knees and pray
But no powers from heaven
Could ever take the darkness away
My love rides on laughing my eyes
Love talks to the roses
But you bring on bad bad weather

Chorus

Reach out a hand to hold
Ain't it sad when the distance grows
Two hearts cling to their fates
Hurry hurry, don't be late
But I don't worry anymore

Chorus

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