Don't Be So Hard On Yourself

Album: I Cry When I Laugh (2015)
Charted: 1
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Songfacts®:

  • This feel-good anthem was penned by Jess Glynne with English songwriter Wayne Hector and the London-based songwriting and record production team TMS. Other collaborations between Wayne Hector and TMS include Sigma's UK chart-topper "Changing" and The Vamps' hit song "Last Night."
  • The Wire actor Clarke Peters co-stars in the music video, which was directed by Declan Whitebloom and follows a grief-stricken young drummer's quest to achieve percussion-greatness.
  • This was Jess Glynne's fifth UK #1, matching the record for a British solo female artist, held by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (formerly Cheryl Cole). Her previous four chart-toppers were:

    2004 "Rather Be" (Guest vocals on Clean Bandit song).

    2004 "My Love" (Guest vocals on Route 94 song).

    2005 "Hold My Hand" (Solo single).

    2005 "Not Letting Go" (Guest vocals on Tinie Tempah song).
  • Jess Glynne told MTV News the story behind the song. "When I was meeting my publisher, managers and label and everything was happening for me, I was going through a really hard time," she explained. "I had my heart broken and I was in a dark place. It was even harder because my dreams were coming true and I had to put a smile on my face every day and power through. This is the message of the song: To not let sadness defeat you."
  • The person who broke Glynne's heart was a girl she'd met while working at an AllSaints apparel shop, distributing shots for an alcohol company. "She was amazing in helping me go forth and work on my music," the singer recalled to Billboard magazine.

    Glynne added that at the time, "I was going out with this guy, whilst basically I fell for her. I feel really bad."

    The girl broke up with Glynne over the phone just as she'd signed her publishing deal and recording contract with Atlantic. The heartbreak inspired several songs on I Cry When I Laugh including this one and "Take Me Home."

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