Broken

Album: Echo (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Songwriter/producer Novel, who helmed "Whatever It Takes" on Spirit, co-write this track together with Lewis and Bon Jovi/Kelly Clarkson producer John Shanks. Novel told Rap-Up.com about working with Lewis: "She knows exactly what she wants. She's very strong-headed, strong-minded, but the sweetest person. I never had somebody tell me no in the nicest way. When I write something and she may not feel it, she goes [in British accent], 'I don't think I'd actually say that.'"
    He added that the British songstress knows what she wants but keeps her cool. "She's very calm, collected, and has swagger in a very ladylike way," he said. "She's one of those people that's very particular with what she wants vocally. I don't care how many times she does a song, if she ain't feeling something, she's gonna go back and sing it again. She don't give a f--k. She'll call you right before the song's being mixed like, 'I think I want to sing it again.' And it'll be like, 'C'mon, you're killing me!'"
  • This tearjerker is one of nine tracks that Lewis co-wrote, and on most of them she is battling against adversity. The Daily Telegraph November 11, 2009 asked her where all the heartache comes from. She replied: "I'm a positive person, but I'm very, very sensitive. Maybe over-sensitive. I cry in movies, reading books, anything to do with death, just people going through traumatic experiences, anything to do with animals will set me off. There are certain songs I can't go near. I can't sing 'The Wind Beneath My Wings' I can't even hear it without wanting to bawl."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.