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

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."