We Break the Dawn

Album: Unexpected (2008)
Charted: 47
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was originally a slower number, but a re-mixed version featuring Flo Rida transformed the song into an uptempo jam.
  • This was co-written by Solange Knowles, who is the sister of Williams' former Destiny's Child bandmate Beyoncé. About.com asked Williams how she came across the song. She replied: "Well actually, that was one of two songs on my album that was already demo-ed, and I loved the song. The beat was so infectious and I was happy that Solange wrote the song. In the beginning I caught myself trying to stand apart and I didn't want to bug Beyoncé or Kelly to write something on the album. I was trying to stand on my own. Then low and behold, Solange ended up writing the song and I'm glad."
  • Williams told About.com about the story behind the video: "Well, the great director by the name of Phil Griffin, this was his debut in the United States. He's from the UK - so his vision was just something different from what all the other video directors wanted to do. For this video, I did want to do the club thingy, because when you think of We Break The Dawn - of course, I'm always doing something unexpected, something different. I titled the album Unexpected, so when the director was like 'we're doing red carpets in the middle of the street, in Los Angeles,' you know, my red carpet, I thought that was so cool. Introduce me to the world."
  • Michelle Williams told Digital Spy about this song: "It's (produced) by Andrew Frampton and Wayne Wilkins, two guys from the UK who've worked with Kylie Minogue. Solange wrote the actual track. I actually wasn't trying to work with anybody who's close to me because of the comparisons. I just wanted to stand on my own and do it by myself, but I heard the song and I had to put my pride aside. I called Solange and said, 'Hey, I love this song,' and she said, 'It's yours'. It's about those nights where you go out to a club and keep on dancing 'til the sun comes up."

Comments: 1

  • Tiffany from New York , NyHer album featuring the single "We Break The Dawn" will be released on August 12th!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

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."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.