Broken Open

Album: For Your Entertainment (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lambert penned this icy ballad with the song's producer Greg Wells, who is the man behind hits by Pink, Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson. The other co-writer is Evan Bogart whose credits include "S.O.S. (Rescue Me)" by Rihanna and "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" by the Pussycat Dolls. Bogart also co-wrote the album's exclusive iTunes track entitled "Down the Rabbit Hole."
  • Lambert explained to Rolling Stone that this tune, "could put it in the same category as a downtempo Goldfrapp song or even like Radiohead, there's shades of that in there, very electronic but mellow, very ethereal. The lyrics are basically encouraging someone to feel safe in being vulnerable. 'Lay here, it's safe here, I'll let you be broken open.' It's about that moment where someone really opens up emotionally to you. I just wrote that from some experiences that I've had with certain people in my life, and I hope that it comes across that way."

Comments: 1

  • Florida Woman from FloridaThis is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The lyrics and the way Adam sings it reaches inside your being and brings a sort of peace like no other. Totally vulnerable. Just an incredible gift this man has of expressing feelings. I am a forever fan.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.