Breakin' At The Cracks

Album: Breakthrough (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Caillat told Artistdirect.com about this song: "A lot of people didn't want that one on the record because it's sad and very melancholy. I wanted that song on there because I think it's important. Yes, we have these fun, happy up-tempo songs, but I think every artist should have a song that you can cry to. I wrote that song about a family friend of mine who was going through two years of terrible things happening to her. Her two dogs died of cancer. Her parents both died in the two-year span, and her husband left her. She was going through the worst thing that anyone can go through in life. I put myself in her shoes and I wrote about it. I wrote about what was happening to her, and how she was "Breaking at the cracks, everything was going black and it's like a million heart attacks." On the next part of the song, I wanted to show that you can get through it—it's not the end of the world. There are ways you can get past these really difficult times in life."

Comments: 1

  • Linda from Oakland, CaWhat a gorgeous song. Colbie sounds so appropriately sad. Great to read about the background of the song here before I heard it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.

Charles Fox

Charles FoxSongwriter Interviews

After studying in Paris with a famous composition teacher, Charles became the most successful writer of TV theme songs.