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

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."