Breaking Glass

Album: Low (1977)
Charted: 54
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to Paul Trynka, the author of David Bowie's biography Starman, this short, one-verse song was inspired by a row Bowie had with his wife Angie's friend, Roy Martin. They were visiting him in the studio and an argument started which developed into glasses being thrown. Co-producer Tony Visconti and Bowie's friend Iggy Pop had to run in and pull Bowie away from Martin. Bowie later penned the track with his bassist George Murray and drummer Dennis Davis.
  • A reworked, longer version was a regular on Bowie's 1978 tour and the singer's performance of the song at the Philadelphia Spectrum was used as the lead track on a 7" EP to promote Bowie's live album, Stage in the UK. The EP reached #54 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1978.
  • Nick Lowe's 1978 track, "(I Love the Sound of) Breaking Glass," is a parody of this song.
  • Just before this album was recorded, Bowie became interested in Aleister Crowley and the Qabalah and the lyric "Don't look at the carpet, I drew something awful on it" reportedly refers to Bowie's practice of drawing the Tree of Life on the floor.
  • The version on Low runs just 1:51. A 3:28 version was issued in some European countries, but didn't come to America until 2017 when it was included on Bowie's boxed set, A New Career In A New Town.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

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.