Breakdown

Album: Tantric (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was Tantric's first single. Three of the members - Todd Whitener (guitar), Jess Vest (bass), and Matt Taul (drums) - were original members of Days Of The New, a very promising band that made some noise with the song "Touch, Peel And Stand" in 1997. After a few incidents, Days Of The New lead singer Travis Meeks fired them, so they recruited Hugo Ferreira to sing and formed Tantric in 1998.

    It took about a year, but Tantric landed a deal with Madonna's Maverick Records, which released "Breakdown" at the end of 2000 a few months ahead of their self-titled debut album. The song went to #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart and Tantric spent the summer touring with 3 Doors Down and Lifehouse. They released another album with Maverick in 2004 called After We Go before moving to a smaller label. By 2007, Ferreira was the only original member still in the lineup. "Breakdown" ended up being their biggest hit.
  • The song is aimed at the kind of person who makes a big mess for everyone around him, but never seems to think he's doing anything wrong. "Maybe you can find the reason that no one else is living this way," Hugo Ferreira asks him in this song.
  • The music video was directed by Marcos Siega, who also did "Last Resort" for Papa Roach and "Chop Suey" for System Of A Down. It shows a kid getting bullied relentlessly at school before someone lends him a hand at the end.

Comments: 4

  • Anthony from North Cape May, NjMeeks is not doing that good at all
  • Randy from Colerain Twp., OhI am surprised that "Astounded" isn't listed- that is also a good song. BTW, how is Travis Meeks doing with the current 'Days Of The New'? It appears to me that he had pulled the same thing as Axl Rose- reforming a new band that simply isn't worth a deuce.
  • Ashley from Moncton, CanadaYes, Tantric is an awesome band, and this is my favourite song from 2001, it just plain rules.
  • Ryan from Salt Lake City, UtTantric is an awesome band with meaningfull lyrics
see more comments

Editor's Picks

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal Tap

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

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.