Once I had a love and it was divine/
Soon found out I was losing my mind.
Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” is a song that bridges the gap between 70s disco and the electric keyboard-heavy, synthesizer sound of the 80s. This time period was probably the driest stretch of great music for rock and pop music: 1975-1990. This is a great representative of the disco sound. Disco was simply the dance music of the 70s. It is comparable to club music of the last 20 years: usually it is best when you are in a certain mood, and for the most part there are few great songs in the genre.
Many things combine to make “Heart of Glass” a fantastic song. Deborah Harry’s unique vocals really drive the song and give it the signature “Blondie” sound. She uses unexpected phrasing and changes in octave to create a unique sound. The synthesizers work for this song. For most songs, synthesizers are the wrong choice; for this song it is the right choice. The fuzzy guitar goes along with it perfectly.
The lyrics of “Heart of Glass” also matches the music well. The lyric is about how she seems to be perceiving her love is one thing when it is another: Usually she thinks it is good when it is really bad. The music is so out there that you feel like your reality is being skewed. The fuzz boxes, wailing organ and sliding up the guitar makes me picture neon lights, or carnivals with fun-mirrors. Great production!
Lyrics Heart Of Glass
Once I had a love and it was a gas,
Soon turned out had a heart of glass.
Seemed like the real thing, only to find,
Mucho mistrust, love’s gone behind.
Once I had a love and it was divine,
Soon found out I was losing my mind.
It seemed like the real thing but I was so blind,
Mucho mistrust, love’s gone behind.
In between
What I find is pleasing and I’m feeling fine.
Love is so confusing there’s no peace of mind.
If I fear I’m losing you it’s just no good
You teasing like you do.
Once I had a love and it was a gas,
Soon turned out had a heart of glass.
Seemed like the real thing, only to find,
Mucho mistrust, love’s gone behind.
Lost inside
Adorable illusion and I cannot hide.
I’m the one you’re using, please don’t push me aside.
We coulda made it cruising, yeah…
Yeah, riding high on love’s true bluish light
Once I had a love and it was a gas,
Soon turned out had a heart of glass.
Seemed like the real thing only to find,
Mucho mistrust, love’s gone behind.
In between
What I find is pleasing and I’m feeling fine.
Love is so confusing there’s no peace of mind.
If I fear I’m losing you it’s just no good.
You teasing like you do.
Songwriters: Chris Stein / Deborah Harry