About the song
“Heart of Glass,” a defining track by the American new wave band Blondie, stands as a testament to the band’s innovative approach and enduring influence in the music world. Written by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, this song was a standout feature on Blondie’s third studio album, *Parallel Lines*, released in 1978. As the album’s third single, “Heart of Glass” hit the charts with remarkable success, reaching the number one spot in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, by January 1979.
Its impact and significance in music history are underscored by its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time, where it was ranked 255th in 2004, 259th in 2010, and 138th in 2021. Additionally, it secured a place in Slant Magazine’s list of the greatest dance songs and was recognized by Pitchfork as one of the best songs of the 1970s. Billboard also honored it as one of the top 500 pop songs in 2023. In the UK, it remains among the top 100 best-selling singles of all time, with impressive sales figures.
The song’s journey began in the early 1970s when Harry and Stein first wrote a version titled “Once I Had a Love.” This initial version, characterized by a slower, funkier sound with a basic disco beat, was influenced by the disco hits of the time, notably The Hues Corporation’s “Rock the Boat.” Although this early rendition did not achieve the desired effect, it laid the groundwork for what would become “Heart of Glass.”
The evolution of “Heart of Glass” saw it undergo several transformations before finding its definitive form. In 1978, the song was re-recorded with a more pop-oriented approach, and it was during this period that the disco vibe was introduced. The exact source of the disco influence remains a topic of debate, with producer Mike Chapman and Harry both credited with steering the song in this direction. Regardless of its origins, the track’s embrace of disco elements marked a significant shift for Blondie, reflecting their versatility and openness to experimentation.
The final version of “Heart of Glass” not only showcased Blondie’s ability to blend genres but also highlighted their fascination with electronic music, inspired by bands like Kraftwerk. The song’s rhythmic structure, which deviated from conventional disco patterns, further exemplified its innovative nature. With its distinct blend of disco and electronic influences, “Heart of Glass” captured the essence of a transformative era in music and solidified Blondie’s place as pioneers of the genre. Its enduring legacy continues to be celebrated, as evidenced by its Grammy Hall of Fame induction and ongoing accolades.
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Lyrics
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
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Yeah, riding high on love’s true bluish light
Ooh, oh, ooh, oh
Ooh, oh, ooh, oh
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
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, da, da, la, la, la, la, la, la, la