About the song
“Shattered Dreams” is a striking and memorable track by the English musical group Johnny Hates Jazz, which made a significant impact upon its release in March 1987. Featured as the lead single from their debut studio album, *Turn Back the Clock* (1988), this song was penned by the band’s lead singer, Clark Datchler, in a modest home studio setup. Despite the simplicity of the studio—equipped with only an upright piano, a 4-track portastudio, a drum machine, and a keyboard—Datchler managed to craft a song that would resonate deeply with listeners across the globe.
The song’s journey began modestly, debuting at number 92 on the UK Singles Chart. However, its infectious melody and poignant lyrics, paired with its extensive radio airplay and heavy rotation on MTV, propelled “Shattered Dreams” to new heights, eventually reaching number 5 in May 1987. The track’s success was not confined to the UK; it also made waves internationally, breaking into the top 10 in countries such as Canada, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and West Germany. In the United States, the song made a notable impression, topping Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart for a week and peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The music video, directed by the acclaimed David Fincher, was shot entirely in black and white, which Datchler favored for its artistic expression. This visual choice further helped to cement the song’s place in pop culture. The track’s success was a testament to Datchler’s songwriting prowess, which, despite initial skepticism from the industry, was affirmed by his father’s enthusiastic praise.
Lyrically, “Shattered Dreams” explores themes of personal disillusionment and the broader sense of broken dreams that individuals and societies face. Datchler originally intended the song to reflect the gravity of divorce, but he acknowledged that its message has broader implications, touching on various forms of shattered dreams—be they personal, environmental, or societal. Despite its introspective and somewhat somber themes, the song’s upbeat tempo creates a compelling contrast, making it a unique blend of serious subject matter and vibrant musical energy. This juxtaposition is a hallmark of Datchler’s songwriting, where he often combines profound lyrical content with upbeat, engaging music.
Video
Lyrics
So much for your promises
They died the day you let me go
Caught up in a web of lies
But it was just too late to know
I thought it was you
Who would stand by my side
And now you’ve given me, given me
Nothing but shattered dreams, shattered dreams
Feel like I could run away, run away
From this empty heart
You said you’d die for me
Woke up to reality
And found the future not so bright
I dreamt the impossible
That maybe things could work out right
I thought it was you
Who would do me no wrong
And now you’ve given me, given me
Nothing but shattered dreams, shattered dreams
Feel like I could run away, run away
From this empty heart
You’ve given me, given me
Nothing but shattered dreams, shattered dreams
Feel like I could run away, run away
From this empty heart
From this empty heart
I thought it was you
Who said they’d die for love
And now you’ve given me, given me
Nothing but shattered dreams, shattered dreams
Feel like I could run away, run away
From this empty heart
You’ve given me, given me
Nothing but shattered dreams, shattered dreams
Feel like I could run away, run away
From this empty heart
Oh, no, no, no
You said you’d die for me
Oh-oh, you’d die for me
So much for your promises
So much for your promises