“Heart of Glass”
Last month, I began with a whine about the heat and humidity coming to Central Indiana. Well, I had no idea what heat and humidity were compared to the last several days. I have not done much of anything except try to keep my outdoor plants alive. You’ve seen my indoor plants and know there’s no hope for them! Anyway, welcome to the last Monday in August and another edition of Songful Style! Suzy and Shelbee decided to riff (see what I did there) on Style Imitating Art only with music! Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of The Grey Brunette, and I make up the bloggers in this group. You can find all of us on our blogs and Instagram. Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. This month, I got to choose the song. Last month, Shelbee selected “Freak Flag.” Oh, and there’s a link party, too!
The artists…
The group, Blondie, formed in New York City after Debbie Harry and Chris Stein left another group, the Stilettoes. They added a bassist (Fred Smith) and a drummer (Billy O’Connor) and set off to make music in 1974. Originally, the group called themselves Angel and the Snake, but they settled on Blondie as that’s what truckdrivers would yell at Harry. They began recording but didn’t hit the mainstream until the release of Parallel Lines in 1978. This album, containing “Heart of Glass,” sold 20 million copies worldwide and was the band’s best selling album. Another song on the album was “One Way or Another.”
A little more…
The group was nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1981. They lost to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band for “Against the Wind.” In 1982, they recorded “The Hunter” but broke up later that year. Following a several year hiatus, the group reformed in 1997 and continue to tour and produce albums. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
But really…
I think, for most people, Debbie Harry is Blondie. When you listen to any of the band’s songs, her voice is what hits you first. I suppose that’s true of most bands. Harry’s voice, however, is almost ethereal as she sings those high notes. Try to imagine some other person singing “Heart of Glass,” “Rapture,” or “Call Me.” And, for those of us who are more visual, you can’t escape the Blondie-ness of Harry’s two-toned hair! Over the years, she had to fight for recognition as a singer in her own right as many people assumed her name was Blondie Harry! At times, she insisted on Deborah rather than Debbie, and at other times, Debbie was fine, too. Debbie Harry is approaching 80 years old and still rocking! I wish I were half that cool!
The song…
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
What does it mean…
As I watch the first video below, it doesn’t appear that this song would be about a lost love and mourning, not only that lost love, but any future loves that may disappear into the ether as easily as the first love. Harry’s smile doesn’t seem at all sad, right? But, the song is, indeed, about a past love, mistrust, and maybe even being ghosted (“soon found out I was losing my mind”). Throw in a verse about fearing losing another love, and this song just seems like the perfect “sit on my couch, cry into my ice cream, and binge Netflix because my boy/girl friend just left me” song, right? Apparently, the song was first written in the early 70s, but the group couldn’t make it work. It wasn’t released until January, 1979.
“They were just a plaintive moan about lost love. At first, the song kept saying, ‘Once I had a love, it was a gas. Soon turned out, it was a pain in the ass.’ We couldn’t keep saying that, so we came up with, ‘Soon turned out, had a heart of glass (source).'”
The video…
Interesting covers…
I really like Postmodern Jukebox, but I’m not so sure I like this version of the song. It’s definitely a jazzy, speakeasy kinda version. I think it’s trying just a wee bit too hard.
I can’t figure out if this guy reminds me of Buddy Holly or those old scratchy recordings from the 20s and 30s. Either way, he has an amazing falsetto! Even if you don’t like the visual, you should hang on for that last bit!
This singer’s voice most closely resembles Harry’s. And, like Harry, she’s smiling throughout the song. I do love the milk crates stacked up behind, and the drummer has definitely got some kind of 70s vibe going on!
Unfortunately, my favorite heavy metal dude from Norway hasn’t covered this, but I found this group of young emo dudes. This was posted to YouTube in 2020 so during lockdown. I think the vocalist does an amazing job with the falsetto (but not really falsetto) parts.
This was not my favorite, but I was curious about how Miley Cyrus would sing this song. I don’t think her particular voice is suited to this song. That could be because I really love Debbie Harry’s voice, and Miley Cyrus’ voice is nowhere close. She doesn’t hit those high notes and goes deep and dirty which may, in fact, be more true to the song.
My interpretation…
I always wonder about actors and musicians looking back at their videos. Do they think, “Gosh, I looked hot!” Well, they probably don’t use the word, gosh! Anyway, Debbie Harry looks so slim and youthful in every video I watched. One of the things I noticed was her use of sheer pieces of fabric and black or colorful tights. So, I went from there. In the official video, it looks like she’s wearing a slip dress. I pulled out the other slip dress I have from Kantha Bae, another sleeveless tee from Old Navy, and, since it’s a bit cooler, even pulled on a pair of black tights! I didn’t have any sheer fabric, but I did have this from scarf from Talbots. I think the colors play well with the dress.
The Lewk!
I didn’t notice Debbie Harry wearing much in the way of jewelry. I thought back to the 70s (yes, I can remember back that far), and I remember wearing hoops. So, I pulled out this pair of silver hoops. She was also wearing stilettoes, and I have never had any of those. These are my one and only pair of pumps so they had to do! They are beautiful black suede with trapunto edging. And, they are more than a decade old.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
For many of us, Debbie Harry and Blondie were the soundtrack of our youth. I loved watching videos of her as much for her music as for her hair! Now that I think about it, I’m not sure how I saw any videos because this was pre-MTV. But, I remember this messy hair with the dark color in the back. So, can we talk? Did you think Blondie was part of Debbie Harry’s name? What do you think of the covers? Do you have a favorite song from the 70s? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk. I honestly do respond though it may take me a few days.
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Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend with Emma every Thursday. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
Marsha, I love how you added some much needed colour to this challenge! The pinks of that dress with the scarf are gorgeous. I don’t know how you managed to wear tights though. If it had been winter, I might have worn some but there was no way I could at this time of year…not even for five minutes lol!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks so much, Suzy! I wish I had something slinky (that fit) and filmy like hers, but I didn’t. I got lucky on the day we took the photos because it had cooled off just enough to be out in tights for that short period of time!
That is one gorgeous dress which drapes beautifully and the colours are divine. How interesting this song is and what a beauty Debbie Harry was and still is at 80! What a role model! And also how interesting that you thought of steampunk. I too am very intrigued by steampunk but don’t know a great deal about it. It is one step further I think from goth. Now a goth look I do attempt every now and then. And I think why not dress like that, but steampunk is very very out there. I’d love to find a convention or steampunk weekend somewhere to investigate it a bit more.
Thanks Marsha – what an interesting post and that floaty dress is lovely!
Thanks, Penny! I think steampunk is so much fun, but I really don’t think I could pull it off. You have to believe you’re steampunk, right? I think you could definitely do it with the right accessories…you’re kind of halfway there with the goth looks.
I was astounded when I read Debbie Harry was 78 and still rocking and rolling. It just seems like it was a few years ago that she was singing “Heart of Glass.” I don’t know why we are so surprised when you’ve got all those old male rockers still going strong…oh, yes, I am…there weren’t that many solo women acts back then.
Thanks again, Penny!
Well, you already know I love this slip dress! And that scarf is amazing with it. I thought it was a wrap or a kimono at first. I didn’t realize it was a scarf draped over your shoulders. So pretty and what a fabulous print mix! I remember a long time ago thinking Debbie Harry’s name was Blondie! I was a little confused when I learned that Blondie is the band name and not the individual! I imagine that was a struggle for her trying to carve out her own identity. But she definitely succeeded! This was super fun!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee. This is actually a different slip dress from the other one. I wanted something to swirl around (though I never really did that). I was so happy when the prints and colors went together. I thought Blondie might be her nickname way back when. I’m glad Debbie Harry was able to become her own person and continues to rock out!
This is so good Marsha! I love your hair like this too and of course you’re wearing pink! Blondie is a favorite of mine and I remember when Heart of Glass came out, it is still a favorite song of mine!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I was trying to get my bangs to go like hers and just got lucky! I remember that song as well as all the others. I loved Blondie!
CAN YOU BELIEVE SHE WAS BORN JULY 1, 1945
Kathy, I was shocked when I saw how old she is. And, she’s still performing! Amazing, right?
Oh it sure looks like you had fun with this one! I love that you picked the pink and black from the video and that slip style dress looks so flowy and comfy.
Thanks, Joanne! I really struggled with it because I am definitely not as cool as Debbie Harry! But, I did like the result.
First off, your email cracked me up. Your mind is definitely all around and up and down!!
I’m so ignorant when it comes to music, so I always love your information. And the outfit is fabulous.
I had no idea there were so many renditions of this song,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hahaha!!! I taught with two of the best women. We called it pinging…we’d ping from one thing to another as we were planning or doing professional development. But, we always knew what each was talking about and could finish each other’s sentences!
I love music though I’m not musical. My youngest is amazing, though. He plays just about every instrument under the sun and has recorded several albums/eps/etc. When I need to know something about music, a group, or an instrument, I ask him.
Thanks, Jodie!
Oh she was so cool! I remember even my dad was intrigued by her. Your dress is very pretty!
Thanks, Nancy! I always thought Debbie Harry was just the height of cool!
I am in awe of these mix of colors and prints with this look! All the shades of pink are gorgeous and work well with this song theme. Miley Cyrus is the perfect person to do this cover. Thanks for sharing it!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I was actually looking for a completely different scarf (I must have donated it) and this one seemed to go well!
I honestly do not know much about Blondie but now I’m listening to this song as I read your blog and others. Then I’m going to go listen to the covers as well. This was such an interesting post and that outfit is so awesome! I love it! I love your style. I have no style at all. Ha!
I’m off to check out any posts I’ve missed and listen to Blondie now.
Thanks, Lisa! I think some of the covers are pretty good…especially the guy out in the country. I really like Postmodern Jukebox for other songs just not this one.
I’m working on my style…it still seems to be evolving!
I didn’t recognize the song from the lyrics but once she started singing…Oh yeah, THAT song! I like how you used the dress and tights to channel your inner Debbie Harry in a colorful way.
Yeah…that song! You were probably very young when this came out, Sally! I have decided, when it comes to fashion challenges, I’m going to use the challenge as an inspiration, but do me!
Thanks, Sally!
“Captivatingly melodious, ‘Heart of Glass’ weaves a songful style that resonates deep within. A harmonious blend of emotion and rhythm, leaving an indelible mark on the soul. ??✨”
That is very true. Thanks!
It is always fun to see what you will come up with!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I usually have lots of fun with these, but sometimes, they are a bit harder!