Lyrics That Rock: Broken By Seether – Ep 1
Episode 1 – Broken by Seether
Show Notes
Broken by Seether
April 19, 2004, South African turned American rock band Seether, released the song Broken. Wildly popular at the time, especially with combination of Evanesence front woman Amy Lee, Shawn Morgan wrote some simple words with a powerful story behind them. Join me as we discover the story behind those words on this episode of Lyrics That Rock.
Lyrics
Lyrics are shortened for the podcast episode
Verse
I wanted you to know, I love the way you laugh
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph, I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
Chorus
‘Cause I’m broken when I’m open
And I don’t feel like I am strong enough
‘Cause I’m broken when I’m lonesome
And I don’t feel right when you’re gone away
Verse
The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There’s so much left to learn and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
Chorus
‘Cause I’m broken when I’m open
And I don’t feel like I am strong enough
‘Cause I’m broken when I’m lonesome
And I don’t feel right when you’re gone away
ABOUT THE SONG
Broken is a powerful ballad by South African rock band Seether, first released in 2002 on their debut album Disclaimer. But its journey to global recognition took a significant turn in 2004 when the song was reimagined and recorded again, this time featuring the haunting vocals of Amy Lee, lead singer of the American rock band Evanescence, and at the time, the girlfriend of Seether’s frontman Shaun Morgan. This new version of Broken would not only find its way onto the soundtrack of the 2004 Marvel film The Punisher, but also onto Seether’s second studio album, Disclaimer II.
The song was released as a single on April 19, 2004, and quickly became a commercial success. It climbed the charts, peaking at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, number three in Australia, and number two in New Zealand. Broken would go on to be certified platinum by both the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), cementing its place as a staple of early 2000s rock.
In the United States, Broken made waves beyond the mainstream charts, becoming Seether’s only song to appear on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It was widely embraced by rock radio, where it peaked at number nine on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number four on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
ABOUT THE LYRICS
From SongMeanings.com
user tootleytoo says:
i think the song is about a lost love. they talk in pastense. it’s like a conversation between each other. as if the lost one was a ghost. and the alive one could see them. it is a sad love song. but i’m a fan of it.
The song’s raw emotional core stems from Morgan’s personal experience. Written during a time of intense personal turmoil, Broken reflects his feelings following the breakdown of his marriage. His wife had chosen to remain in South Africa with their daughter while Morgan relocated to the United States, a decision that ultimately marked the end of their family life together. The depth of loss and heartache that Morgan poured into the song resonated deeply with listeners, and it became one of Seether’s most enduring and iconic tracks.
Morgan had this to say about the song:
In an interview in 2004 he said:
I wrote it two-and-a-half years ago for my daughter, she was just born and I had to come to the States (from South Africa) and I wrote the lyrics for her, it’s about leaving somebody behind, you know that is really painful to do, and ultimately you’re looking to the future saying ‘we’ll see each other again and everything will be fine.’
In 2017 interview with Michael Friedman he said:
I really wanted that family, and I really wanted to be part of that family unit. And I really thought this was going to be my nucleus and my happy place. Ever since then I have had a hard time feeling like I’m worth anything. And ever since then I have had a problem caring. I feel like this emotional desert. I didn’t know where I fit. I have a string of relationships behind me that will tell you the same thing. My insecurities destroyed those relationships, those potentially beautiful things, because I didn’t like being vulnerable, and therefore I wouldn’t do things that put me in a vulnerable position.
Broken Lives On
Broken is more than just a song—it’s an emotional release, a raw reflection of loss, longing, and the complexities of love. Shaun Morgan’s poignant lyrics, shaped by his personal struggles, resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced similar heartache. The collaboration with Amy Lee added an extra layer of vulnerability and depth, transforming Broken into an anthem for those navigating emotional turmoil. While the song may have initially drawn from a place of personal pain, its universal themes of loss and yearning ensure that it continues to touch hearts around the world, solidifying its place as a timeless ballad in rock history.
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