"Breakdown" is a song by American post-grunge band Tantric, released as the band's debut single and as lead single from their self-titled debut album. The song topped the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and reached number four on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The music video found substantial airplay on MTV2.
Background and composition Guitarist Todd Whitener came up with the song while sitting in an Amsterdam hotel. He described the meaning behind "Breakdown" in an interview with MTV: "That song's pretty much about being pooped on and realizing that life is going to move on and you just have to keep your head high. Things will work out in the end, as long as you stay positive".7 Questions With Tantric MTV.com (2001). Retrieved on 12-15-10.
Lyrically, "Breakdown" describes a high school student filled with resentment and self-disgust. In combination with the band's acoustic-heavy sound, "Breakdown" also utilizes a digital effect at the end of the chorus.
Charts Weekly charts Chart (2001)PeakpositionCanada Radio (Nielsen BDS)58Canada Rock (Nielsen BDS)9US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)6US Mainstream Rock Tracks (Billboard)1US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard)4
Year-end charts Chart (2001)PositionUS Mainstream Rock Tracks (Billboard)12US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard)17
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesJanuary 9, 2001Active rock radioMaverickAustraliaMay 21, 2001CD
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