Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” remains a quintessential 90s pop-rock anthem, securing a notable #5 spot on the charts in January 1996. This seemingly innocuous tune achieved a level of widespread appeal that belies its somewhat complex relationship with its cinematic namesake. Emerging during the Friends era, alongside bands like Del Amitri and The Rembrandts, Deep Blue Something carved a niche with this catchy, guitar-driven confection, echoing the then-popular sound pioneered by the Gin Blossoms. This period also saw the rise of similar acts such as the Goo Goo Dolls and Third Eye Blind, all contributing to a landscape ripe for melodic, accessible rock.
A lavish Danish breakfast spread featuring pastries, fruits, and savory items, evoking a sense of morning indulgence and connection to the song title "Breakfast at Tiffany's".
However, the song’s connection to the beloved 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s starring Audrey Hepburn is tenuous at best. Blake Edwards’ movie, adapted from Truman Capote’s novella, presented a sanitized, romanticized version of Holly Golightly. Hepburn’s portrayal, while iconic, softened the edges of Capote’s more complex character, transforming her into a G-rated socialite. The film, despite its flaws, achieved significant box office success and garnered Hepburn an Academy Award nomination, solidifying its place in popular culture, even inspiring a cover of “Moon River” by Morrissey.
Deep Blue Something’s ability to extract a hit from this cinematic reference point speaks volumes about effective marketing and the song’s own inherent appeal. Originally recorded for their 1993 album 11th Song, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was revisited and given a second life on their 1995 album Home. The subtle addition of electric guitar strums in the chorus marked a minor alteration, yet the song’s sonic landscape is often described as somewhat muted, characterized by what some critics have termed a “wind tunnel mix.” This production style, however unintentional, contributes to the song’s overall feeling of lightness and lack of depth.
Lyrically, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s the song” centers around a dialogue between a couple grappling with their differences. Singer-songwriter Todd Pipes adopts a sincere, almost plaintive tone as he recounts conversations with a girlfriend who loves Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The verses unfold as snippets of their interactions, revealing a relationship dynamic built on mild bewilderment and frustration. The lyrics themselves are straightforward, bordering on simplistic, utilizing everyday language and sentiments that resonate with a broad audience. While some might find the dialogue uninspired, it effectively captures a relatable sense of modern relationship anxieties.
Despite its lyrical simplicity and somewhat diluted connection to the source material, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” surprisingly reached the top of the UK charts. This chart-topping success in Britain, amidst a wave of nationalistic fervor and in competition with tracks like Fugees’ “Ready or Not” and The Chemical Brothers’ “Setting Sun,” highlights the song’s undeniable popular appeal, even if it was perceived by some as a lightweight entry in the 90s music scene. In conclusion, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s the song” by Deep Blue Something stands as a testament to the power of catchy melodies and relatable themes, even when loosely tethered to a more substantial cultural artifact.
