Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” remains a quintessential earworm of the 1990s, peaking at #5 on the charts in January 1996. This seemingly innocuous pop-rock tune, however, carries a weight of cultural references and musical tropes that deserve a closer look. While appearing simple on the surface, the song’s connection to the iconic film and its place within the 90s music landscape reveal a more complex story of charm, critique, and perhaps, a touch of emptiness.
The Innocuous Appeal of 90s Pop-Rock
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” arrived during an era where “innocuousness” was practically a genre in itself. In the wake of grunge and alternative rock, a wave of bands like Del Amitri, The Rembrandts, and the Gin Blossoms found success crafting catchy, guitar-driven pop songs. These were the days of Friends dominating television, and similar musical acts thrived by offering easily digestible, radio-friendly hits. Think of the Goo Goo Dolls’ impending breakthrough with “Name” or the soon-to-come hits from Third Eye Blind – “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” slotted comfortably into this sonic space, a three-minute confection designed for singalongs and airplay.
From Silver Screen to Song: A Heavy-Handed Charm
The song’s title immediately draws a connection to the beloved 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Audrey Hepburn. But what exactly does this connection entail? The original article astutely points out the film’s own “heavy-handed charm,” a sanitized adaptation of Truman Capote’s novel. Blake Edwards’ movie transformed Holly Golightly into a more palatable, G-rated character for mainstream audiences. Hepburn, while radiant in the role, played a diluted version of Capote’s complex character, alongside George Peppard’s portrayal of the narrator, stripped of his original sexuality. The film, despite its flaws – including the infamously offensive portrayal by Mickey Rooney – became a box office success and cemented Hepburn’s iconic status. Even Morrissey’s cover of “Moon River” underscores the movie’s enduring, if somewhat saccharine, appeal. Deep Blue Something’s song, in a way, mirrors this saccharine quality, capturing the film’s superficial charm without delving into any deeper substance.
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's
Lyrical Dialogue and Production Pitfalls
Musically, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is described as having a “wind tunnel mix,” a sonic characteristic that obscures the instrumentation. The addition of electric guitar in the chorus, intended to elevate the song, is almost lost in this muddy production. Lyrically, singer-songwriter Todd Pipes crafts verses as dialogues between a couple with mismatched tastes. The female character loves Breakfast at Tiffany’s, while the male character struggles to connect with her. This dialogue, however, is criticized as being simplistic and cliché, lacking the depth of Capote’s source material or even the nuanced charm of the film it references. The lyrics are described as a blend of “plainspoken and Hallmark card,” evoking a generic romantic scenario rather than a meaningful connection to the film’s themes or characters. The reference to crying during the movie’s “cat scene” further emphasizes the perceived sentimentality and shallowness of the song’s emotional core.
Unexpected UK Chart-Topper and Lasting Legacy
Despite its perceived flaws, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” achieved surprising success, even topping the UK charts. This unexpected popularity in Britain, a nation known for its discerning musical tastes, speaks volumes about the global appeal of the Breakfast at Tiffany’s brand, even if the song itself is a diluted representation. Contextualizing its chart reign further highlights the song’s somewhat incongruous success. Surrounded by hits like Fugees’ “Ready or Not” and The Chemical Brothers’ “Setting Sun,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” stands out as a decidedly less edgy and more mainstream offering. In conclusion, Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” serves as a fascinating case study in 90s pop-rock. It’s a song that achieved considerable commercial success by tapping into the nostalgic charm of a beloved film, even if it ultimately falls short of capturing the movie’s complexity or offering a truly memorable musical experience. Its enduring presence on 90s playlists, however, ensures its place as a curious artifact of its time.
