Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” remains an iconic earworm from the 1990s, achieving a peak chart position of #5 in January 1996. This seemingly innocuous pop-rock track, with its jangly guitars and singalong chorus, captured the zeitgeist of the Friends era, alongside bands like Del Amitri and The Rembrandts. These groups, much like Gin Blossoms before them, found success crafting catchy, guitar-driven pop songs, paving the way for future hits from Goo Goo Dolls and Third Eye Blind. But what is it about “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something that resonated so widely, and how does it connect to the classic movie of the same name?
Audrey Hepburn elegantly enjoying breakfast in a scene from the movie 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', a film that inspired the 90s hit song by Deep Blue Something.
The song, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” arguably succeeds in mirroring the lighthearted charm of the 1961 film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn. Blake Edwards’ movie, based on Truman Capote’s novella, transformed Holly Golightly into a more palatable, G-rated character for mainstream audiences. Hepburn’s portrayal, at the height of her captivating beauty, alongside George Peppard’s rendition of the narrator, created a romanticized vision of New York bohemian life. While the film included memorable scenes and Hepburn earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance, it also faced criticism for its softened edges and, notably, Mickey Rooney’s offensive portrayal of a Japanese character. Despite these controversies, Breakfast at Tiffany’s became a box office success and a cultural touchstone, even inspiring Morrissey to cover the film’s iconic song, “Moon River.”
Deep Blue Something’s ability to score a hit with “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” speaks to the power of effective record label support and a catchy tune. Originally recorded for their 1993 album 11th Song, the band revisited the track for their 1995 album Home. The re-release featured subtle changes, primarily the addition of electric guitar strums in the chorus, although the song’s overall production maintains a somewhat lo-fi, almost muffled quality. Todd Pipes, the singer-songwriter for Deep Blue Something, delivers the lyrics with sincerity, painting a picture of a relationship defined by differing tastes and cultural references.
The lyrical content of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” centers around a dialogue between two people in a relationship. The woman in the song expresses her love for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, while the male perspective, presumably Pipes himself, grapples with their apparent lack of common ground. Lines like “You say, ‘We’ve got nothing in common'” highlight this disconnect. However, the song hints at a potential bridge when the male character suggests doing something they both might enjoy – going to see Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This simple suggestion becomes a symbol of compromise and finding common ground despite differences. While the lyrics might not delve into profound depths, they capture a relatable dynamic in relationships – navigating individual preferences and seeking shared experiences.
Interestingly, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” achieved the coveted number one spot on the UK charts. This success in Britain, during a period of strong national pride in music, suggests a widespread affection for the movie itself, even if the song’s American pop-rock sound was a stylistic outlier compared to the chart-toppers of the time. During its reign, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in the UK charts was surrounded by tracks like Fugees’ “Ready or Not” and The Chemical Brothers’ “Setting Sun,” showcasing a diverse musical landscape. Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” ultimately carved out its place as a memorable one-hit wonder, forever linked to 90s pop culture and the enduring allure of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic film.
