Breakeven (song)
2008 single by the Script
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"Breakeven", also titled "Breakeven (Falling to Pieces)" is a song by the Irish pop rock band the Script. It was released on 24 November 2008 as the third single from their first album, The Script (2008). The song peaked at number 10 in Ireland, number 21 in the United Kingdom, number 12 in the United States Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 in Australia.
| "Breakeven" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by the Script | ||||
| from the album The Script | ||||
| B-side | "None the Wiser" | |||
| Released | 24 November 2008 | |||
| Recorded | 2008 | |||
| Genre | Pop rock | |||
| Length | 4:21 | |||
| Label | Sony | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| The Script singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio sample | ||||
Composition
Lyrics
According to co-writer Danny O'Donoghue, the line "What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you?", which is in the song's chorus, was inspired by the line "The greatest thing about me was always you" from the 2003 Christmas romantic comedy film Love Actually.[2]
Music video
The music video premiered on BBC Radio 1's website on 29 September 2008.[3] It was recorded at the Great South Wall in Dublin. Before recording began, the Dublin radio station FM104 had a competition for a listener to appear in the music video. The music video shows clips of the band's home city of Dublin, Ireland, and the band performing.
The video almost created minor controversy when Danny O'Donoghue's ex-girlfriend was supposed to be cast as an extra but this was avoided when the producers chose a different girl.[4] The video was number 2 on the 2010 VH1's Top 40 Videos of the Year.
Live performances
- The band performed "Breakeven" on an episode of The Paul O'Grady Show which was shown on 30 October 2008.
- As a support act for U2 on the third concert of their 360° Tour at Croke Park, the band included this song in their set.[5]
- On 14 October 2009, they performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in the United States.[6]
Track listing
- CD single[7]
- "Breakeven" - 4:21
- "None the Wiser" (Guardian Demo)
- German CD single[8]
- "Breakeven" - 4:21
- "Lose Yourself" (Radio 1 Live Lounge Session)
- German Maxi single[9]
- "Breakeven" - 4:21
- "None the Wiser" (Guardian Demo)
- "Lose Yourself" (Radio 1 Live Lounge Session)
- "Breakeven" (Music Video) - 4:15
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[40] | 5× Platinum | 350,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[41] | Platinum | 90,000‡ |
| Germany (BVMI)[42] | Gold | 300,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[43] | Gold | 25,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[44] | 4× Platinum | 120,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[45] | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[46] | 2× Platinum | 2,709,000[47] |
| Streaming | ||
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[48] | Gold | 900,000† |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 29 September 2009 | Mainstream airplay | Epic | [49] |
Cover versions
On 19 November 2012, Samantha Jade performed "Breakeven" during The X Factor Australia series four grand final performance show.[50] Her performance of the song debuted at number 87 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart.[51] On 25 August 2013, Jade and The X Factor Indonesia series one runner-up Novita Dewi released a cover version of "Breakeven" on the iTunes Store through Sony Music Australia.[52]
Canadian singer Tate McRae performed a cover of the song during her North American tour in March–April 2022.[53]
On 27 May 2025, Jourdan Blue performed a cover of the song during America's Got Talent season 20, earning a Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel.[54]