top of page

Breakout

SWING OUT SISTER

written by Andy Connell, Corinne Drewery and Martin Jackson

produced by Paul Staveley O’Duffy

 

I, ...LOVE, ...this, ...song...—big shocker there, I’m sure—and to be

frank, I love its video even more. This quirky trio from Manchester,

England—which became a duo in the later ’80s—was easily best

known for this song, which dented the charts worldwide and burned

all the way up US Adult Contemporary to #1. Six years later, they accomplished the same feat with “Am I The Same Girl?”, displaying some steam and staying power into the ’90s.

SOS was formed as a British three-piece with lead singer Corinne Drewery, keyboardist Andy Connell and drummer Martin Jackson. Martin left the band while making the sophomore album, Kaleidoscope World. Since then it’s been Corinne and Andy, a fair piece into the 21st century. They scored their first record deal in ’85—Mercury Records—and pounded out their first and most successful album, It’s Better To Travel, in the following two years. It included their first and non-charting 1985 single “Blue Mood,” as well indeed as—intended pun coming, wait for it—their “Breakout” hit.

All it takes is one look at the video to gather what a wonderfully whimsical sense of humor SOS carries with them and aren’t afraid to let show, while still turning out a piece of unmistakably and undeniably ’80s pop perfection. The video depicts Corinne and the lads in the monotony of working in a fabric factory, and the thrill of breaking... well, you get where this is headed. It culminates in a modulated chorus and Corinne parading barefoot out onto a modeling runway, shooting us that knowing wink of hers that’s also on the “Breakout” single cover. (Besides which, I must admit I’ve a weakness for her bob ’do.) The vid on SOS’ YT channel is all black and white with a cyan tone. There’s also a half-BW&C

version of the video that’s splashed with full color—of which I have an inferior version downloaded, but have just found a slightly better quality on YT. Cheers, enjoy!

Have notes to add? Let me know!

YT:

full version

BW&C music video

BW&C color music video

S.O.S.’s official website

 

1986

Lyrics

Breakout! When explanations make no sense When every answer’s wrong You’re fighting with lost confidence All expectations gone The time has come to make or break / Move on, don’t hesitate Breakout Don’t stop / To ask Now you’ve found a break to make at last (wooo-0000) You’ve got to find a way Say what you want to say / Breakout When situations never change Tomorrow looks unsure Don’t leave your destiny to chance What are you waiting for The time has come to make or break Breakout x2 Some people stop with nothing If you’re searching for something Lay down the law, shout out for more / Breakout and shout, day in, day out / Breakout Breakout x2 Don’t stop (Lay down the law, shout out for more) To ask (Breakout and shout, day in, day out) Now you’ve found a break to make at last (Oooh, breakout/wooo-oooo) (And breakout) Find a way Say what you want to say And breakout x1/[repeat and fade]

first release: Breakout (single) (1986)

second/album release: It’s Better To Travel (1987/05/11)

BREAKOUT {Single}—Swing Out Sister.jpg
IT’S BETTER TO TRAVEL—Swing Out Sister.j

audio treated sample

This page was originally made on June 8th, 2021 and last edited on July 23rd, 2021

bottom of page