Sunday Sounds: July 19, 2020, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”

Posted On July 19, 2020

Samantha Colleran, July 2020

Ladies, gentlemen, and all those in between, today I’d like to talk to you about a song that should have been a One Direction single. With the upcoming ten year anniversary of One Direction’s formation (come back on Thursday for a more in depth post regarding my thoughts on that), I’m making it my duty to introduce you all to one of their greatest songs, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”. The third track from the band’s fourth studio album, conveniently titled Four, is one that packs an all too powerful pop rock punch. “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” is a song in the One Direction discography that should never have been overshadowed the way it was, it should be given the proper credit it deserves. And that’s exactly what I intend on doing today.

The song kicks off with a piano driven intro, and Niall starts us off with the perfect amount of grit as he sings “All the rest of my crimes don’t come close/ To the look on your face when I let you go”. After the glorious first verse sung by Niall (apart from the last line, which is sung by everyone), Zayn effortlessly leads us into a chorus begging the question, “Where do broken hearts go?” after “searching every lonely place/ Every corner calling out your name”. Liam and Harry tackle the second verse; Liam taking on the first half with his smooth, ever so lovely voice, “Yeah, the taste of your lips on the tip of my tongue/ Is at the top of the list of the things I want”; Harry following shortly behind with that typical croon he delivers so perfectly. He echoes Niall’s words from the first verse; we’re reminded that it took some time, but he figured out how to fix up a heart that he let down. We have a chorus led by Zayn and Harry, the others joining in and amplifying the sound and giving it that sweet, sweet stadium rock sound. Harry takes us through the bridge, asking the broken hearted lover the band sings to “Will you ever love me again?”. The final chorus showcases the vocals of Zayn, Louis, and Harry; Louis’ underrated powerhouse of a voice shining through as he belts out “Tell me where you’re hiding out”, Harry following shortly behind “Come on baby, ‘cause I need you now”, Zayn echoing those thoughts. The final lines of the song are sung by all five members, once again asking the listener “Where do broken hearts go?”. 

When the song ends you quickly realize we, as listeners, are never actually told where exactly broken hearts go. You’re left wanting an answer but at the same time you know finding an answer would keep One Direction from singing such a fantastic song, so you decide that the question is better left unresolved.

This song is electric when performed live. It’s a crowd pleaser, it delivers such an amazing and unmatched energy. Oh, and just to casually remind you all, when the band performed it on The X Factor UK they had a guest appearance from “a Rolling Stone” as Harry interrupts his solo, none other than Mr. Ronnie Wood. (The first few seconds of the video are a little pixel-y, but I assure you the rest is just fine!)

One Direction – Where Do Broken Hearts Go Live @ The 2014 X Factor Final (w. Ronnie Wood)

I love this song, and I’m so happy to share it with you all. Take a listen to the studio version below, and let me know your thoughts on this incredible number in the comments below! If you’re on Instagram, head over to my story to play along with some 1D themed story games throughout the week!