Behind These Hazel Eyes

"Behind These Hazel Eyes"
File:Kelly bthe2.jpg Kelly Clarkson "Behind These Hazel Eyes" Video
Single by Kelly Clarkson
From the album Breakaway
Single Released	2005
Single Format	Digital single
Genre	Pop
Song Length	3:19
Record Label	RCA
Writers	Kelly Clarkson Max Martin Dr. Luke
Producers	Max Martin Dr. Luke
Certification	Platinum
Chart Positions	#6 US #9 CAN
Single Chronology
"Since U Been Gone" 2004	"Behind These Hazel Eyes" 2005	"Because of You"

"Behind These Hazel Eyes" is the third single from Kelly Clarkson's multi-platinum album, Breakaway.

The single was co-written by Clarkson, Max Martin, and Dr. Luke, and was co-produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke. Surprisingly, the single almost did not appear on the album. When Clarkson was creating the album Breakaway she was not satisfied with the song's original lyrical content, and had considered leaving it off the album. However, a lengthy discussion with Dr. Luke ensued, and the song was rewritten with a new theme and lyrics representing a very personal part of Kelly's life. In this dark rock-anthem, Kelly laments her relationship with a man who has broken her heart and doesn't care about her tears. The lyrics are based on a true story, and is about an ex-boyfriend of Clarkson's who left her in order to marry his own ex-girlfriend.

Chart success

Following the biggest hit of her career, and one of the biggest hits of the 2005 year, there was pressure for "Behind These Hazel Eyes" also to perform well. Although the single did not top any charts, overall it did not disappoint, and entered the Top 10 on most of the charts, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also became notable because it reached the Top 10 while her previous single "Since U Been Gone" was also still there. ("Since U Been Gone" also accomplished this when it entered the Top 10 while "Breakaway" was still there.)

Clarkson also made history when "Behind These Hazel Eyes" along with "Since U Been Gone" made her the first artist ever in history to have two songs in the top three of the Pop 100 Airplay at the same time. The song entered the Canadian chart at number twenty-eight.

Music video

The music video for "Behind These Hazel Eyes", like the lyrics of the song, also includes autobiographical material. In the video, Clarkson is seen as a bride, but she looks uneasy, and then is forced to confront another version of herself in a surreal, dark, gothic forest. At first she tries to pretend that everything is all right, and runs away, only to trip and fall into mud. Clarkson seems upset, but then realizes the other version of her is helping her to realize the true nature of the relationship.

It is only then that she realizes that the wedding cannot continue as she comes to terms with herself and what the marriage will mean. To the horror of the groom, the pastor of the service, and wedding guests, Clarkson begins to scream, tosses her ring back at the groom, and begins to leave the church. Several guests try to stop her, but she only pushes them away, running until she reaches the light of the opening church doors. She is finally free.

The video is based heavily on Clarkson's own personal experiences. Clarkson is credited with the concept and ideas behind the video (which was directed by Joseph Kahn).

On July 14 2005 it had been at number one on MTV's Total Request Live for 29 / 38 days, the most for a solo artist and the most since the fifty-day retirement period began in 2002, and the third highest behind the Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC.

Comprehensive charts

Year	Single	Chart	Position
2005	"Behind These Hazel Eyes"	Billboard Hot 100	#6
2005	"Behind These Hazel Eyes"	Billboard Hot 100 Airplay	#5
2005	"Behind These Hazel Eyes"	Billboard Pop 100	#3
2005	"Behind These Hazel Eyes"	Billboard Pop 100 Airplay	#2
2005	"Behind These Hazel Eyes"	Hot Digital Songs	#3
2005	"Behind These Hazel Eyes"	Hot Digital Tracks	#3
2005	"Behind These Hazel Eyes"	Top 40 Mainstream	#2
2005	"Behind These Hazel Eyes"	Adult Top 40	#11