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About

Genius Annotation

Written in 1998, “Teardrop” is arguably one of Massive Attack’s most popular singles, reaching number 10 on the UK Singles Chart. It features vocals by Elizabeth Fraser of the Scottish band Cocteau Twins, who is known for her ethereal vocal effects and often indecipherable diction.

‘Teardrop’ began life as a simple harpsichord riff plucked by Neil Davidige one April day in 1997. Mushroom, who was the first in the band to hear this solitary riff, took an immediate liking to it, and he and Neil Davidige set to further work on it adding sombre piano chords and beats.

The working title for it at this time was “No Don’t”. Mushroom’s (whose attachment to the song was very high) number-one choice for a vocalist for the song was none other than Madonna, who Massive Attack had previously worked with back in 1995 on “I Want You”. However, both 3D and Daddy G, who had both now heard the early demo of the song at this stage, had another vocalist entirely in mind, Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins.

In the two-against-one split, eventually Mushroom lost out, though not before sending the backing track for ‘Teardrop’ to Madonna, who was apparently in love with the track and was disappointed when the rest of Massive Attack informed her that they already had a vocalist for the song. This is just one of the many occurrences one could cite for Mushroom’s gradual dislike for Massive Attack and, of course, gradual departure from the band in 1999.

While recording the song, Elizabeth Fraser learned of the death of her friend and former lover, Jeff Buckley.


This song is used in the TV series House, Cold Case and on season 1 of Prison Break. There was controversy over the song’s use in House, M.D., and eventually after a dispute with Fox Broadcasting Company the band discontinued its use in the show after its first season.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Massive Attack say about "Teardrop"?
Genius Answer

3D on Teardrop [ChannelV TV – June 1998]:

It’s a moment of light relief from some of the other moments of the album really. It was quite a simple track musically to create and we weren’t sure what to do with it.

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Credits
Copyright ©
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Mixing Engineer
Assistant Mixing Engineer
Engineer
Photography
Recorded At
Massive Attack Studios and Christchurch Studios
Released on
April 20, 1998
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