behind these hazel eyes

Song Information

Released in 2005, the song 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 because Clarkson was not satisfied with the song's original lyrical content. However, after a relationship problem, she saw new potential in the song she had once dismissed. A lengthy discussion with Dr. Luke ensued, and the song was rewritten. It emerged with a new theme and darker lyrics representing a very personal part of Clarkson's life.

In this dark song, Kelly laments her relationship with a man who has broken her heart and who does not care about the tears she cried, behind her hazel eyes. The lyrics are based on a true story, and are about an ex-boyfriend of Clarkson's (David Hodges) who left her in order to marry his own ex-girlfriend.

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, who looks uneasy, and is then forced to confront another version of herself in a surreal, dark, gothic forest. At first she tries to pretend that everything in her relationship 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. She must let herself go, and break free from the grasp that her husband-to-be placed around her.

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, and the 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. She is credited with the concept and ideas behind it; it was directed by Joseph Kahn. "Behind These Hazel Eyes" quickly found a large fanbase on MTV's TRL, becoming a regular number-one request. Finally, fifty days later, on August 3, 2005, the video was retired from the top-ten countdown. Clarkson holds the record for the longest stay by a female at number one, with thirty-three days, nearly surpassing the record previously set by the Backstreet Boys.

Mixes

1. Album Version 3:18
2. Bermudez & Harris Lasik Surgery Mixshow 5:20
3. Bermudez & Harris Lasik Surgery Mixshow Edit 3:26
4. Bermudez & Harris Lasik Surgery Mixshow Instrumental 5:20
5. Bermudez & Harris Lasik Surgery Top 40 Radio Mix 3:10
6. Bermudez & Harris Lasik Surgery A Cappella 2:58
7. Bermudez & Harris Lasik Surgery Ulti-Remix 5:20
8. Al B. Rich Remix (aka Mynt Remix) 3:08

Unofficial remixes

These remixes were leaked throughout the web; many being underground remixes.

• Edson Pride Unreleased Club Mix
• Solar Sun Radio Mix
• OranGeFuZzZ Eye Contact Walnut Club Mix
• Cheeba Radio Mix
• Trypsin Club Mix
• Shir-Chen's Radio Mix
• RainDropz Club RMX
• Larissa's Mix
• Dane-E's UNREAL BOOTY BABES Mix
• Miguel Flores's "The Indigo Dreamer" Club Mix
• Hazel 120 V3 Wolf Rough Radio Mix
• Ananyi's Looking Deeper Club Mix
• Mynt Radio Mix
• Sunsplash Club Mix
• Harrington's Club Mix
• Flying Circus Mix
• Beat Gangstaz Mix
• DJ Yoav Mix
• Shpankdankerous Bounce House Tribal Club Mix
• Ruff Draft Radio Mix
• Speedbreaker Radio Mix
• DJ MichaelAngelo Mary J. Blige No More Drama Mashup Radio Mix
• Ander Standing's Nervousness Dub Version
• Acapella Style
• YoungBeatz Mix

Chart performance

Trivia

• The song reached the top-ten of the Hot 100 while Clarkson's previous single, "Since U Been Gone", was still there.

• Clarkson is the only artist in chart history to have two singles ("Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Since U Been Gone") in the top-three of the Billboard Pop 100 Airplay at the same time.

• The song ended up #10 in the 2005 Billboard Year-End charts