Blondie’s hit song inspired by a stalker

“One Way Or Another” by Blondie is based on an experience frontwoman Debbie Harry had with a stalker ex-boyfriend. In an incredible turnabout of power, the song ended up being one of the major hits on the band’s commercial breakthrough album, Parallel Lines. It’s an inspirational tale about making something positive out of a very negative experience. Find out more in this episode of the Behind The Song podcast.

Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo

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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is a radio DJ at WDRV-FM in Chicago, the city she calls home with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam.

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[stevenfunderburg]

Someones blouse shirt thing is thematically on point 🤘

[PaulJackson]

Hey Janda, keep up the great work. I have some song suggestions for future Behind The Song episodes.

Gimmie Shelter - Rolling Stones
Baba O'Riley - The Who
My Hero - Foo Fighters
Mother Love - (final Queen song recorded with Freddie Mercury)
Mama I'm Comin' Home - Ozzy Osbourne
45 - Shinedown
Tom Sawyer - Rush
Hotel California - Eagles
Numb - Linkin Park
Wanted Dead Or Alive - Bon Jovi

Ok, maybe more than "some" but still so many great songs
to dive deep into.

[kdawgaz]

Perhaps your best Behind The Song episode yet. Good for Debbie Harry for fighting her way through adversity in her early days. Fortunately her birth parents were strong enough and loving enough to bring her into this world. We are often blessed in ways that we don't realize at the time because they are initially struggles!

[missjoshemmett]

All I know is that I went to Harmony House and told the guy the "getcha getcha getcha" line. He said, "I think I know that" and we went to the punk section and there was One Way or Another and I said, "That's it!" And bought it. Walking back to the counter I asked, "Do you watch BJ and the Bear?" The guy said, "THAT'S where I heard it!!!" Yup, they played that song so often, Greg Evigan, in an interview said, "I think that's our theme song." Of course, Greg sang the theme song written by Glen A. Larson, himself.
Missing Robbie Robertson...RIP

[catherine]

In the car with Ted Bundy... Yikes! I will be seeing Blondie tomorrow night. I am sure this song will be in the set list. I am looking forward to seeing this legendary band.

[katk]

This was more than i ever knew. Great background, especially the stalker and song explanation. The whole car thing..flipped out. You descibed her perfectly as a New York Survivor. I think her style and music was ahead of her time. A jam packed episode. Thanks for another great one!

[luciferseven]

Saw Blondie a few years ago at Riotfest Chicago and they opened with this song. Amazing show

[DonJoyce]

Creepy story! But love the new steady direct gaze... teleprompter, i presume!

[andredr_eas]

Thanks for this - and all of your - great video.
Always very interesting !

[Whitleytheth]

perfect and very informative...thankful ma'am 💚

[cenfran]

As ALWAYS, excellent work. Great choice full of history. Loved the letters while relating song pieces, might consider longer sentences to grasp better.

[alfoerster]

I really enjoy all your BHT episodes I find them informative & insightful.
I look forward to more Great content!
How about a song from Boston?

[timlamping]

Thank Coyote Ugly, where it was included in the soundtrack for a big resurrection.

[howwwwwyyyyy]

Deb Harry is an exceptional woman, despite her looks!!