About the song
“We Belong” by Pat Benatar
Released in October 1984, “We Belong” by Pat Benatar stands as one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant songs in her career. Known predominantly for her powerful rock anthems and fierce attitude in earlier hits like “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, “Love Is a Battlefield”, and “Heartbreaker”, “We Belong” marked a significant stylistic shift for Benatar. The song showcased a softer, more melodic side of her artistry, blending pop-rock with adult contemporary sensibilities.
Background and Context
By the time Pat Benatar released “We Belong”, she was already an established figure in the American rock scene. Throughout the early 1980s, Benatar had carved out a niche as one of the few prominent female rock vocalists of the era, winning multiple Grammy Awards for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
“We Belong” was released as the lead single from her sixth studio album, Tropico, in 1984. This period marked a transition for Benatar both musically and personally. The song’s more refined, introspective tone reflected her desire to experiment with different musical directions and themes beyond the hard rock territory she was known for.
The song was written by Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro, a songwriting duo who would later become known as the folk-rock duo Lowen & Navarro.
Musical Style and Production
Musically, “We Belong” differs from Benatar’s earlier rock-heavy catalog. It blends elements of:
Soft rock
Pop-rock
Adult contemporary
The song features:
Gentle acoustic guitar work
Layered synthesizers
Subtle drum programming
Soaring harmonies, particularly in the chorus
A focus on melody and vocal emotion rather than guitar-driven power
Benatar’s vocal performance is one of the highlights of the track. She restrains her trademark powerful belting in favor of a more controlled, expressive, and haunting vocal delivery, demonstrating her range and emotional depth.
The song was produced by Neil Giraldo, Benatar’s longtime guitarist, producer, and husband, whose careful production choices gave the track a smooth, radio-friendly finish while retaining its emotional weight.
Lyrical Themes
Lyrically, “We Belong” deals with connection, destiny, and the inescapable pull of human relationships. The song’s narrative focuses on a couple grappling with their undeniable bond despite challenges and emotional turmoil.
Key lines like:
“We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under”
evoke a sense of spiritual connection and inevitability, suggesting that some relationships transcend logic or circumstance. The metaphorical references to light, thunder, and sound create a poetic backdrop that enhances the song’s emotional resonance.
This universal theme of longing and emotional surrender made the song relatable to a wide audience.
Commercial Performance and Chart Success
“We Belong” became one of Pat Benatar’s biggest commercial hits. It peaked at:
#5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of her highest-charting singles.
#3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, indicating its wide crossover appeal.
The song also charted in several international markets, reaching the Top 10 in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.
In the UK, it peaked at #22 on the UK Singles Chart.
The single helped propel the Tropico album to platinum status in the United States, reaffirming Benatar’s commercial viability during the mid-1980s.
Music Video and MTV Popularity
The music video for “We Belong,” directed by Jim Yukich, was widely played on MTV, helping to further the song’s success. The video features dreamlike, surreal imagery, with Benatar seen in various visually striking settings, including desert landscapes, stormy skies, and close-up emotional performances.
This was one of Benatar’s most visually ambitious videos at the time, helping to enhance the song’s mystical and ethereal feel. The video earned praise for its cinematic qualities and Benatar’s emotive on-screen presence.
Critical Reception
Critically, “We Belong” was praised for its mature songwriting, lush production, and Benatar’s vocal performance. Many reviewers at the time noted that the song marked a turning point in her career, showcasing her ability to handle more nuanced and emotionally driven material.
Over the years, the song has earned a place in numerous greatest hits compilations and 80s music retrospectives, often cited as one of her most memorable tracks.
Cultural Legacy
More than three decades after its release, “We Belong” continues to have cultural significance:
It has been featured in films such as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and various television series, including Parks and Recreation.
The song frequently appears on 80s nostalgia playlists, karaoke favorites, and wedding playlists, thanks to its themes of connection and love.
Benatar herself continues to perform the song during live shows, where it remains a fan favorite.
Additionally, the song’s universal message of unavoidable emotional bonds has kept it relevant across generations.
Conclusion
In summary, “We Belong” by Pat Benatar is a timeless pop-rock ballad that captures themes of love, destiny, and emotional commitment. Its ethereal production, heartfelt lyrics, and mature vocal delivery showcased a new side of Benatar’s artistry and helped solidify her place as one of the most versatile and enduring female artists of the 1980s. Decades later, the song remains a symbol of emotional strength and human connection, continuing to touch listeners across the world.