Falling Down

Falling Down
Selena Gomez & The Scene
Released	August 25, 2009
Format	Digital download
Recorded	2009
Length	3:05
Label	Hollywood Records
Writers	Ted Bruner, Trey Vittetoe, Gina Schock
Produced by	Ted Bruner, Trey Vittetoe

Falling Down is a song performed by the American band Selena Gomez & The Scene. It was co-written and produced by Ted Bruner and Trey Vittetoe. Gina Schock of The Go-Go's also receives writing credits. The song was released on August 25, 2009 as the lead single from their debut album, Kiss & Tell. The upbeat dance-pop song contains heavy usage of synths has prominent pop rock characteristics and lyrically is a mix of elaboration of a bad relationship and according to Gomez, a ridicule of fame. Most critics complimented Gomez's delivery and catchy lyrics. Falling Down received minor commercial success in multiple countries, charting in the lower regions of the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Hot 100. The song's accompanying music video features Gomez at a photo-shoot, and she and the band performing on a stage. The band performed the song a number of times, including on the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars.

Background, release

The song was written by Ted Bruner, Trey Vittetoe and Gina Schock of the Go-Go's, who also contributed to other songs on Gomez's debut album. Lyrically, Falling Down is said to be in regards to accusations of wrongdoing and has a sense of longing for a non-benefiting relationship. However in an interview, Gomez stated, during an interview that the song ultimately is a ridicule of the Hollywood life and fame, that was the meaning behind "Smile for the camera, 'cause they're all about to trash ya'." Gomez further elaborated on the concept of the song on an interview with Just Jared Jr., saying: "It's basically about Hollywood and what people think about it and essentially how plastic it is sometimes. It's fun and I think girls can relate to it somewhat, for me it was because of Hollywood but it can really relate to a mean girl, an ex-boyfriend, to whoever."

Chart performance

The song debuted on the September 12, 2009 edition of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at number ninety-three. It later peaked at eighty-two. In the same week, Falling Down also appeared on the Canadian Hot 100 Canada, debuting at number sixty-nine. It spent two weeks on the chart, falling to eighty-two in its second week. It re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number ninety-two for the week ending January 9, 2010. The song managed to peak at eleven on the Australian Hitseekers Singles Chart at number eleven. On the Japan Hot 100 Falling Down debuted at number twenty-four on the week dated March 6, 2010. A week later, it peaked at number fifteen on the chart.

Music video

The music video to Falling Down, directed by Chris Dooley, was first seen on Disney Channel, succeeding Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie on August 28, 2009. It became available for purchase on iTunes the next day.

The music video commences with shots of Gomez singing the first lines, "whoa, whoa," and bright lights shining upon her; she is wearing a gray shirt, black tights and boots and has long brown hair. Then, the rest of the band, composed of four male members, is seen as Gomez dances and nods her head. The background in the music video is a large projection of patterned geometrical figures that constantly alter to divergent colors. Gomez is then seen in a "photo shoot-like" set wearing a white shirt and a zebra-patterned skirt. As the video progresses Gomez and the rest of the band are seen singing, dancing, playing instruments and using props. Gomez holds a mirror and plastic roses, which she then throws away, in conjunction to the song's lines. The video ends with Gomez taking a quick bow while still holding her microphone.

Track listing

• Digital download:
  1. Falling Down - 3:05

Credits, personnel

• Songwriters: Ted Bruner, Trey Vittetoe, Gina Schock
• Production: Ted Bruner, Trey Vittetoe
• Mixing: Clif Norrell

Charts

Charts (2009-2010)	Peak Position
Australian Hitseekers Singles Chart	11
Canadian Hot 100	69
Japan Hot 100	15
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	82

Release history

Region	Date	Format
Canada	August 25, 2009	Digital download
United States
Australia	September 25, 2009

Music video

Selena Gomez & The Scene - Falling Down

Selena Gomez & The Scene - Falling Down