"Crash and Burn" is a song by Australian pop group Savage Garden from their second album, Affirmation, released as the album's fourth single (third in the UK) on 20 March 2000. It reached the top 20 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as well as number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their last hit on the chart.

Background

The song's lyrics describe the difficult search for solace and meaningful relationships in a cold world, peaking in a chorus that argues it is fine to "crash and burn" during tough times in order to get over heartache and pain. In a June 2017 interview, singer Darren Hayes described it as one of his favourite Savage Garden songs: "Musically it’s a dear song to me, because it’s all the words I wished someone would have said to me during the period after the first Savage Garden album."

Music video

The video is shot in a partially fantastical theme, featuring actress Abigail Culwell watching scenes of troubled young adults interspersed with scenes of the group singing in a warehouse. Messages such as "stay connected" and lyrics from the song, such as "fall apart" appear on the screen. At the end of the video, Hayes uses Auslan to sing the last lyrics of the song.

Track listings and formats

Credits and personnel

Credits and personnel are adapted from the Affirmation album liner notes.

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications and sales

Release history