Heaven Is Paved With Broken Glass

XTC · Other Songs - XTC

Heaven is paved with broken glass,

Since your hammer struck my heart,

This world, a hell of trees and grass.

All is wrong like north gone south,

There's a bad taste in my mouth.

Everything was stars,

'til you had a notion to leave,

Beauty marks turned to scars,

Bet you had a laugh up your sleeve.

Congratulations love, love, love, love.

You made a fool of me and physics.

Heaven is paved with broken glass,

Since your hammer struck my heart,

This world, a hell of trees and grass.

All is wrong like north gone south,

There's a bad taste in my mouth.

Everything was gold,

'til you thought you were above me,

Soldier turns to rogue,

Pretty turns to pretty ugly.

Congratulations love, love, love, love,

You made a fool of me and physics.

And I'm feeling cheated,

And I'm feeling used,

And what's even worse is,

You just look amused.

Heaven is paved with broken glass,

Since your hammer struck my heart,

This world, a hell of trees and grass.

Since your hammer struck my heart.

Heaven is paved with broken glass.

Heaven Is Paved With Broken Glass

Released by XTC in 1982, 'Heaven Is Paved With Broken Glass' stands as a defining track of the post-punk era, blending sharp lyrical observation with a driving, rhythmic guitar sound. The song exemplifies the band's signature approach, merging intellectual lyricism with an infectious, danceable groove that pushed boundaries within the genre. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the tension between societal expectation and individual reality, delivered with the band's characteristic wit and melodic precision. As a key component of XTC's discography, the recording remains a touchstone for fans of the era, showcasing the group's evolution from their earlier experimental roots into a more polished, mainstream-oriented sound while retaining their unique artistic identity.