EURYTHMICS - YOU HAVE PLACED A CHILL IN MY HEART

Released: May 30, 1988

Charted:  US: #64   UK: #16 

"You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart" is a track written by British pop duo Eurythmics. Crafted by bandmates Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, the song is featured on the duo's sixth studio album, “Savage”. Released in May 1988 by RCA, it served as the fourth and final single from the album in the United Kingdom, and as the second single in the United States.

In "You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart," Eurythmics lead vocalist Annie Lennox channels strength and resilience, reflecting on her past feelings of confinement and belittlement by a partner who has left her feeling cold. The song captures her journey toward embracing a love that is nurturing and genuine. While Lennox has drawn inspiration from specific relationships in some of her songs, she hasn't attributed this one to any particular individual. Instead, its theme resonates with any woman who has felt unloved and unappreciated, particularly those navigating the challenges of domestic life. With lines like "A woman's just too tired to think about the dirty old dishes in the kitchen sink," Lennox captures the exhaustion and emotional burden often experienced by women in such situations. While Lennox is renowned for her bold female empowerment anthem "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves," "You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart" showcases a more nuanced and poetic approach, highlighting her lyrical versatility and depth.

The song "You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart" is best understood within the context of two other singles from the "Savage" album: "Beethoven (I Love to Listen To)" and "I Need A Man." In "Beethoven," Annie Lennox portrays a woman who experiences frustration and boredom, leading her to veer off course. Meanwhile, in "I Need A Man," she explores her carnal desires. "You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart" represents a shift towards empowerment and self-awareness, as Lennox emerges from her struggles with a newfound sense of clarity and self-worth.

The thematic connection among these songs is reinforced by their music videos, all directed by Sophie Muller. In the "Beethoven" video, Lennox transforms from a demurely dressed, frustrated housewife into a confident blonde bombshell ready to embrace life. "I Need A Man" sees her performing with newfound confidence in a club setting. Finally, "You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart" features Lennox in a more natural setting, set against the backdrop of the desert—a place often associated with self-discovery and renewal. The video concludes on a positive note, with Lennox embracing a man as fireworks illuminate the sky, symbolizing her newfound happiness and fulfillment.