Nothing Is Real but the Girl

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“Nothing Is Real but the Girl”
“Nothing Is Real but the Girl” cover
Single by Blondie
from the album No Exit
Released 1999
Format CD Single
Recorded 1998
Genre Pop/Rock
Length 3:28
Label Beyond Records
Writer(s) Jimmy Destri
Producer Craig Leon
Blondie singles chronology
"Maria"
(1999)
Nothing Is Real but the Girl
(1999)
"No Exit"
(1999)
Music sample
Alternate cover
Alternate cover

"Nothing Is Real but the Girl" is a song from Blondie's 1999 comeback album No Exit. Written by the band's keyboardist Jimmy Destri, the song was released as a single in the UK on June 12, 1999 in various formats. A promotional video for the song was also produced.

Due to the incredible success of the album's first single, the number one "Maria", expectations for the song were high. The single, however, performed poorly in the charts, peaking at 26 in the UK and failing to chart in the U.S. In the UK, the band did not release any further singles from the album.

Destri wrote the song with his daughter in mind, however when the song was re-recorded for the single release, the narrative was changed from the third person to the first, shifting the focus of the song onto vocalist Debbie Harry. For example, "Only her eyes feel solid" became "Only my eyes feel solid". New lyrics were also written for the bridge.

[edit] Track listing

All tracks (Jimmy Destri) unless otherwise noted

UK CD 1

  1. "Nothing Is Real but the Girl" (Boilerhouse Mix) - 3:29
  2. "Nothing Is Real but the Girl" (Danny Tenaglia Club Mix) - 9:47
  3. "Nothing Is Real but the Girl" (Danny Tenaglia Instradub) - 5:33

UK CD 2

  1. "Nothing Is Real but the Girl" (Radio Remix With Alternate Intro) - 3:27
  2. "Rip Her to Shreds" (Live) (Harry, Stein) - 3:32
  3. "Maria (Live) - 5:10

UK Cassette

  1. "Nothing Is Real but the Girl" (Boilerhouse Lounge Mix) - 3:26
  2. "Rip Her to Shreds" (Live) (Harry, Stein) - 3:32