# Glory Box

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For the chest used to collect items of clothing or household linen, see [hope chest](/source/Hope_chest).

"**Glory Box**" is a song by English [electronic](/source/Electronic_music) band [Portishead](/source/Portishead_(band)), released on 26 September 1994 by [Go! Beat](/source/Go!_Beat) as the third and final [single](/source/Single_(music)) from their debut album, *[Dummy](/source/Dummy_(album))* (1994). It samples "[Ike's Rap II](/source/Ike's_Rap_II)" by [Isaac Hayes](/source/Isaac_Hayes) and was produced by the band with [Adrian Utley](/source/Adrian_Utley), peaking at number 13 on the [UK Singles Chart](/source/UK_Singles_Chart). Additionally, the song was a top-10 hit in Iceland, while entering the top 20 in France, Ireland and Scotland. Its accompanying music video was directed by Alex Hemming.

## Background and release

Following the song's release as a single on 26 September 1994,[1] Portishead initially opposed its release, feeling that the track was too commercial compared to the rest of their work.[4] [Geoff Barrow](/source/Geoff_Barrow) remarked on the conflict with their record label, stating, "We had a row with the record company because we didn't want to release it because it felt too commercial."[4] Despite their reservations, the single's success contributed to their financial stability, with Barrow adding, "['Glory Box' is] fine in a body of work, but not as a standalone track. We lost the argument really. But we bought houses!"[4] Subsequently, the success of "Glory Box" not only impacted [Beth Gibbons](/source/Beth_Gibbons) financially but also emotionally, as she commented on the challenges of conveying genuine emotion, stating that achieving success with the song sometimes made her feel more isolated.[5] She reflected on its success in an interview with *[the Independent](/source/The_Independent)*: "Then it's sort of successful and you think you've communicated with people, but then you realize you haven't communicated with them at all—you've turned the whole thing into a product, so then you're even more lonely than when you started."[5] She believes that "music is a spiritual thing and it should be treated that way," highlighting its deeper significance beyond commercial success.[5]

## Composition and lyrics

"Glory Box" features a blend of [trip hop](/source/Trip_hop), [electronic](/source/Electronic_music), and [jazz](/source/Jazz) elements, incorporating a prominent sample from Isaac Hayes's "Ike’s Rap 2" alongside original production techniques.[6] It is characterized by a slow, seductive rhythm, deep bassline, and ethereal instrumentation, including a distorted guitar line.[6]

The lyrics explore themes of love and frustration, highlighted by the line, "Give me a reason to be a woman," which conveys a woman's plea for respect and understanding in her relationship.[4][5] Gibbons has expressed concern over the misinterpretation of the song's themes, noting that it reflects feelings of misunderstanding and frustration with life.[4] Gibbons discusses "Glory Box" as a song advocating for sexual equality, stating, "Move over and give us some room," which conveys the idea that men should provide reasons for positive engagement with women.[5] She has emphasized that women are often taken for granted.[7]

## Critical reception

In his weekly UK chart commentary, [James Masterton](/source/James_Masterton) said that "Glory Box" "is definitely one of the more gloriously slinky [indie](/source/Independent_music) records released in ages".[8] A reviewer from *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)* commented: "Put the violin of the late [Papa John Creach](/source/Papa_John_Creach) on top of it, and you get the [Jefferson Airplane](/source/Jefferson_Airplane) for the '90s. Based on a sample from [Isaac Hayes](/source/Isaac_Hayes)'s *Isaac Moods* it's 'suspense dance'."[9] Maria Jimenez from the magazine's Short Grooves wrote: "This bluesy, emotional and hypnotic number is set to a very mellow, minimalistic and spacious [hip hop musical](/source/Hip_hop_music) backdrop. Potent vocals reminiscent of [Cowboy Junkies](/source/Cowboy_Junkies) and intense guitar energy and dub bass amplify the power of 'Glory Box.'"[10]

Andy Beevers from *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)* gave it a score of four out of five, describing it as "another highly original and atmospheric song that is probably too [downbeat](/source/Downtempo) and leftfield for daytime radioplay, but will still sell well".[11] In a separate review, *Music Week* named it one of the "stand-out" tracks from the album and "one of the high spots of 1994".[12] [Andy Richardson](/source/Andy_Richardson_(writer)) from *[NME](/source/New_Musical_Express)* felt that it "makes your heart beat even slower and it's got a good groove."[13] David Sinclair from *[The Times](/source/The_Times)* noted, "This is a strange, shimmering affair, which mixes a scratchy hip-hop rhythm track, descending bass line (a la [Python Lee Jackson](/source/Python_Lee_Jackson)'s '[In a Broken Dream](/source/In_a_Broken_Dream)'), wailing blues guitar and the icily seductive vocals of Beth Gibbons into a highly addictive concoction."[14]

## Music video

The music video for "Glory Box" was directed by Alexander Hemming, produced by Lizzie Ross for Fat Fish Films and released on 14 November 1994.[15] It is set in a 1950s jazz club where Beth Gibbons performs as a jazz singer.[4] The narrative features various office workers, portrayed as separate couples, watching her performance as they attend the club.[4] Sexual tensions begin to rise between them subsequently. The entire cast, apart from the band, appears in drag.[4] Hemming had previously directed the video for "[Sour Times](/source/Sour_Times)".

## Impact and legacy

*[Slant Magazine](/source/Slant_Magazine)* listed the song at number 21 in their ranking of "The 100 Best Singles of the 1990s" in 2011, writing: "Second only to its flawless production, which includes a sample of [Isaac Hayes](/source/Isaac_Hayes)'s '[Ike's Rap II](/source/Ike's_Rap_II)', is Beth Gibbons's impeccable lyrics and vocal performance on 'Glory Box'. Her voice sounding like it's coming out of an antique radio, she's at once coquettish and despondent, like a lounge singer delivering her final [torch song](/source/Torch_song) before slinking off to her dressing room to drown her sorrow in booze and heroin. Her voice blossoms with momentary optimism during the second verse (**A thousand flowers could bloom!**) and, of course, during the song's rousing chorus: **Give me a reason to love you/Give me a reason to be a woman.** A post-feminist anthem from the hungry, seedy depths of lust."[16]

## Track listings

- **UK CD and 12-inch single; Australian CD single**[17][18][19]

1. "Glory Box" (edit)
1. "Toy Box"
1. "Scorn"
1. "Sheared Box"

- **UK cassette single and European CD single**[20][21]

1. "Glory Box" (edit)
1. "Toy Box"

- **US 12-inch single**[22]

- A1. "Glory Box" – 5:06
- A2. "Scorn" – 6:04
- A3. "Sheared Box" – 3:30
- B1. "Strangers" – 3:55
- B2. "Wandering Star" – 4:51

## Personnel

**Portishead**

- [Beth Gibbons](/source/Beth_Gibbons) – vocals
- [Geoff Barrow](/source/Geoff_Barrow) – [programming](/source/Programming_(music))
- [Adrian Utley](/source/Adrian_Utley) – guitar, Hammond organ

**Samples**

- [Isaac Hayes](/source/Isaac_Hayes) – sample of "Ike's Rap II"

## Charts

### Weekly charts

Chart (1994–1995) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[23][24] 96 scope="row" scope="row" Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[25] 41 Europe (European Hit Radio)[26] 27 scope="row" Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[27] 7 scope="row" scope="row" scope="row" scope="row" scope="row" UK Club Chart (Music Week)[28] 97

### Year-end charts

Chart (1995) Position Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[29] 57

## Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref. United Kingdom 26 September 1994 12-inch vinyl · CD · cassette Go! Beat [1] United States 3 April 1995 Alternative radio Go! Discs · London [30] Australia 24 April 1995 CD · cassette Go! Beat · Polydor [31]

## References

1. ["Single Releases"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-09-24.pdf). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. 24 September 1994. p. 25. Retrieved 6 February 2025.

1. Nyre, Lars (2009). [*Sound Media: From Live Journalism to Music Recording*](https://books.google.com/books?id=r2OPAgAAQBAJ&q=%22glory+box%22+%22trip+hop%22&pg=PA57). Routledge. p. 57. ISBN 978-1135253776.

1. ["ASCAP entry for song"](http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=370267042&search_in=i&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=25&start=1)

1. Eames, Tom (10 June 2022). ["The Story of... 'Glory Box' by Portishead"](https://www.smoothradio.com/news/chill/portishead-glory-box-lyrics-meaning-video/). *[Smooth Radio](/source/Smooth_Radio_(2014))*. Retrieved 2024-10-23.

1. Thompson, Ben (11 December 1994). ["Rock: The reluctant dbutante"](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/rock-the-reluctant-dbutante-1387153.html). *[The Independent](/source/The_Independent)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240420110752/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/rock-the-reluctant-dbutante-1387153.html) 20 April 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 23 October 2024.

1. Dawson, Madelyn (22 August 2024). ["Move Over and Give Us Some Room: Portishead's Dummy at 30"](https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/portishead/move-over-and-give-us-some-room-portisheads-dummy-at-30). *[Paste](/source/Paste_(magazine))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240927052258/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/portishead/move-over-and-give-us-some-room-portisheads-dummy-at-30) 27 September 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 23 October 2024.

1. p210, Portishead's Dummy, R J Wheston, Bloomsbury, 2011

1. Masterton, James (15 January 1995). ["Week Ending January 21st 1995"](https://chart-watch.uk/archives/1995/week-ending-january-21st-1995). *Chart Watch UK*. Retrieved 16 September 2021.

1. ["New Releases: Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-01-21.pdf). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 12, no. 3. 21 January 1995. p. 11. Retrieved 17 May 2021.

1. Jimenez, Maria (8 October 1994). ["Short Grooves"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-10-08.pdf). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 11, no. 41. p. 11. Retrieved 15 March 2021.

1. Beevers, Andy (24 September 1994). ["Market Preview: Dance"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-09-24.pdf). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. p. 16. Retrieved 19 April 2021.

1. ["Reviews: Singles"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-12-24.pdf#page=42). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. 24 December 1994. p. 26. Retrieved 17 June 2025.

1. Richardson, Andy (7 January 1995). ["Singles"](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/53360530545/). *[NME](/source/New_Musical_Express)*. p. 37. Retrieved 28 November 2023.

1. Sinclair, David (5 November 1994). "Pop Singles; Recordings". *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*.

1. ["Promos in Production"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-11-05.pdf). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. 5 November 1994. p. 10. Retrieved 22 April 2021.

1. ["The 100 Best Singles of the 1990s"](https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/best-singles-of-the-1990s/8/). *[Slant Magazine](/source/Slant_Magazine)*. 9 January 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2021.

1. *Glory Box* (UK CD single liner notes). [Go! Beat](/source/Go!_Beat). 1995. GODCD 120, 857 767-2.

1. *Glory Box* (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Go! Beat. 1995. GODX 120, 857 767-1.

1. *Glory Box* (Australian CD single liner notes). Go! Beat, [Polydor Records](/source/Polydor_Records). 1995. 8577672.

1. *Glory Box* (UK cassette single sleeve). Go! Beat. 1995. GODMC 120, 857 766-4.

1. *Glory Box* (European CD single liner notes). Go! Beat. 1995. 857 770-2.

1. *Glory Box* (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Go! Beat, [London Records](/source/London_Records), [FFRR Records](/source/FFRR_Records). 1995. 422 850 127-1.

1. p. 221.

1. ["The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 04 Jun 1995"](http://i.imgur.com/RJZCFms.jpg). [ARIA](/source/Australian_Recording_Industry_Association). Retrieved 2 June 2016. – via [Imgur](/source/Imgur)

1. ["Eurochart Hot 100 Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-02-04.pdf). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 11, no. 5. 4 February 1995. p. 36. Retrieved 30 May 2020.

1. ["EHR Top 40"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-02-18.pdf). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 12, no. 7. 18 February 1995. p. 33. Retrieved 7 December 2025.

1. ["Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (18.2 '95 – 25.2 '95)"](https://timarit.is/page/2724830#page/n23/mode/2up) (in Icelandic). *[Dagblaðið Vísir](/source/DV_(newspaper))*. 18 February 1995. p. 24. Retrieved 1 October 2019.

1. ["The *RM* Club Chart"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-09-24.pdf). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week), in [Record Mirror](/source/Record_Mirror) (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)*. 24 September 1994. p. 8. Retrieved 20 May 2023.

1. ["Árslistinn 1995"](https://timarit.is/page/2935413?iabr=on#page/n15/mode/2up) (in Icelandic). *Dagblaðið Vísir*. 2 January 1996. p. 25. Retrieved 30 May 2020.

1. "April New Music Releases". *[Radio & Records](/source/Radio_%26_Records)*. No. 1087. 24 March 1995. p. 63.

1. "New Releases – Product Available from : 24/04/95: Singles". *[The ARIA Report](/source/The_ARIA_Report)*. No. 271. 23 April 1995. p. 20.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Glory Box](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glory_Box) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glory_Box?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.