Synopsis

In the Australian video for "Chains," Tina Arena appears alone in a dark, neglected apartment with its furniture and windows covered in white fabric and paper. As she confronts the emotional remains of a painful relationship, she gradually removes the coverings and lets daylight into the room. She throws out clothing and other reminders of her former partner, transforming the space as she breaks free. The video ends with Arena dancing in the light and facing the camera with renewed confidence.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Chains" was released in 1994 as the lead single from Arena's album "Don't Ask," marking a major turning point in her career after her earlier work as a child performer.

• The video's central visual idea mirrors the song's metaphor: a sealed, airless apartment becomes brighter and more open as Arena casts away objects connected with the relationship.

• The Australian video is notably restrained and theatrical, relying on changes in light, furniture coverings, and the gradual opening of the room rather than elaborate locations or a large cast.

• A separate international version was made for the song's overseas promotion. It uses a darker fantasy setting, with Arena appearing in a large, dungeon-like space surrounded by vines.

• "Chains" became one of Arena's signature songs, reaching No. 4 in Australia and helping "Don't Ask" become one of the country's biggest-selling albums.

• The song and video remain part of Arena's long-term legacy in Australia. "Chains" was later included in the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia collection.