The Meaning Behind The Song: The Heart of the Matter [DVD] by Don Henley
Don Henley’s “The Heart of the Matter” is a powerful song that has touched the hearts of many for generations. The song was released in 1989 as part of his album “The End of the Innocence.” In 1990, he released the song as a single, which was incredibly successful, reaching the Top 25 in the U.S. The song is deceptively simple, with lyrics that are easy to sing along to, but upon closer inspection, the song reveals a depth of emotion and meaning.
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“The Heart of the Matter” is a song about forgiveness, redemption, and moving on from past hurts. Don Henley wrote the song as a reflection on a difficult breakup he went through, and the lyrics reflect his journey to come to terms with his feelings. The song opens with a verse that sets the tone for the rest of the song, “I got the call today, I didn’t want to hear / But I knew that it would come / An old true friend of ours was talking on the phone / She said you’d found someone.” The opening line is delivered with emotional weight, conveying the sadness and resignation at hearing about a loved one moving on.
FAQs About “The Heart of the Matter” by Don Henley
1. What inspired Don Henley to write “The Heart of the Matter?”
As mentioned earlier, Don Henley wrote “The Heart of the Matter” after going through a difficult breakup. He wanted to convey his feelings of forgiveness, redemption, and moving on from past hurts.
2. Who played on the track with Don Henley?
The track features many talented musicians, including Bruce Hornsby on piano, Jai Winding on synthesizers, Danny Kortchmar on guitar, and Mike Campbell on lead guitar.
3. What awards has the song won?
“The Heart of the Matter” has won numerous awards and accolades, including an ASCAP award for being one of the most-played songs on U.S. radio and a BMI award for outstanding radio airplay.
4. What is the significance of the song’s title?
The song’s title refers to the heart of what really matters in life – forgiveness, love, and moving on from past hurts.
5. What is the message of the song?
The message of the song is one of forgiveness, redemption, and moving on from past hurts. It encourages listeners to let go of past grudges and live in the present.
6. What is the song’s legacy?
“The Heart of the Matter” is widely regarded as one of Don Henley’s greatest songs and has stood the test of time. It continues to resonate with audiences today, as its message of forgiveness and redemption is timeless.
7. Has the song been covered by other artists?
Yes, “The Heart of the Matter” has been covered by several artists, including India Arie, Kenny Rogers, Bonnie Raitt, and Jennifer Warnes, among others.
8. What impact has the song had on Don Henley’s career?
“The Heart of the Matter” has been a defining moment in Don Henley’s career, establishing him as a songwriter and performer of exceptional talent. The song’s success helped solidify his reputation as one of the most important artists of his generation.
9. What other songs are on the album “The End of the Innocence?”
“The End of the Innocence” features several other standout tracks, including the title track, “I Will Not Go Quietly,” and “The Last Worthless Evening.”
10. Why do you think “The Heart of the Matter” continues to be so popular?
The song’s message of forgiveness, redemption, and moving on from past hurts is universal and timeless. It continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the power of forgiveness and the importance of living in the present.
11. What is the meaning behind the song’s opening line?
The opening line of “The Heart of the Matter” sets the tone for the rest of the song, conveying the sadness and resignation at hearing about a loved one moving on. It is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and relationships.
12. How has “The Heart of the Matter” influenced other musicians?
“The Heart of the Matter” has been a source of inspiration for countless musicians, both in terms of its message and its musicality. Its message of forgiveness and redemption has been echoed in countless songs, and its musicality continues to inspire artists to this day.
