About the song
“The Heart of the Matter,” a poignant and timeless ballad by Don Henley, resonates deeply with listeners through its introspective lyrics and soulful melody. Released in 1989 as part of Henley’s third solo album, “The End of the Innocence,” the song has since cemented its place in the hearts of many fans, particularly those who appreciate music with emotional depth and lyrical richness.
Don Henley, widely known as a founding member of the Eagles, collaborated with Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and J.D. Souther to pen this reflective piece. The song delves into themes of forgiveness, heartbreak, and the complexities of human relationships, exploring how one can move past pain to find a sense of closure and understanding. Henley’s distinctive, raspy voice lends an authenticity to the song’s narrative, making it both relatable and profoundly moving.
“The Heart of the Matter” achieved notable success on the charts, peaking at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number 2 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It also garnered significant airplay on Adult Contemporary radio stations, underscoring its broad appeal across different listener demographics. The song’s contemplative lyrics, coupled with its evocative musical arrangement, have made it a staple in Henley’s solo repertoire and a highlight of his live performances.
This track stands out not only for its commercial success but also for its artistic merit. It embodies the maturity and introspection that characterized Henley’s solo work, reflecting his ability to articulate the nuanced emotions that accompany life’s inevitable trials and tribulations. For many, “The Heart of the Matter” serves as a musical reminder of the power of forgiveness and the importance of letting go, themes that remain ever-relevant in the human experience.
Video
Lyrics
I got the call today, I didn’t wanna hear
But I knew that it would come
An old true friend of ours was talkin’ on the phone
She said you found someone
And I thought of all the bad luck,
And the struggles we went through
And how I lost me and you lost you
What are these voices outside love’s open door
Make us throw off our contentment
And beg for something more?I’m learning to live without you now
But I miss you sometimes
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, I’m learning again
I’ve been trying to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymoreThese times are so uncertain
There’s a yearning undefined
And people filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age
The trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
They’re the very things we kill, I guess
Pride and competition cannot fill these empty arms
And the work I put between us,
You know it doesn’t keep me warmI’m learning to live without you now
But I miss you, baby
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I figured out, I have to learn again
I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter
But everything changes
And my friends seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love me anymoreThere are people in your life who’ve come and gone
They let you down, you know they hurt your pride
You better put it all behind you, baby, ’cause life goes on
You keep carrying that anger, it’ll eat you up inside, babyI’ve been trying to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it’s about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love meI’ve been trying to get down to the Heart of the Matter
Because the flesh will get weak
And the ashes will scatter
So I’m thinking about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don’t love meForgiveness
Forgiveness
(Baby)
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if you don’t love me anymore
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Forgiveness