Sometimes a Heart

Sometimes a heart is happy and pure

Sometimes a heart is closing a door

Sometimes a heart can give what you need

But sometimes a heart refuses to bleed

Sometimes a heart is mellow and sad

Sometimes a heart is joyful and glad

Sometimes a heart can smile and say

Whenever you need me I’ll show you the way

Sometimes a heart can tell when you’ve cried

Sometimes a heart can hurt deep inside

Sometimes a heart can open too wide

That’s when a heart can shatter your pride

Sometimes a heart can look but not see

Sometimes a heart just wants to be free

Sometimes a heart knows what you think of

Yes, sometimes a heart can fall in love

Sometimes a heart has nothing to do

Sometimes a heart is humble and blue

Sometimes a heart is breaking in two

But right now my heart is crying for you.

Writer's Commentary for Sometimes a Heart:

I have to be honest here and tell you that I cannot remember where this one was written.  I’m leaning towards one of the study breaks I had during school in 1987 but I wouldn’t be able to say that with 100% confidence. 

This was written for a girl that I was trying to date for a good portion of that year.  I sent her notes and poems and she just continued to ignore me.  I was a good sport about it though—I don’t remember breaking down in tears—well, not more than once at any rate.   

She was one of the more healthy interests—obsessions?—I had over the course of those two years.  It is hard to remember if the pain in my heart was as strong back then as it comes off in the work, but knowing myself like I do, I’d say it was a safe bet.   

This work has a simple structure that I’ve used before on other works.  There’s something about the repetition in the stanzas that appeals to me.  I think it has something to do with building up the tension and then finally releasing it in the last line.  Just like hanging on that D7 chord until you think you’re ready to pop; then sweeping in with that glorious G Major and all is right in the World again.  

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