Don Henley's Lyric Aficionados Collective: "The Heart of the Matter"
A deep dive into Don Henley's timeless ballad of forgiveness and healing.
HOUSEKEEPING NOTE
Before we get into today’s column, you may have noticed that it’s Friday and you didn’t see this on the usual Tuesday. That was on purpose. That’s because this is the last column…for now!
I have to rearrange my priorities now that I’m receiving feedback from beta readers for my rock & roll novel. I’ve been querying for the last 2.5 months while they did that and now it’s time to get back to writing and rewriting. The time I’m going to use doing that is what I would use to research and write this weekly column. SO. It’s not ‘goodbye’ forever, Henley fans. It’s ‘see ya later’… for now.
Background
Released in 1989, "The Heart Of The Matter" is a poignant ballad by Don Henley. The song, which appears on Henley's third solo studio album The End of the Innocence, delves into themes of forgiveness, healing, and the complexities of human relationships. The track showcases Henley's introspective lyricism and has resonated with listeners for decades.
Lyrical Analysis
Forgiveness and Redemption: The lyrics center around the concept of forgiveness, exploring how letting go of past grievances is essential for personal growth and healing.
Emotional Complexity: Henley captures the multifaceted nature of emotions involved in relationships, acknowledging both the pain and the possibility of moving forward.
Nostalgia and Reflection: The song reflects on past memories and relationships, highlighting the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about what once was.
Universal Themes: While deeply personal, the lyrics speak to universal experiences of love, loss, and the journey towards acceptance.
Read the full lyrics here!
Musical Composition
Melodic Structure: The song features a soothing, melodic structure that complements its reflective lyrics, creating a harmonious blend of music and message.
Instrumental Arrangement: With a combination of acoustic guitar, subtle synthesizers, and gentle percussion, the arrangement underscores the song's introspective tone.
Vocal Delivery: Henley's vocal performance is both powerful and tender, conveying a sense of vulnerability and sincerity that enhances the song's emotional impact.
Reception
"The Heart Of The Matter" received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and Henley's emotive vocal delivery. It performed well on the charts, reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple on adult contemporary radio.
Over the years, the song has remained a beloved classic, frequently covered by other artists and featured in various media, further cementing its place in pop culture. Fans consistently praise the song for its emotional resonance and timeless message, often citing it as one of Henley's most impactful solo works.
Song Credits
Personnel:
Don Henley — lead vocals
Mike Campbell — keyboards, guitars
Larry Klein — bass
Stan Lynch — drums, percussion
Carmen Twillie — backing vocals
Julia Waters — backing vocals
Maxine Waters — backing vocals
Written by:
Don Henley
Mike Campbell
J.D. Souther
Produced by:
Don Henley
Mike Campbell
Danny Kortchmar
Release Date: February 1990
Label: Geffen
Length: 5:21
My Take
I remember going through a nasty breakup in my early 20s and constantly listening to “The Heart Of The Matter.” At first, it was because I was bewildered. See, the song is terrific. No doubt about it. But the chorus was killing me: But I think it's about / Forgiveness, forgiveness / Even if, even if / You don't love me.
Forgiveness? Really?
Someone broke my heart and Henley is trying to tell me to forgive for not being loved anymore. It stung so hard that I could barely breathe. Those who know me know I’ve battled depression and this moment was the clinical peak.
I’d listen to the song over and over. Not because I was trying to torture myself. But because I was trying to understand why I needed to forgive for the hurt to stop.
Eventually, the pain subsided and the answer became clear. The bridge of the song stood out like the light at the end of a tunnel:
There 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 carryin' that anger
It'll eat you up inside, baby
I was carrying so much anger that I was causing a lot of the hurtful feelings I was experiencing. It was hard — I have a lot of pride — but I had to take the higher road if I wanted to live the life I envisioned for myself. A life of happiness.
It took years to get to a healthy place. It wasn’t like I just flipped a switch and was okay again. But this song was monumental in pointing me in the right direction.
It’s reflections like these that solidify why Don Henley has meant so much to me. His lyrics and music have been there for me, in good times, bad times, and everything in between. He’s part of the soundtrack of my life and I think that’s the ultimate compliment an artist can get.
🎶 Listen on Spotify
📺 Watch on YouTube
Played this song as I read your post. Don can really write a song and make you think. Enjoyed your breakdown of the lyrics and sharing what they meant to you.