The song "Hard Hard Heart" by Jon Bryant explores the theme of emotional barriers and the struggle to let love in. The lyrics paint a picture of someone with a guarded heart, symbolized by a "hard shell" that protects them from emotional pain. However, the person they are addressing in the song is encouraged to break through these walls and experience the beauty and love that lies within. The opening lines suggest that if the person could break through the singer's tough exterior, they would be rewarded with precious pearls around their neck and a sense of belonging amidst the wreckage. This imagery represents the idea that behind the tough exterior lies something valuable and meaningful. The next set of lyrics suggest that if the person truly understood the singer, they would witness the damage and emptiness inside. The silence in the singer's lungs signifies a sense of emptiness or a lack of breath, symbolizing their emotional pain. Despite the challenges they face, life keeps moving forward for the singer, but they express frustration that the person they are addressing doesn't understand the depth of their suffering. The chorus reiterates the theme of a "hard, hard heart" that doesn't break, sing, burn, or win. It suggests that this emotional barrier prevents the person from fully experiencing love and its transformative power. The repetition of these lines emphasizes the singer's longing for the person to open up and let love in. In the bridge section, the singer implores the person with the guarded heart to give it up and warm it up with love. This is a plea for them to let go of their emotional barriers and allow themselves to be vulnerable and open to love. Overall, "Hard Hard Heart" reflects the struggle between emotional protection and the desire for deep connection. It emphasizes the need for vulnerability and opening oneself up to love in order to truly experience its transformative power.
