Heart of Stone

Cher's 'Heart of Stone' delves into the complexities of love and the emotional turmoil that often accompanies it. The song opens with a vivid image of the moon's 'white fire,' setting a melancholic tone that underscores the fragility of love. Cher sings about the pain of broken relationships, expressing a longing for emotional invulnerability. The metaphor of a 'heart of stone' symbolizes a desire to be impervious to the hurt that love can bring, a sentiment many can relate to when faced with heartbreak.

The lyrics also explore the cyclical nature of love and pain, likening it to a wheel that turns and a chain that breaks. Cher's reference to 'dreamers in castles made of sand' evokes the fleeting and often illusory nature of romantic dreams. The road to Eden, a biblical reference to paradise, is described as overgrown, suggesting that the path to perfect love is obstructed and difficult to navigate. This imagery reinforces the theme of love's impermanence and the inevitable pain that comes with it.

Throughout the song, Cher juxtaposes moments of tenderness with stark realities. Lines like 'sweet rain, like mercy in the night' offer brief solace, only to be followed by the harshness of 'no room for the innocent' in a 'lonely town.' The recurring wish for a 'heart of stone' serves as a coping mechanism, a way to shield oneself from the emotional highs and lows of love. Cher's powerful vocals and emotive delivery amplify the song's themes, making 'Heart of Stone' a poignant reflection on the resilience required to endure love's trials and tribulations.