Here is A Heart

Jenny Owen Youngs' song 'Here is A Heart' is a poignant exploration of unconditional love and devotion. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone offering their heart, both literally and metaphorically, to a loved one. The repeated line 'here is a heart' signifies a deep, personal sacrifice, as the heart is described as 'battered and braised,' suggesting it has endured much but is still given willingly. This imagery of preparing the heart 'grilled and sautéed' like a meal highlights the nurturing aspect of love, where the giver lives to 'fill you up,' providing sustenance and care.

The song delves into the emotional and physical presence of the narrator, who stays by the loved one's side through thick and thin. The lines 'blood of my blood, dripping with love' and 'silent between supplies and machines' evoke a sense of being in a hospital or a place of healing, where the narrator is a constant, ghost-like presence. This setting underscores the theme of unwavering support, as the narrator 'lives to be seen through,' emphasizing their transparency and selflessness in the relationship.

The chorus reflects the narrator's desire to spend every moment with their loved one, even while they sleep, holding their hands and 'rationing off bits of myself.' This phrase suggests a willingness to give everything, piece by piece, until there is nothing left, embodying the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. The song's closing lines, 'if you evaporate, the seas will rise,' convey the narrator's fear of losing their loved one, implying that their world would be utterly changed and overwhelmed by such a loss. 'Here is A Heart' is a touching testament to the lengths one will go to for the sake of love, capturing the essence of devotion, sacrifice, and the profound impact of being there for someone in their most vulnerable moments.