Hello My Old Heart

The Oh Hellos' song 'Hello My Old Heart' is a poignant exploration of emotional vulnerability and the struggle to reconnect with one's own feelings after a period of self-imposed isolation. The lyrics personify the heart as an old friend, suggesting a deep, intimate relationship with one's own emotions that has been neglected or suppressed. The opening lines, 'Hello, my old heart / How have you been?' immediately set a tone of reunion and introspection, as the speaker addresses their heart with a mix of concern and longing.

The song delves into the reasons behind this emotional distance, revealing a protective mechanism: 'And every day I add another stone / To the walls I built around you / To keep you safe.' This metaphor of building walls around the heart illustrates the speaker's attempt to shield themselves from pain and heartbreak. However, this protection comes at a cost, as the heart becomes 'barely beating at all,' symbolizing a life devoid of emotional richness and connection.

As the song progresses, there is a yearning for change and a desire to break free from this self-imposed prison. The repeated plea, 'Oh, don't leave me here alone / Don't tell me that we've grown / For having loved a little while,' underscores the fear of remaining isolated and the hope for a future where the heart can once again experience love and companionship. The closing lines, 'But you'll never find the answers / Until you set your old heart free,' serve as a powerful reminder that true healing and understanding come from embracing vulnerability and allowing oneself to feel deeply, despite the risks involved.