Rector took piano lessons as a small child but did not begin playing music seriously until he picked up the guitar in high school. He began writing songs in tenth grade and formed a band called Euromart the following year. Euromart made an EP and played club shows in Tulsa, but dissolved when the members left for college.
After high school, Rector attended the University of Arkansas where he studied marketing. During his freshman year he recorded a self-titled EP that featured the song “Conversation”, which won the Grand Prize in the pop category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2006. He is the youngest person ever to win the award for the pop category. The EP grew popular in surrounding states, and by his sophomore year, Rector began touring frequently on weekends and during breaks in the school year. In 2008 Rector released his first full-length record, Twenty Tomorrow, followed by Songs That Duke Wrote in 2009. In 2009 Rector was given the NAMA award for best singer songwriter in Northwest Arkansas. During his college career at the University of Arkansas he played approximately 200 shows.
In June 2009 Rector moved to Nashville with his wife to pursue songwriting and to continue his career as an artist. On November 28, 2009 he released Jingles and Bells, a Christmas album composed of classic Christmas songs. Rector arranged the songs and played all the instruments on the album. He released his most recent album Into The Morning on February 16, 2010. Through word of mouth, the record peaked at #5 on the iTunes pop chart, #10 on the iTunes overall chart, and #11 on Billboard Heatseekers.[3] Immediately following the release, Rector co-headlined the “Three Amigos” tour throughout the eastern half of the United States with fellow Nashvillians Steve Moakler and Andrew Ripp. Later in the spring of 2010 he toured with both Dave Barnes and Five for Fighting.
His song “After All” was used in the June 15, 2010 episode of the ABC Family show Pretty Little Liars.
Albums
Year Title
2007 Twenty Tomorrow
2008 Songs That Duke Wrote
2010 Into the Morning
2011 Something like This
EPs
Year Title
2006 Ben Rector
2009 Jingles and Bells
Singles
Year Title
2010 Summer Candy
When A Heart Breaks
Ben Rector Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I heard the news
I know the pain of a heartbreak
I don't have answers
And neither do you
I know the pain of a heartbreak
This isn't easy
And you don't need Jesus til' you're here
Then confusion and the doubts you had
Up and walk away
They walk away
When a heart breaks
I heard the doctor
But what did he say
I knew I was fine about this time yesterday
But I don't need answers
Well, I just need some peace
I just need someone who could help me get some sleep
Who could help me get some sleep
This isn't easy
This isn't clear
And you don't need Jesus til' you're here
Then confusion and the doubts you had
Up and walk away
They walk away
When a heart breaks
When a heart breaks
When a heart breaks
Oh, when a heart breaks
This isn't easy
This isn't clear
And you don't need Jesus til' you're here
Then confusion and the doubts you had
Up and walk away
They walk away
When a heart breaks
Ben Rector's song "When A Heart Breaks" is an emotional and powerful track that speaks about the struggle of heartbreak. The song starts with the singer waking up and hearing the news of heartbreak, reflecting that he knows the pain of a broken heart. He admits that there are no answers to ease the pain of heartbreak, and neither do we. It is a universal experience that we all go through at some point in our life. The chorus of the song repeats the line "This isn't easy, this isn't clear," emphasizing the confusion and the doubts that come with heartbreak.
The next verse mentions a doctor's visit, and the singer feeling fine just a day before. He doesn't need answers, but he needs someone to help him find peace and sleep. The song ends with the same chorus, implying that the pain of heartbreak lingers even after time has passed.
Overall, "When A Heart Breaks" is a poignant commentary on the experience of heartbreak. It acknowledges that the pain of heartbreak is common to everyone and does not discriminate. The song invites us to recognize this sorrowful experience and offers the assurance that we are not alone in it.
Line by Line Meaning
I woke up this morning
The singer is recounting an experience that had occurred that very morning as he begins his song.
And I heard the news
He heard some news that surprised him or perhaps, hurt him deeply.
I know the pain of a heartbreak
He has gone through the same harrowing experience before and can empathize with what someone is feeling when they're heartbroken.
I don't have answers
He admits that he may not be able to offer a solution or explanation of why this has happened.
And neither do you
He acknowledges that the listener might also be in the same position and unable to provide any comfort or advice.
This isn't easy
Moving on or dealing with a broken heart is never an easy matter.
This isn't clear
The situation can be confusing and often, it could be hard to make sense of the matter.
And you don't need Jesus til' you're here
People often don't realize or acknowledge their need for divine intervention until they are going through something difficult.
Then confusion and the doubts you had
The feelings of confusion and doubt become stronger during a heartbreak.
Up and walk away
These difficult emotions will eventually lessen with time, and people will be able to move forward or 'walk away'.
They walk away
The confusion and doubts eventually dissipate or 'walk away'.
When a heart breaks
This line emphasizes the fact that a heartbreak is a painful, difficult experience that is hard to avoid or ignore.
I heard the doctor
The singer may be referring to a metaphorical 'doctor' who may try to reason with him or give advice during this challenging time.
But what did he say
Despite having counsel from others, the singer might still feel lost or unsure about what to do next.
I knew I was fine about this time yesterday
He reminisces about being happier a day earlier before the news broke, implying that he was likely blindsided by the revelation.
But I don't need answers
The artist realizes that there might not be a definitive answer as to why this has happened and that seeking one out may not help him with his heartbreak.
Well, I just need some peace
All he needs at the moment is some tranquility or respite from his emotional turmoil.
I just need someone who could help me get some sleep
The singer would appreciate some company or someone to share his burden so he may get some rest.
When a heart breaks
Reiterating the previous line, he emphasizes once again how deeply hurtful and unbearable a heartbreak can be.
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: BENJAMIN RECTOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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I woke up this morning
And I heard the news
I know the pain of a heartbreak
I don't have answers
And neither do you
I know the pain of a heartbreak
This isn't easy
This isn't clear
And you don't need Jesus
Til you're here
Then confusion and the doubts you had
Up and walk away
They walk away
When a heart breaks
I heard the doctor
But what did he say
I knew I was fine about this time yesterday
I don't need answers
I just need some peace
I just need someone who could help me get some sleep
Who could help me get some sleep
This isn't easy
This isn't clear
And you don't need Jesus
Til you're here
Then confusion and the doubts you had
Up and walk away
They walk away
When a heart breaks
When a heart breaks
When a heart breaks
Oh, when a heart breaks
This isn't easy
This isn't clear
And you don't need Jesus
Til you're here
Then confusion and the doubts you had
Up and walk away
They walk away
When a heart breaks
@CausingHavoc5
12 years later and all the emotions I felt with this song the first time I listened to it still exists.
@mattb00th
seems like this song never gets old for me, It really hits home.
@Quotes24Boo
'I heard the Doctor but what did he say, I knew I was fine about this time yesterday. Well I don't need answer's I just need some peace. I just need someone to help me get some sleep' Them lines hit me so hard, every word is perfect for my situation at the moment!
@danielg30
It’s crazy how I keep coming back to this song... I never experienced heartbreak but this song is a masterpiece
@lucidwolf2068
It hits you way different when you do experience heartbreak. Just broke up with my GF January 20th... Hating Life right now..
@StarAurie
This song is absolutely amazing. I could listen to it all day and never get tired of it.
@antoniaeden
This song hits home. My best friend and soul mate died unexpectedly and this just reminds me of the phone call from his dad letting me know.
I don't believe there's anything more painful in life than a grieving heart.
@madeleinelambert3482
+AntoniaEden My best friend and boyfriend died in a car accident a year ago next month... I know how it feels.
@Yaraatings
I lost my best friend too and you are right nothing hurts as bad as losing your other half ... I feel incomplete and empty
@mennahytham5966
iam sorry for you 😞♥️