Born in Bloomington, Indiana into a musical family, he began performing as a duo with his brother before going on to a successful solo career in country music. In 1956, Helms made his way to Nashville, Tennessee where he signed a recording contract with Decca Records. The following year would be filled with astonishing successes. Helms' first single in 1957 titled "Fraulein" went to No. 1 on the country music charts and made it into the Top 40 on the pop music charts. Later that same year he released "My Special Angel" that also went to No. 1 on the country charts and entered the Top 10 on Billboard magazines pop music charts, peaking at No. 7.
Released just a few days before Christmas of 1957, his song "Jingle Bell Rock" was a big hit but uniquely, it re-emerged four out of the next five years and sold so well that it repeated each time as a top hit and became a Christmas classic still played to this day.
Bobby Helms continued touring and recording for the next three decades. His pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Helms spent most of his later years living just outside of Martinsville, Indiana, until the time of his death from emphysema and asthma in 1997.
Far Away Heart
Bobby Helms Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't let the loneliness make a fool of you
Don't be tempted by the moonlight while we are apart
Just remember you're in love with a far away heart
A far away heart but it's true
With only lonely duties hadn't taken me from you
And sent me far across the seas away from you sweetheart
I'm so happy when you write me but when I read it through
I can see some tears have fallen on the letter too
Don't cry darling think about when our love got its start
That old love light's still burning bright in this far away heart
A far away heart but it's true...
The lyrics of Bobby Helms's song "Far Away Heart" convey a message of devotion and faithfulness despite physical distance. The singer pleads with his significant other not to succumb to the pressures of loneliness and seek comfort in someone else's arms. He urges her not to be tempted by the moonlight or the temptation of a new love interest while he is gone. Instead, he reminds her that even though they are separated by miles, she is always in his heart.
The chorus, "A far away heart but it's true," emphasizes the idea that distance cannot diminish the depth of their love. He acknowledges that his duties have taken him far from her, but his heart still belongs to her. He may be oceans away, but his love for her continues to burn brightly in his heart. He recognizes the difficulty of the situation, as evidenced by the tears on her letter, but encourages her to remember the love they shared from the beginning.
Overall, Bobby Helms's "Far Away Heart" is a romantic ballad that emphasizes the strength of love even when physical distance separates two people. It is a heartfelt reminder that love knows no bounds and that there is a unique power in holding onto true love, despite the challenges that may arise.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't let it happen don't find somebody new
Don't allow yourself to fall in love with someone else while I'm away and our hearts are still entwined.
Don't let the loneliness make a fool of you
Don't allow your loneliness to trick you into making hasty decisions that could jeopardize our love.
Don't be tempted by the moonlight while we are apart
Don't be lured by the romanticism of the night into making choices that could lead to heartbreak and regret.
Just remember you're in love with a far away heart
Always keep in mind that your heart belongs to someone far away, and that our love knows no distance.
A far away heart but it's true
Though our hearts are separated by distance, our love is still real and true.
With only lonely duties hadn't taken me from you
If it weren't for my obligations that keep me far away, I would be with you always.
And sent me far across the seas away from you sweetheart
My duties have taken me far from you, across oceans and lands, but I am still devoted to you.
But have no fear you're always here in this far away heart
Even though we are apart, you are always present in my heart and mind.
I'm so happy when you write me but when I read it through
I am overjoyed when I receive your letters, but sometimes the emotions they contain are overwhelming.
I can see some tears have fallen on the letter too
I can see that sometimes you cry when you write to me, and it breaks my heart not to be there to comfort you.
Don't cry darling think about when our love got its start
Please don't cry, my love. Remember the beginnings of our love and how strong it was, and let that give you solace.
That old love light's still burning bright in this far away heart
Even though we are apart, the flame of our love still burns brightly in my heart.
Contributed by Adam N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.