Heart on My Sleeve
Bryan Ferry Lyrics

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I wear my heart on my sleeve
I'm not afraid
Say what I mean
Mean what I say
Set myself up
Let myself down
I may be a fool
Spread it around

And I, just want to let you know
Sometimes I, find it so hard not to show
So I sigh

And I let my feelings show
I wear my heart on my sleeve
Don't count the cost
If I can't live enough
Though you tend to get burned
You tend to get bruised
But it's my life

The way that I choose
And I, just want to let you know
Sometimes I, find it so hard not to show
Ooh don't sigh

Baby you're not alone
I'll wear my heart on my sleeve
Wear my heart on my sleeve
I wear my heart on my sleeve
Wear my heart on my sleeve
Ooh and I, just want to let you know
Sometimes I, find it so hard not to show
Don't you sigh
Maybe you're not alone

I wear my heart on my sleeve
Wear my heart on my sleeve

Overall Meaning

In Bryan Ferry's song, "Heart On My Sleeve," the lyrics describe a person who wears their heart on their sleeve, meaning they are very open and honest about their feelings. They are not afraid to be vulnerable or share how they truly feel even if it puts them in a position to potentially be hurt or let down. The lyrics talk about how the person sets themselves up for disappointment but they do it anyway because they choose to live life their own way. They acknowledge that they may be a fool for sharing so openly but they do it regardless.

The chorus contains the repeating line "I wear my heart on my sleeve" as a declaration of their personality and how they handle relationships with others. The song also acknowledges that sometimes it is difficult to not show your feelings and keep them hidden. The verse "though you tend to get burned, you tend to get bruised, but it's my life, the way that I choose" emphasizes that the singer is aware of the risks of being open and honest with their feelings but they choose to live their life this way anyways.

The song is a testament to the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in interpersonal relationships. It normalizes the idea of expressing one's true self and feelings even if it means being exposed to hurt or disappointment.

Line by Line Meaning

I wear my heart on my sleeve
I am open and transparent with my emotions

I'm not afraid
I am not scared of showing my vulnerability

Say what I mean
I speak honestly and directly

Mean what I say
I back up my words with my actions

Set myself up
I put myself in vulnerable situations

Let myself down
I often disappoint myself

I may be a fool
I acknowledge that some people may see me as foolish for being so open

Spread it around
I share my emotions with others

And I, just want to let you know
I am communicating my inner thoughts and feelings to you

Sometimes I, find it so hard not to show
I struggle with hiding my emotions

So I sigh
I let my emotions out in a sigh