Her studio album My Better Self finds Dar at an unequivocally brazen crossroads. Reflecting on American politics, the disillusionment and apathy of youth, and the female experience, Dar makes no apology for her outspoken beliefs.
Her 2008 album, entitled Promised Land. indieduck.com notes that "Williams turns over relationships in all their misunderstood, misconnected glory, and embraces religion, gender and other complications in her very wise songs. Promised Land draws in themes of nature, as well, and on the whole is a pretty piece of work that ends up feeling upbeat despite itself."
Her most recent album, 2012's In The Time Of The Gods, has a theme of Greek mythology running through it. The You Will Ride With Me Tonight Songfacts reports that Williams got the idea whilst driving on an isolated highway, during a trip from New York to Ontario.
So Close to My Heart
Dar Williams Lyrics
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So close to my heart
I dropped everything when you came through
So close to my heart
And I put my pens and my paint box aside
Oh so close to my heart
And the river that ran down the rock face dried
Oh so close to my heart
It was an honor that you ran so free
So close to my heart
I thought I'd lost something forever, silly me
So close to my heart
But the place you hid in as bare as it seems
So close to my heart
It held my will in its infinite dreams
So close to my heart
When you were close to my heart
So now you're gone and now we'll both find our ways
So close to our hearts
By the forge that leaves a stamp on each day
So close to our hearts
And we'll long to make great things in our lives
So close to our hearts
And we'll wonder if what we make survives
Oh to the beat of the heart
It's the work of the heart
But you were close to my heart
The song “So Close To My Heart” by Dar Williams is a poignant and emotional ballad that revolves around the theme of friendship and loss. Throughout the song, the singer talks about a close friend who was very dear to her, and the impact this person had on her life. The verses are filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that help convey the depth of emotion the singer feels about the friendship.
The song begins with the singer expressing the extent of the friend's influence on her and how much their presence in her life meant to her. The second verse talks about how the friend’s absence left a profound void in her life, and how much she regretted not realizing the importance of the friendship before it was too late. The final verse hints at a sense of closure and acceptance, recognizing that both she and her friend will make their own way in life but that the memory of the friendship will always resonate with her.
Overall, “So Close To My Heart” is an incredibly moving song that explores the powerful bond of friendship, the pain of loss, and the importance of cherishing those around us while we can.
Line by Line Meaning
I never had a friend as close as you
This person was the closest friend the singer has ever had.
So close to my heart
The singer had strong feelings for this person.
I dropped everything when you came through
The singer prioritized this person and their time together.
And I put my pens and my paint box aside
The artist was willing to give up their artistic pursuits for this person.
Oh so close to my heart
The artist's feelings for this person were intense and meaningful.
And the river that ran down the rock face dried
The singer was so focused on and devoted to this person that they lost interest in the things they normally enjoyed.
When you were close to my heart / It was an honor that you ran so free
The singer felt honored to have had this person so close to them, and admired their sense of freedom.
I thought I'd lost something forever, silly me
When the person left, the artist felt like they had lost something important forever, but later realized this may not be the case.
But the place you hid in as bare as it seems
The person the artist held so close to their heart was not as complicated or mysterious as they had thought.
It held my will in its infinite dreams / So close to my heart
This person gave the artist inspiration and meaning, something to strive for.
So now you're gone and now we'll both find our ways / So close to our hearts
Both the singer and this person will now continue on their own paths.
By the forge that leaves a stamp on each day
They will find their own ways in the world.
And we'll long to make great things in our lives / So close to our hearts
The singer and this person will each pursue their own passions and goals.
And we'll wonder if what we make survives / Oh to the beat of the heart / It's the work of the heart
They will each wonder if their creations and accomplishments in life will last, but will always be driven by their passion and heart.
But you were close to my heart
Despite the changes, this person will always hold a special place in the singer's heart.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAR WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind