Open Your Heart
GETZ Lyrics
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She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
They are not a melting pot, say no, say no tapestry
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
She takes his hand and she says you'll stay
She's lost in the crowd
King
The life and times, the art and talk
Wire them up, fire them up
The life and times, the art and talk
Lovers run camp Africa, Bars in town are civilised
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
Panorama, Citylife
Youth's dance proud from the waist down
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
Shot from where the action is, a rhapsody in black and blue
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
Love lies under western eyes, powerful yet transient
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
The lyrics of "Open Your Heart" by GETZ describe a woman in America showcasing a white man identified as "King" in a film. The woman is lost in the lively crowd and invites the man to stay with her. The song highlights the issue of racial segregation in America and how it is still prevalent in society.
The song points out that America is not the melting pot that it is thought to be, and refuses to be woven into a tapestry of blended cultures. The line "wire them up, fire them up" highlights the tension that is present in the society, bordering on explosive. The lyrics allude to the story of African Americans who had to fight for their freedom and rights in America, culminating in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
The verses also touch on the issue of love, specifically that which happens across racial lines with the line "Love lies under western eyes". This line suggests that love, like race, is a powerful and transient thing.
Line by Line Meaning
Talking by the pool of light, language from America.
Discussing under the bright light, using American dialect.
She puts on the film of him, King is white and in the crowd
She plays the movie about him, where he stood out as a white person among the rest.
They are not a melting pot, say no, say no tapestry
They do not blend cultures seamlessly, reject the idea of a harmonious mixture.
She takes his hand and she says you'll stay
She holds his hand and makes him promise to remain with her.
She's lost in the crowd
She gets caught up in the multitude of people around her.
Wire them up, fire them up
Excite and motivate them entirely.
The life and times, the art and talk
The lifestyle and history, the artwork and conversations.
Lovers run camp Africa, Bars in town are civilised
Couples indulge in African culture, while the city bars have a cultured atmosphere.
Panorama, Citylife
A broad view of the urban lifestyle.
Youth's dance proud from the waist down
The young generation's dance moves are confident, particularly in hip movements.
Shot from where the action is, a rhapsody in black and blue
Captured from the center of activity, a beautiful yet melancholy masterpiece portrayed in monochrome colors.
Love lies under western eyes, powerful yet transient
Romance is present in the western world but is often temporary, despite its strong influence.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: BENNY CARTER, SAMMY CAHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind