Clark was born in Monahans, Texas and eventually settled in Nashville, where he helped create the progressive country and outlaw country genres. His songs "L.A. Freeway" and "Desperados Waiting for a Train" that helped launch his career were covered by numerous performers.
He was an accomplished luthier and often played his own guitars. He achieved success as a songwriter with Jerry Jeff Walker’s recordings of "L.A. Freeway" and "Desperados Waiting For A Train". Artists such as Johnny Cash, David Allan Coe, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, John Denver, Alan Jackson, Rodney Crowell, The Highwaymen, and Kenny Chesney have recorded Clark’s songs. Emmylou Harris has accompanied him on several recordings, particularly his own version of "Desperados Waiting For A Train" on his first album, Old No. 1, released in 1975. Clark is frequently referred to as "The Fifth Highwayman".
Clark has been a mentor to such other singers as Steve Earle and Rodney Crowell. He organized Earle's first job as a writer in Nashville. In the 1970s, the Clarks' home in Nashville was an open house for songwriters and musicians and it features in the documentary Heartworn Highways, an evocation of the songwriter scene in Nashville at that time. (Snapper/Catfish, 1981/2003, with Townes Van Zandt, David Allan Coe, and Steve Earle). Numerous artists have charted with Clark-penned tunes. In 1982, Bobby Bare made it to the Country Top Twenty with Clark’s "New Cut Road". That same year, bluegrass leader Ricky Skaggs hit No. 1 with Clark’s "Heartbroke", a song that permanently established his reputation as an ingenious songwriter. Among the many others who have covered Clark's songs are Vince Gill, who took "Oklahoma Borderline" to the Top Ten in 1985; The Highwaymen, who introduced "Desperados Waiting For A Train" to a new generation that same year; and John Conlee, whose interpretation of “The Carpenter” rode into the Top Ten in 1987.
Steve Wariner took his cover of Clark's "Baby I’m Yours" to No. 1 in 1988; Asleep at the Wheel charted with Clark's "Blowin’ Like a Bandit" the same year. Crowell was Clark’s co-writer on "She’s Crazy for Leavin’", which in 1989 became the third of five straight #l hits for Crowell. Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson cover Clark’s "Out in the Parkin' Lot," co-written with Darrell Scott, on Paisley's Time Well Wasted CD. Jimmy Buffett has covered Clark’s "Boats to Build" and "Cinco de Mayo in Memphis". Clark credits Townes Van Zandt as being a major influence on his songwriting. They were best friends for many years until Van Zandt's death in 1997, and since then Clark has included one of Van Zandt's compositions on most of his albums. In 1995, he recorded a live album with Van Zandt and Steve Earle, Together at the Bluebird Cafe, which was released in October 2001. Other live material can be found on his album Keepers.
In 2006 Clark released Workbench Songs. The album was nominated for "Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album" at the Grammy Awards. He also toured with Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, and John Hiatt in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
In May 2008, Clark canceled four concerts after breaking his leg. After two months on crutches, he began to perform again on July 4 at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC where he appeared with Verlon Thompson. On June 20, 2009, Clark announced a new album entitled "Somedays the Song Writes You" which was released on September 22, 2009. It features originals along with a Townes Van Zandt song entitled "If I Needed You".
In December 2011 This One's For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark (a two-CD set) was released by Icehouse Music.
Guy Clark won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2014 for My Favorite Picture of You.
On May 17, 2016, Clark's death was announced on his Facebook page.
Clark was married to songwriter and artist, Susanna Clark from 1972 through her death from cancer on June 27, 2012.
Heartbroke
Guy Clark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or the bitter direction of impending goodbyes
I'm fallen and folded and wilted in place
At the sight of you standing with streaks down your face
[Chorus]
Heartbroke and runnin' from the reason
Heartbroke Don't give up on believin' in me
Heartbroke
Pride is a bitch and a bore when your lonely
Sheer madness prevails upon reason to yield
But all is not lost it is only mistaken
That's small consolation but I know just how you feel
[Chorus]
Nobody said it was goin' to be easy
We all have feelings that need a softer touch
But nobody said that it would not be worth it
The human condition continues as such
In Guy Clark's song Heartbroke, he talks about a failing relationship that seems to be coming to an end. The opening lines of the song describe the singer's observation of his partner's behavior. He points out the fire in her eyes and the bitterness in her impending goodbyes. The singer is broken, fallen and wilted at the sight of his partner standing with streaks down her face. This imagery shows the emotional turmoil that both of them are going through as they come to terms with the inevitable end of their relationship.
The chorus of the song is a reflection of the singer's feelings. He feels heartbroken and is trying to run away from the reason for his heartbreak. He pleads with his partner not to give up on believing in him, suggesting that he still has hope for their relationship to survive. He acknowledges that his pride has been a barrier in their relationship and has led to their current situation. He knows he needs to change this but the situation isn't easy.
In the final verse, the singer reflects on the human condition and acknowledges that relationships are not easy. He suggests that we all have our feelings, and sometimes we need a softer touch. Relationships require constant work, but the rewards are worth it. The human condition continues to be a struggle, but it's a journey worth taking.
Line by Line Meaning
Who wouldn't notic the fire in your eyes
It is clear to anyone the passion that lies behind your eyes.
Or the bitter direction of impending goodbyes
The negative tone indicates that a farewell is on the horizon.
I'm fallen and folded and wilted in place
I am dull and resigned, crushed by the weight of what is to come.
At the sight of you standing with streaks down your face
Seeing you weep is overwhelming and deeply affecting me.
Heartbroke and runnin' from the reason
Suffering heartbreak and feeling the urge to flee from its cause.
Heartbroke Don't give up on believin' in me
Despite feeling brokenhearted, don't abandon your faith in me.
Heartbroke Who kept me from leavin' with my
Feeling heartbroken and lost, but also grateful for being held back from leaving.
Pride is a bitch and a bore when your lonely
Pride is an annoyance and a hindrance when one is feeling isolated and empty.
Sheer madness prevails upon reason to yield
Insanity overpowers reason and forces it to give in.
But all is not lost it is only mistaken
There is still hope; it is merely misplaced.
That's small consolation but I know just how you feel
It may be of little comfort, but I understand the depth of your emotions.
Nobody said it was goin' to be easy
Life is not meant to be effortless.
We all have feelings that need a softer touch
We all possess emotions that require a gentler approach.
But nobody said that it would not be worth it
Though it may be difficult, it is still worthwhile.
The human condition continues as such
This is simply a part of the human experience.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Guy Clark
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind