Part of the resurgent Boston hardcore scene, Have Heart formed in 2002 around the core lineup of singer Patrick Flynn, guitarist Ryan Hudon, and bassist Ryan Briggs. Hailing from the coastal town of New Bedford, the trio moved to Boston after graduating high school. Initially working with a revolving lineup of local musicians, the band played their first show in July 2003, and in November, their debut demo was released. The demo came to the attention of Think Fast! Records, who signed them for the release of the What Counts EP in 2004. The EP showcased long-time guitarist Ben Kelley and drummer Justin Paling.
In 2005, Have Heart moved to the estimable hardcore indie Bridge Nine Records and underwent a lineup change, with Kelley and Paling replaced by Kei Yasui and Shawn Costa, respectively. The following year they released The Things We Carry, their first full length. In 2007, the band toured through the U.S., Canada and Europe.
In 2008, the band released their second full-length album on Bridge Nine, Songs to Scream at the Sun, which debuted and peaked at No. 193 on the Billboard top 200 and No. 16 on the Top Heatseekers chart.
Have Heart's final show was played on National Edge Day 2009 in Revere, Massachusetts, along with other straight edge bands. Many members of bands presented testimonies of how members from Have Heart had a huge influence on their lives and careers, along with presenting stories of good times shared with members of Have Heart. Have Heart's last performance consisted of songs from all three of their releases and went for roughly one hour. Afterwards, Flynn laid out on the stage and a good majority of the crowd surrounded him onstage cheering and chanting, "Have Heart," along with fans shouting their personal testimonies to the significance Have Heart had on their lives. This lasted for around 20 minutes straight. Patrick Flynn estimated approximately 1500 people attended, whilst Bridge Nine estimated around 2000.
In February 2019, Have Heart announced they would play 4 reunion shows in July 2019, including one at Sound & Fury festival in Los Angeles.
Patrick Flynn - Vocals
Ryan Hudon - Guitar
Kei Yasui - Guitar
Ryan Briggs - Bass
Shawn Costa - Drums
Something More Than Ink
Have Heart Lyrics
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The lyrics of Have Heart's "Something More Than Ink" depict the lasting impact of words said by someone who inspired the singer as a kid. The opening lines speak to the power that the person once had -- they set a "raging fire" in the singer's heart, and their message is still held close, "burning" inside the singer's head. The next lines acknowledge that the person has gone in a different direction than they did before, but for the singer, there was still something special that set this person apart. Despite the fact that they are no longer in the same place in life, the words and values this person instilled in the singer endure.
As the chorus begins, the singer reinforces the idea that the words and values they received are deeply ingrained, regardless of what has changed. They still believe in what was said, and will continue to hold on tightly to those beliefs. The lyrics then return to the idea that this person's absence doesn't diminish the impact they had, and that even though they are gone, the values they taught remain strong. The song concludes with the line "something written in stone," emphasizing the enduring quality of the inspiration that the singer received from this person.
Overall, "Something More Than Ink" is a tribute to the lasting influence that one person can have on another. The lyrics capture the idea that when someone inspires you at a deeply personal level, their words and values can stay with you for a lifetime, guiding your actions and beliefs even when circumstances change.
Line by Line Meaning
Just take a fucking good look at just what you did; you set a raging fire in the heart of a kid.
Reflect on your actions, because you have ignited a passionate flame within a young person.
Your words and the message you sent are held in my heart as they burn inside my head.
The impact of your words and message stay with me and consume my thoughts.
Burns, it�s burning inside my head, even if you chose a different path to tread.
Even though you have changed your ways, the memory of your words still haunts me.
I guess it was something inside, it was something more to us.
There was a special connection and purpose that we shared, beyond just surface-level understanding.
So you chose a different path from the one you once set. That�s just the cycle of life so take your steps ahead.
Change is a natural part of life, so continue on your own journey and do what's best for you.
That doesn�t change one thing in my life. I�ll never cease to keep your words alive.
Your choices may be different now, but your impact on my life remains and I will always remember your message.
Because I still believe in what was said. I�ll hold on to the last thread. I still believe in what was said. Your absence doesn�t bring my values death.
I will cling to the belief in your message and hold onto it tightly, even though you may no longer be present to reinforce it.
A 'hero�s fall' can never change what I think because at the core of my heart this is something more than ink.
Even if someone I admired falls from grace, it does not alter the power and meaning behind the message that has become a part of me.
Something more than ink.... On a page, on a shirt, on the back of my hand. Something written in stone, words we wrote in stone.
The message I hold so dear is not just a fleeting idea or written symbol, but something etched into my being that will stay with me forever.
Contributed by Evelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.