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
Song of Shame
Have Heart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some trees just can't bloom if the seed of potential never splits
Some trees just can't bloom
They never will
Born to a life of a briught future with every chance to excel
Instead he took this fucking chances with the cheapest goddamn thrills
He'd do anything, he'd take anything for a moment's satisfaction
Sweet seconds of pleasure could never measure to a lifetime of addiction
"It won't happen to me, it won't happen to me, it won't happen to me"
Thats what they always fucking say
The man who thinks he's above misery, hurt and harm and pain is the man who lives his life tightly bound as a slave in chains of a neverending abyss, of an artificial bliss
And he lives just like a slave for giving his life away for nothing
The song "Song of Shame" by Have Heart tells the story of someone who had great potential but chose to take the easy way out and indulge in cheap thrills instead of striving for excellence. The metaphor of a backfired rocket ship represents the individual's life taking a wrong turn despite being born with all the potential to achieve greatness. The lyrics state that some trees cannot bloom if their seed never splits, highlighting the importance of taking risks and putting oneself out there to achieve success.
The singer's addiction and obsession with momentary pleasure are emphasized, while the consequences of their actions are also explored. The lyrics suggest that being the man who thinks they are above misery, hurt, and pain is a dangerous position to be in. This person becomes tightly bound by the chains of an artificial bliss, living like a slave for giving their life away for nothing. The song warns against complacency and inaction in life, urging listeners to take risks and work hard to achieve their goals.
Overall, "Song of Shame" delivers a powerful message about the danger of taking shortcuts in life, and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and striving for excellence.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me tell you a story about a backfired rocketship
I want to share a tale of someone's life that took a turn for the worse.
Some trees just can't bloom if the seed of potential never splits
Without taking a risk and trying something new, success may never be possible.
Some trees just can't bloom
For some people, achieving their full potential may never happen.
They never will
Despite trying, some people will never reach their full potential.
Born to a life of a briught future with every chance to excel
This person had a promising start in life with many opportunities for success.
Instead he took this fucking chances with the cheapest goddamn thrills
Rather than pursuing those opportunities, he chose to indulge in short-lived pleasures.
He'd do anything, he'd take anything for a moment's satisfaction
He was willing to do whatever it took to experience fleeting moments of happiness.
Sweet seconds of pleasure could never measure to a lifetime of addiction
While those moments of pleasure may have felt good in the moment, they ultimately led to a life consumed by addiction.
In the dark night, he tries to remember a future once so bright
Late at night, he reflects on the promising future he once had.
"It won't happen to me, it won't happen to me, it won't happen to me"
He always believed that he was above the negative consequences of his actions and that they could never happen to him.
Thats what they always fucking say
This mindset is shared by many, but it is often misguided.
The man who thinks he's above misery, hurt and harm and pain is the man who lives his life tightly bound as a slave in chains of a neverending abyss, of an artificial bliss
Believing that one is immune to life's hardships leads to a life trapped in a never-ending cycle of addiction and artificial happiness.
And he lives just like a slave for giving his life away for nothing
His addiction has caused him to live a life enslaved to his habits, giving up everything he had for nothing in return.
Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.