I Don't Have the Heart
James Ingram Lyrics


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Your face is beaming
You say it's 'cause you're dreaming
Of how good it's going to be
You say you've been around
And now you've finally found
Everything you wanted and needed in me

I don't have the heart to hurt you
It's the last thing I want to do
But I don't have the heart to love you
Not the way you want me to

Inside I'm dying
To see you crying
How can I make you understand
I care about you
So much about you, baby
I'm trying to say this as gently as I can

'Cause I don't have the heart to hurt you
It's the last thing I want to do
But I don't have the heart to love you
Not the way you want me to

You're so trusting and open
Hoping that love will start
But I don't have the heart, oh, no
I don't have the heart

I don't have the heart to hurt you
It's the last thing I want to do
But I don't have the heart to love you
Not the way that you want me to

I don't have the heart (Oh)
(Baby, I don't have the heart, I don't have the heart)
I don't have the heart (Oh)
(Baby, I don't have)

I don't have the heart




I don't have the heart
I don't have the heart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to James Ingram's song "I Don't Have the Heart" are a confession of a person who is unable to love their partner in the same intense way that their partner desires. The song opens with the singer feeling overwhelmed by their partner's excitement and satisfaction with their relationship. The partner believes that they have found everything that they wanted and needed in the singer, but the singer knows that they can't reciprocate the same emotions.


The second verse reveals the singer's inner turmoil: they feel guilty for wanting to hurt their partner, but at the same time, they can't fake their feelings. They care about their partner and want to convey their emotions gently. The chorus repeats the title multiple times throughout the song, emphasizing that the singer doesn't have the heart to love their partner as much as they desire. The bridge acknowledges the partner's openness and trust, but the singer still can't force themselves to feel the way their partner wants.


Overall, the lyrics are a heartbreaking admission of a relationship that is not fulfilling for one person, even though the other is content. The singer's vulnerability and honesty create a poignant and relatable experience for anyone who has loved someone who they couldn't fully reciprocate their feelings towards.


Line by Line Meaning

Your face is beaming
I can see how happy you are


You say it's 'cause you're dreaming
You tell me it's because you're imagining the wonderful things that will happen


Of how good it's going to be
You're excited for the future


You say you've been around
You claim to have a lot of experience


And now you've finally found
Yet despite that experience, you've only just now discovered


Everything you wanted and needed in me
That you've found everything you've been searching for in me


I don't have the heart to hurt you
I can't bring myself to cause you pain


It's the last thing I want to do
That's the opposite of what I want


But I don't have the heart to love you
But I can't love you the way you desire


Not the way you want me to
Not in the way that you desire and expect


Inside I'm dying
On the inside I'm actually struggling greatly


To see you crying
It would be unbearable to witness you in tears


How can I make you understand
I desperately want to help you see my point of view


I care about you
I do genuinely feel for you


So much about you, baby
I have great affection for you


I'm trying to say this as gently as I can
I'm attempting to express this in the kindest way possible


'Cause I don't have the heart to hurt you
Simply put, I can't bring myself to cause you pain


You're so trusting and open
You display so much faith and vulnerability


Hoping that love will start
You're wishing for the creation of a romantic relationship


But I don't have the heart, oh, no
Unfortunately, I don't possess the capacity to reciprocate


I don't have the heart to hurt you
Again, I'm simply incapable of causing you emotional pain


It's the last thing I want to do
It couldn't be further from my desire


But I don't have the heart to love you
However, I can't offer you the love that you seek


Not the way that you want me to
It's not possible to love you the way you long for


I don't have the heart
Unfortunately, my heart isn't capable of what you desire


(Oh)
(Expression of emotion)


(Baby, I don't have the heart, I don't have the heart)
(Reiteration of the sentiment shown throughout the song)


I don't have the heart (Oh)
I really can't do what you're hoping


(Baby, I don't have)
(Expression of futility)


I don't have the heart
My heart isn't capable of what you desire




Lyrics Š Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ALLAN RICH, JUD FRIEDMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@yoboiblurry5389

May be the most underrated male singer of all time

@Brian67859

Yep...Such an amazing voice.

@gillisculvero3202

No Brian McKnight is. Brian has 0 Grammy's

@renegaderunner332

No way! He was very appreciated for his talents!

@maureenelawady2596

@@renegaderunner332 Exactly! My two favorite artists.

@renegaderunner332

He was great!

41 More Replies...

@AlexandraofVirginia

James Ingram died today at age 66 following a long battle with brain cancer. Rest in Peace, James. Your music will live forever.

@mssoutherndiva21

😢

@nikkicarringer8178

Omg I’m just now reading that he passed away last year and it saddens me to know that his voice was taken away from us but his songs are timeless and I’m grateful to hear them. Rip James

@lostinthecloud_

I didn't know he's been diagnosed with cancer. I wasn't born yet during his time. But his song in our country is very popular. The dynamic of his voice is so incredible.

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