The song was first recorded by McKendree Spring in 1972 and then by Linda Ronstadt in 1974. Subsequently, the song has been covered by several other artists including Billy Bragg, Katie Moore, The Corrs, and June Tabor.
Heart Like a Wheel
Kate & Anna McGarrigle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you bend it, you can't mend it
And my love for you is like a sinking ship
And my heart is like that ship out in mid ocean
They say that death is a tragedy
It comes once and it's over
But my only wish is for that deep dark abyss
And it's only love, and it's only love
That can wreck a human being and turn him inside out
That can wreck a human being and turn him inside out
When harm is done no love can be won
I know this happens frequently
What I can't understand
Oh please God hold my hand
Is why it should have happened to me
And it's only love and it's only love
And it's only love and it's only love
Only love, only love
Only love, only love
The opening line of Kate & Anna McGarrigle's Heart Like a Wheel, "some say a heart is just like a wheel," sets the tone for the song which is about the fragility of love and the human heart. The lyrics continue, "when you bend it, you can't mend it," suggesting that once a heart has been broken, it cannot be fixed or healed. The metaphor of the heart being like a sinking ship in the middle of the ocean amplifies the feelings of hopelessness and despair that come with a broken heart. The image of being adrift at sea, with no land in sight, is a common one for those who have experienced heartbreak, as it can feel like the end of the world.
The second verse of the song talks about death and how it is often seen as a tragedy. However, the singer's only wish is for the "deep dark abyss" as living without a true lover is unbearable. This further emphasizes the idea that love is what makes life worth living, and without it, life can be unfulfilling and meaningless. The final verse reflects on the painful reality that sometimes, even when we pour all our love into something, harm can still be done, and love may not be enough to heal the wounds. The repeated refrain of "it's only love" highlights the central theme of the song, that although love can be the cause of pain and heartbreak, it is still a precious and essential part of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Some say a heart is just like a wheel
Some people believe that a heart is as fragile and unpredictable as a wheel.
When you bend it, you can't mend it
Once a heart is broken, it is impossible to fully repair.
And my love for you is like a sinking ship
My love for you is failing, like a ship that is sinking.
And my heart is like that ship out in mid ocean
My heart is adrift and alone, just like a ship lost in the middle of the ocean.
They say that death is a tragedy
People often view death as heartbreaking and devastating.
It comes once and it's over
Death happens once, and there is no reversing it.
But my only wish is for that deep dark abyss
My desire is for the emptiness of death, because living without true love feels unbearable.
Cause what's the use of living with no true lover
What is the point of life if you can't experience genuine, reciprocated love?
And it's only love, and it's only love
Love is the only thing that has the power to destroy a person and leave them feeling exposed.
That can wreck a human being and turn him inside out
Love has the ability to completely unravel a person and leave them feeling vulnerable.
When harm is done no love can be won
Once trust is broken or hurt is inflicted, it becomes difficult to find true love.
I know this happens frequently
I am aware that this type of heartache is common.
What I can't understand
What I can't comprehend or justify is...
Oh please God hold my hand
I need guidance and support from a higher power to be able to deal with this pain.
Is why it should have happened to me
I don't understand why I'm the one who has to suffer in this way.
Only love, only love
Throughout the song, the idea is emphasized that love is the most powerful force in both positive and negative ways. This repetition at the end reinforces that message.
Only love, only love
The final line reiterates that the underlying message of the song is that love is the most important and overwhelming force in the world.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Anna McGarrigle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Catherine S. Todd
Some say a heart is just like a wheel
When you bend it, you can't mend it
And my love for you is like a sinking ship
And my heart is like that ship out in mid ocean
They say that death is a tragedy
It comes once and it's over
But my only wish is for that deep dark abyss
Cause what's the use of living with no true lover
And it's only love, and it's only love
That can wreck a human being and turn him inside out
That can wreck a human being and turn him inside out
When harm is done no love can be won
I know this happens frequently
What I can't understand
Oh please God hold my hand
Is why it should have happened to me
And it's only love and it's only love
And it's only love and it's only love
Only love, only love
Only love, only love
Songwriters: Anna McGarrigle
Heart Like a Wheel lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Andrew Knapp
I have listened to this song regularly since first getting the album in 1975 and it still brings a tear to my eye. Sheer beauty.
silverchessdragon
Undoubtedly one of the greatest musical creations and recordings ever. This song and its performance is so stunningly beautiful and affecting in every way that sometimes I find it almost unbearable to listen to.
Karen Contestabile
silverchessdragon Absolutely!
Declan 6914
Beautifully said. I used to listen to this song in an old friend's place prior to a time in my life I've been exceptionally fortunate to have survived. Anyway, I hated this song for one reason; that was it burrowed into the deepest part of you and made a home. It's only the intervening years that made me realise how devastatingly beautiful it is. Not the kind of song I thought could do that to me.
Zippalu
This and many other songs of theirs I've drawn the same sentiment
sylviareed80
@Zippalu Sadly, i can't find a version of their song Frankfurts on the Side! (Mamma never told me and my Papa didn't say...) I grew up with this on vinyl (probably Mom) and it never leaves your brain. The love song of salt - NaCl - holy smokes. Perfection
ANTHONY BAGNALL
They never fail to bring a tear to my eyes
Donald Thompson
Without question Kate and Anna should be in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Andrew Keegan
This is just a ridiculously beautiful song. So simple yet so profound. Lovely.
Frannie O
Sublime. Such truth. RIP Kate McGarrigle.