Heart Like An Open Book
Michael Franks Lyrics


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I put my faith in disguises
Assuming my heart could remain concealed
You sure were full of surprises
Saw through me - my secrets were soon revealed

To crash all my coconuts down you shook
Examined my heart like an open book
And weak from your sweet Ingrid Bergman look
I gave you my heart like an open book
(Take you time, just continue reading me)

Quite an ecstatic sensation, surrender
What more is there left to say?
I cling to one consolation, remember
That love's a game two much play

Kissing in the kitchen while you cook
I see your heart too is an open book
I flash my perfected Rhett Butler look




You hand me you heart like an open book
(All the time I continue reading you)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Michael Franks's song "Heart Like An Open Book" portray vulnerability, surrender and the act of letting go. The singer puts his "faith in disguises" and hides his emotions, hoping to preserve his heart. However, his love interest was able to see through him and reveal his secrets. Despite initially feeling weak and exposed, the singer eventually surrenders to the "ecstatic sensation" of love and realizes that it's a game that two must play. The song also references the classic films "Casablanca" and "Gone with the Wind," alluding to the emotions and drama of love in these famous movies.


Overall, the song is about the act of falling in love and allowing oneself to be vulnerable. The singer realizes that it's impossible to hide his heart and decides to take the risk of opening up, despite feeling scared and uncertain.


Line by Line Meaning

I put my faith in disguises
I tried to hide my true feelings and intentions behind a mask


Assuming my heart could remain concealed
Believing that I could keep my heart secret and protected from others' sight


You sure were full of surprises
You exceeded my expectations and amazed me with your insight


Saw through me - my secrets were soon revealed
You easily identified my true self and my hidden feelings


To crash all my coconuts down you shook
You made me realize my vulnerabilities and broke down my defenses


Examined my heart like an open book
You scrutinized my heart and understood my emotions without me telling you


And weak from your sweet Ingrid Bergman look
Your charming appearance made me feel powerless and captivated me deeply


I gave you my heart like an open book
I revealed my true feelings and emotions to you without any hesitation


(Take you time, just continue reading me)
Please take your time to understand me better and know my true self


Quite an ecstatic sensation, surrender
It was a euphoric feeling to give in to my emotions and trust you completely


What more is there left to say?
There is nothing more to express as my heart is now an open book to you


I cling to one consolation, remember
I hold onto one hope, that love is a game for two people to enjoy


That love's a game two much play
Love is a wonderful experience that should be enjoyed by both partners equally


Kissing in the kitchen while you cook
We are so comfortable with each other that we can share intimate moments even while doing mundane tasks


I see your heart too is an open book
I can also understand your emotions as you have also revealed your true self to me


I flash my perfected Rhett Butler look
I try to impress you with my charm and sophistication like Rhett Butler from 'Gone with the Wind'


You hand me your heart like an open book
You also show me your true self and trust me with your emotions


(All the time I continue reading you)
I am still trying to understand you better and know your true self completely




Contributed by Emily R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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