Peter Salett is internationally known as a singer/songwriter who makes musi… Read Full Bio ↴Peter Salett is internationally known as a singer/songwriter who makes music that is lyrically powerful, with plaintive melodies and harmonies, and containing elements of country, Velvet Underground style rock, and Stax era soul. Salett's songs were described by Billboard magazine as being "rife with infectious pop melodies and sticky choruses".

Black Heart
Peter Salett Lyrics

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Got me a little black heart
Beware, you best beware
Don't start, don't you start
In on the man with the little black heart

'cause the answers you would find
Are not to questions in your mind
As for me, I'm doing fine

Trying to stay simple, killing time

God knows I got no strings
But I know what love brings
God knows everything
About the man with the little black heart

'cause the answers you would find
Are not to questions in your mind
As for me, I'm doing fine
Trying to stay simple, killing time

Keeping simple, killing time

Overall Meaning

The song "Black Heart" by Peter Salett is a warning to anyone who crosses the path of a man with a "little black heart." The opening line of the song, "Got me a little black heart, beware, you best beware" sets the tone for the rest of the song. The man with the little black heart is someone who is not to be trifled with, and the singer is cautioning anyone who might be tempted to start something with him. The chorus reinforces this sentiment, with the singer repeating "Don't start, don't you start" over and over again.

The second verse of the song suggests that the man with the little black heart is not someone who can easily be understood. "The answers you would find are not to questions in your mind" suggests that there is something about this person that is mysterious or unknowable. Despite this, the singer is content with his own life, stating that he is "doing fine" and just "trying to stay simple, killing time."

Overall, "Black Heart" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of crossing the wrong person. The little black heart seems to represent a sort of darkness or malevolence that the singer wants nothing to do with. The song is a reminder that sometimes, it's best to just stay out of someone's way.

Line by Line Meaning

Got me a little black heart
I have a dark and unfeeling heart

Beware, you best beware
Be careful of me, I am dangerous

Don't start, don't you start
Do not provoke or agitate me

In on the man with the little black heart
I am the man with the unfeeling heart

'cause the answers you would find
If you try to understand me, you will not find what you are looking for

Are not to questions in your mind
The answers to my behavior and thoughts cannot be found through questioning

As for me, I'm doing fine
Despite my inner darkness, I am content with how I am

Trying to stay simple, killing time
I am trying to live a simple life, just passing the time until death

God knows I got no strings
I am not bound or controlled by anyone or anything

But I know what love brings
Even though I am incapable of love, I understand the effects it has on people

God knows everything
God has complete knowledge and understanding of everything, including me