Ralph McTell is probably best known for the song Streets of London which has been covered by over a hundred artists around the world. From Clare to Here has proved almost as popular, during a long and continuing recording and performing career.
McTell's guitar style has been influenced by many of the USA's country blues 'Piedmont- style' guitar players of the early 20th century, including Blind Blake and Blind Willie McTell, from whom he took his name.
One Heart
Ralph McTell Lyrics
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Wrong with us two
When things go wrong you know it hurts me too
When things go wrong it tears us both apart
It occurs to me we must share one heart
one heart
You and me, babe, got one heart between two
One heart, baby, one heart between us two
There's so much between us
And yet we still fight
And we put a little space between
Us in the bed at night
One heart, baby, one heart between us two
Sharing the lows, sharing the highs
We've got to get down before we can rise
One heart, baby, one heart between us two
You and me, babe, got one heart between two
Yours beats for me, mine beats for you
One heart, baby, one heart between us two
In Ralph McTell's song "One Heart," the lyrics explore the ups and downs of a relationship and the shared emotional connection between two individuals. The singer reflects on the moments when things go wrong and how it affects both parties involved. He acknowledges that when difficulties arise, it not only hurts him personally but also impacts their relationship, tearing them apart. The realization strikes him that despite the challenges they face, they must have one heart that they share.
The chorus emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of their hearts. Their hearts beat as one, symbolizing their deep emotional bond and reliance on each other. The singer acknowledges that there is so much between them, implying that they have a history and a complex dynamic. However, despite this depth, they still find themselves engaging in fights, creating distance even in the intimacy of their shared bed. The song suggests that they must recognize their shared heart, their shared emotions, in order to overcome their struggles.
Overall, "One Heart" by Ralph McTell delves into the fragility and resilience of a relationship. It highlights the pain caused by discord but also emphasizes the potential for healing and growth when they acknowledge and embrace their shared heart.
Line by Line Meaning
I've just been thinking what is Wrong with us two
I've recently contemplated and pondered upon the issues that afflict our relationship
When things go wrong you know it hurts me too
When unfortunate events occur, it pains me deeply as well
When things go wrong it tears us both apart
When adversities arise, it emotionally divides and separates the both of us
It occurs to me we must share one heart
It strikes me as an epiphany that we possess a singular, shared essence
one heart
This repeated line emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of our emotions
You and me, babe, got one heart between two
You and I, my dear, possess a single heart that unites us despite being two individuals
Yours beats for mine and mine beats for you
Your heart rhythmically pulses for the sake of my well-being, and likewise, mine beats for your happiness
One heart, baby, one heart between us two
We only share one heart, my darling, that binds us as a couple
There's so much between us
Although there are numerous aspects and complexities in our relationship
And yet we still fight
Nevertheless, we continue to engage in conflicts and disagreements
And we put a little space between Us in the bed at night
We intentionally create some emotional distance between us as we lie in bed at night
Sharing the lows, sharing the highs
We mutually experience and endure both the challenges and joys of life
We've got to get down before we can rise
We must face and overcome obstacles in order to achieve growth and happiness
One heart, baby, one heart between us two
Our connection is founded on a sole heart, my love, that unites us despite being two individuals
You and me, babe, got one heart between two
You and I, my dear, possess a single heart that unites us despite being two individuals
Yours beats for me, mine beats for you
Your heart rhythmically pulses for my well-being, and conversely, mine beats for your happiness
One heart, baby, one heart between us two
We only share one heart, my darling, that binds us as a couple
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Ralph McTell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind