Ron Hawkins is a independent Canadian rock singer, songwriter and painter. … Read Full Bio ↴Ron Hawkins is a independent Canadian rock singer, songwriter and painter. He has been the lead singer and songwriter for The Lowest of the Low, Hummer and Ron Hawkins and the Rusty Nails, and has released several solo albums.

Not to be confused with Canadian rock and roll pioneer Ronnie Hawkins

Telltale Heart
Ron Hawkins Lyrics

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Telltale heart
Always telling tales
Mighty as a sparrow
Fragile like a whale
Slings and arrows
Crosses and nails
Telltale heart
Tell your tale

Well, I've been lonely
And I've been blind
Sometimes a sinner
And sometimes unkind
But my blood is thinner than water some times
Like a telltale river
It endlessly winds

Telltale people
Are a curious folk
Their life is a sadness
Their love is a joke
They carry their hardship
They pull on that yoke
Murdered and martyred
Busted and broke

Slings and arrows
Crosses and nails

Telltale heart
Tell your tale

Overall Meaning

In Ron Hawkins's song Telltale Heart, the titular phrase is used to evoke the idea of someone always telling tales; someone who is compelled to share their story, regardless of the consequences. The telltale heart is both mighty and fragile, much like the sparrow and the whale that are used as metaphors. The song speaks to the isolation and loneliness that comes with being a telltale person, constantly bearing witness to hardship and carrying the weight of the world on one's shoulders.

The second verse of the song provides a glimpse at the inner turmoil that a telltale person may experience. They may be lonely and blind, perhaps not fully understanding the impact that their stories have on others. They may be a sinner or unkind, but ultimately their blood is thinner than water, indicating a sense of vulnerability and empathy that coexists with their storytelling tendencies. The metaphor of a telltale river that endlessly winds reinforces the idea that storytelling is a constant force in the telltale person's life.

Line by Line Meaning

Telltale heart
A heart that cannot keep secrets

Always telling tales
Uncontrollably revealing secrets

Mighty as a sparrow
Small and insignificant

Fragile like a whale
Vulnerable and easily hurt

Slings and arrows
Challenges and obstacles

Crosses and nails
Sacrifices and trials

Telltale heart
A heart that cannot keep secrets

Tell your tale
Reveal your secrets

Well, I've been lonely
I have experienced loneliness

And I've been blind
I have been unaware of certain things

Sometimes a sinner
I have made mistakes and done wrong