Clean Heart
Sade' Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clean and sharp
Clean dream
Bad start
He loved his brother and his sister
Luke and Tony called him Mister
They made him feel much more
He loved his daddy though he never told him
And how he loved his mama
He loved
He loved her like an Italian
Little Janet said you look so fine
So fine
Something in his smile
Made them feel like strangers
And then he straightened his belt
With a lover's touch
And he said I'm gonna bring home
The things that are out of your clutch, ooh
Seemed like the hottest night in summer
A heat that makes you feel like dying
Somewhere in the next block
There's a baby crying
Finger on the trigger for the years to come
Finger on the trigger for the years to come
And as the moon slid up over the restless streets
Sirens mocking and people stop to see
Their greedy eyes don't realize
He's someone's son
Finger on the trigger for the years to come
Finger on the trigger for the years to come
The song "Clean Heart" by Sade is a haunting and emotional narrative that tells the story of a man who has gone through a lot in his life. The opening lines "Clean heart, clean and sharp, clean dream, bad start" set the tone for the rest of the song, and it becomes quickly apparent that this man has been through a lot of hardships.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his relationships with his family members, with whom he has a deep love and connection, despite not always being able to express it. He loved his brother and sister, Luke and Tony, and they looked up to him with utmost respect, calling him "Mister". His love for his parents was also evident, especially his mother, whom he loved like an Italian.
However, there is a sense of tragedy that looms over the song, and this is where Sade's lyrical prowess truly shines through. The man seems to be haunted by something from his past that he cannot shake off, and this leads to a sense of foreboding throughout the song. The lyrics "Seemed like the hottest night in summer, a heat that makes you feel like dying" create a palpable sense of dread, and as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the man is in a dangerous situation.
The final lyrics "finger on the trigger for the years to come" are haunting, and Sade's vocal delivery adds to the sense of unease. It is clear that the man is in a difficult position, and his future is uncertain. Overall, "Clean Heart" is a masterful examination of the human condition, and it is a testament to Sade's songwriting skills.
Line by Line Meaning
Clean heart
Starting with a pure soul
Clean and sharp
Sharp and clear thoughts
Clean dream
Uncompromising vision
Bad start
Despite the situation not being ideal
He loved his brother and his sister
He had unconditional love for his siblings
Luke and Tony called him Mister
He was respected and looked up to by his younger brothers
They made him feel much more like a man
His younger siblings made him feel like he had responsibility and was mature
He loved his daddy though he never told him
He had love and respect for his father but had not expressed it verbally
And how he loved his mama
He had great affection and admiration for his mother
He loved, he loved her like an Italian
He had a deep, passionate love for his mother like Italian people tend to have for their families
Little Janet said you look so fine, so fine
Janet complimented his appearance, making him feel good
Something in his smile made them feel like strangers
Despite his smile, there was a sense of detachment from others
And then he straightened his belt with a lover's touch
He adjusted his belt in a sensual and confident manner
And he said I'm gonna bring home the things that are out of your clutch, ooh
He promised to achieve success and bring material possessions to impress others
Seemed like the hottest night in summer
The night was blazing hot
A heat that makes you feel like dying
The heat was so intense that it made him feel like death
Somewhere in the next block there's a baby crying
In the next street, a baby was in distress and crying
Finger on the trigger for the years to come
He was ready to make decisions that would change his life forever
And as the moon slid up over the restless streets
The moon rose over the noisy and anxious streets
Sirens mocking and people stop to see
Sirens were wailing, and people were gathering to see what was happening
Their greedy eyes don't realize he's someone's son
The onlookers didn't recognize him as someone's child
Finger on the trigger for the years to come
He was prepared for the long-term consequences of his actions
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANDREW HALE, HELEN ADU, STUART MATTHEWMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marion6763
Sade seems to have a genuine inner balance, peace, sweetness, kindness, and harmony...She intoxicates us with her vibe...She is so calming and peaceful.
@GAMERBLESS
I envy her a single father acknowledge a WOMAN PRICELESS .
@yaniselizabethalvaradolain4375
Best sade
@patrickmccarthy8386
Well spoken - you are most perceptive!
@marion6763
@@patrickmccarthy8386
Thank you!
@nicolinofalcucci3451
Really, really truue
@timfoster5043
Perhaps one of Sade's most underrated songs...
@DavidRosenthal-mc1iu
Could not agree more.
@SkeletonModel91
Arguably the best track on the whole album with I Never Thought I'd See the Day.
@pickledskater4039
This song is so moving. It bring tears to my eyes every time. To all the souls gone too soon