Bishop's song "Separate Lives," from the movie White Nights, was nominated for an Academy Award in 1985, losing out to "Say You, Say Me" from the same film. Bishop wrote it about his breakup with actress Karen Allen, who also appeared in Animal House.
Patrick Bateman, the fictional anti-hero from Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho, is an avowed fan of Stephen Bishop.
Only The Heart Within You
Stephen Bishop Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it's shining
In the night
For the soul who steers the flight
As the sidewalk dreamers
Slip across the scene looking to win
A stranger lights a candle
Let it rain down on the outsider
As he waits for the change
No reminder of the past
Safe within the sheltered arms
Of someone you will never know
A stand-in for the part
No one can tell you what to do
Only the heart within you
Oh, see all the faces
Go gently by
And the silence chills the fighter
In the eyes of the night
No reminder of the past
Safe within these sheltered arms at last
A light in the dark
No beast so fierce
Could change this view
Only the heart within you
The lyrics to Stephen Bishop's "Only The Heart Within You" speak of the struggle of an outsider who is waiting for change while trying to make their dreams come true. The first verse describes the city streets at night, with the light shining for those who dare to steer their own path. The line "As the sidewalk dreamers slip across the scene looking to win" paints a picture of people chasing after their dreams, taking risks and hoping for success.
The second verse talks about a stranger lighting a candle in the wind, symbolizing hope in times of difficulty. The lyrics convey a sense of loneliness and isolation, with the outsider waiting for change but having no reminders of the past. The sheltered arms of someone they will never know offer protection and comfort, portraying a sense of longing for human connection.
The chorus "No one can tell you what to do, only the heart within you" emphasizes the importance of following one's own heart despite the challenges and obstacles that come one's way. The song encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and not be swayed by external factors, whether it be the opinions of others or the harsh realities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a light
Hope is present in the dark moments of life.
And it's shining
It's a bright light that provides direction and guidance.
In the night
The light is most evident in the darkness.
For the soul who steers the flight
Those who are in control of their lives can see the hope most clearly.
As the sidewalk dreamers
People who dream but don't take action.
Slip across the scene looking to win
Those who don't take control of their lives and hope to achieve their dreams by mere chance.
A stranger lights a candle
A person who doesn't know you offers hope.
Out here in the wind
In the midst of life's difficulties.
Let it rain down on the outsider
The person who feels like they don't belong can receive hope.
As he waits for the change
Every person who wants something better.
No reminder of the past
They can let go of the mistakes and hardships of the past and move forward.
Safe within the sheltered arms
Not alone, someone cares about them.
Of someone you will never know
The person providing hope may be unknown to you.
A stand-in for the part
This person is playing a part in providing hope.
No one can tell you what to do
The decision to move forward is ultimately your own.
Only the heart within you
The determination and passion within a person drives them to move forward.
Oh, see all the faces
Observing the world around you.
Go gently by
Without any impact or influence on you.
And the silence chills the fighter
When the world feels like it's against you and you're alone.
In the eyes of the night
During the darkest moments.
No reminder of the past
The person can let go of their past and move forward.
Safe within these sheltered arms at last
Finally feeling secure and cared for.
A light in the dark
Hope in the midst of darkness.
No beast so fierce
Nothing can steal your hope.
Could change this view
Your hope and determination allow you to see the world positively.
Only the heart within you
Ultimately, your determination and passion move you forward.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEPHEN BISHOP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Erin Moran
one of the greatest songs off one of the greatest albums. along with CARELESS, total masterpieces
zexonaz
Great song !!!!!!! Bish by Stephen Bishop for ever
gordon
Thank you for this stunning, heartbreaking song, Mr. Bishop. I will never be able to convey how it has touched me.
Nietzsche's Mustache
Love Bish!🍻