Open Your Heart
The Human League The Human League Lyrics


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And when it hurts
You know they love to tell you
How they warned you
They say, "don't be surprised
At someone's lies"
They think they taunt you
But if you can stand the test
You know your worst is better
Than their best

And so you stand here
With the years ahead
Potentially calling
With open heart
Or with a spirit dead
You walk on

Lies the reason
Faith or treason
Playing a part
End concealing
Try revealing
Open your heart
Dare to feel
Take the chance
Make the deal

Being an island
Shying from trying
Seems the easy way
Such an easy way
But there's no future
Without tears

Lies the reason
Faith or treason
Playing a part
End concealing
Try revealing
Open your heart
Dare to feel
Take the chance
Make the deal

But if you can't stand the test
You know your worst is better than
Their best

Lies the reason
Faith or treason
Playing a part
End concealing
Try revealing
Open your heart

Lies the reason
Faith or treason
Playing a part
End concealing
Try revealing
Open your heart

Lies the reason
Faith or treason
Playing a part
End concealing
Try revealing
Open your heart

Lies the reason




Faith or treason
Playing a part

Overall Meaning

The song "Open Your Heart" by The Human League is a powerful anthem about overcoming the fear of vulnerability and embracing the risk of being hurt in order to experience true connection and growth. The first verse describes the way that people often try to protect themselves from pain by warning others about the dangers of trusting someone else. But the singer suggests that it's worth it to take the risk of being hurt, because even if it hurts, you'll still be better off for having opened yourself up to the possibility of love and connection.


The chorus encourages listeners to be brave and daring in their approach to life, to take chances and "dare to feel." The second verse urges listeners not to be afraid of their emotions or to try to bury them, even when it seems easier to close yourself off from the world. The repeated phrase "lies the reason, faith or treason, playing a part, end concealing, try revealing, open your heart" is a call to action, urging listeners to be honest with themselves and others, and to be open to the vulnerability that comes with emotional intimacy.


Overall, the message of the song is one of hope and encouragement, urging listeners to embrace their full range of emotions and to take risks in order to experience the depth of human connection that is possible.


Line by Line Meaning

And when it hurts
When you experience pain or discomfort


You know they love to tell you
Other people enjoy pointing out your mistakes or misfortunes


How they warned you
They claim to have given you advice beforehand


They say, "don't be surprised / At someone's lies"
They caution you not to trust others completely, as people often lie


They think they taunt you
Their intentions may be to mock or belittle you


But if you can stand the test / You know your worst is better / Than their best
If you can endure difficulty and challenges, you will emerge stronger. Even your lowest point is still better than their highest achievement.


And so you stand here
You are in the present moment


With the years ahead / Potentially calling
The future is uncertain, but it contains promise and possibility


With open heart / Or with a spirit dead
You can approach the future with optimism and vulnerability, or with cynicism and apathy


You walk on
You continue forward, regardless of your emotional state


Lies the reason
Here is the core issue


Faith or treason
The choice between trusting or doubting others


Playing a part
Acting a role, perhaps without fully being aware of it


End concealing
Stop hiding; reveal yourself authentically


Try revealing / Open your heart
Attempt to show your true self and be more emotionally available to others


Dare to feel / Take the chance / Make the deal
Be brave enough to experience your emotions, take risks in relationships, and commit to personal growth


Being an island
Acting in isolation or cutting oneself off from others


Shying from trying
Avoiding the attempt and the vulnerability that comes with it


Seems the easy way
It appears less challenging in the moment


Such an easy way
It is easier than trying to connect with others


But there's no future / Without tears
Growth and meaningful connection require vulnerability, which can lead to emotional pain


But if you can't stand the test / You know your worst is better than / Their best
Even if you struggle or fail, your genuine effort is more admirable than someone else's insincere success




Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jo Callis, Phil Oakey

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Nigel Spacey

Best Human league track of them all !!! Fab song . Brings back memories and everyone danced to this in 81 !!

Richard Leigh

Sure did me included

Neil Rooney

The best Human League song in my opinion, and there were plenty of contenders.

Neil Rooney

***** I wouldn't dare ;-)

jamsee1

Could be agreeing with you as it's definitely in the top 3. The melody, lullaby is so pretty :)

Chris Grimes

I agree with you

Geoffrey Jonathan Wilson

Legendary British band I think.
Great song from 'Dare'.

djmusicjac

awesome synthpop love it

Alan Snelgrove

Dare is the best album ever made

Theresa smith

All their music is brilliant.....x

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