Open Your Heart
The Human League The Human League Lyrics
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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
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
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
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