About the Song
Let’s take a trip across the pond, back to 1964, and revisit a heartbreak anthem that resonated across the globe – “Anyone Who Had a Heart” by Cilla Black. This song, originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for Dionne Warwick, became a surprise hit for Cilla Black in the UK, showcasing her powerful vocals and relatable portrayal of a love scorned.
“Anyone Who Had a Heart” isn’t your typical revenge song. Cilla Black’s rendition focuses on the raw pain of betrayal and the yearning for love. The opening line, “Anyone who ever loved, could look at me and know that I love you,” sets the stage for a song filled with vulnerability and longing. Black’s strong vocals, laced with a touch of desperation, perfectly capture the emotions of a woman who still harbors love for someone who has hurt her deeply.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has gone astray. She sings about knowing “I love you so,” yet acknowledging the betrayal. The repeated line, “Anyone who had a heart” becomes a powerful plea, questioning the capacity for love in the one who hurt her. There’s a sense of disbelief and a desperate hope that perhaps, just perhaps, someone with a heart would reciprocate her love.
Musically, the song is a beautiful blend of pop and soul. The driving rhythm section provides a solid foundation for Black’s soaring vocals. The tasteful use of strings adds a layer of emotional depth, mirroring the turmoil within the narrator.
“Anyone Who Had a Heart” resonated deeply with listeners, especially young women who had experienced heartbreak. Black’s relatable performance and the song’s universal theme of lost love transcended cultural boundaries. While Dionne Warwick’s original version achieved success in the US, Cilla Black’s rendition became a chart-topping hit in the UK, solidifying her place as a British pop icon.
The song’s legacy extends far beyond its initial success. “Anyone Who Had a Heart” has been covered by countless artists across genres, a testament to its enduring appeal. It continues to be featured in movies and television shows, reminding us of the timeless power of music to capture the complexities of love and loss.
So, the next time you hear the opening line of “Anyone Who Had a Heart”, take a moment to appreciate the song’s emotional depth. Let Cilla Black’s voice guide you through the journey of heartbreak, reminding us that even in the face of pain, the hope for love can endure.
Video
Lyrics: “Anyone Who Had A Heart”
Anyone who ever loved could look at me
And know that I love you
Anyone who ever dreamed could look at me
And know I dream of you
Knowing I love you soAnyone who had a heart
Would take me in his arms and love me too
Who couldn’t be another heart that hurt me?
Like you hurt me and be so untrue
What am I to do?Every time you go away I always say
This time it’s goodbye, dear
Loving you the way I do I take you back
Without you I’d die, dear
Knowing I love you soAnyone who had a heart
Would take me in his arms and love me too
Who couldn’t be another heart that hurt me?
Like you hurt me and be so untrue
What am I to do?Knowing I love you so
Anyone who had a heart
Would take me in his arms and love me too
Who couldn’t be another heart that hurt me?
Like you hurt me and be so untrue
Anyone who had a heart would love me too
Anyone who had a heart would simply take me
In his arms and always love me, why won’t you?
Yeah, anyone who had a heart would love me too
Anyone who had a heart would simply take me
In his arms and always love me, why won’t you?