Shape Of My Heart – Sting

Sting (from a 1993 promotional interview): “I wanted to write about a card player, a gambler who gambles not to win but to try and figure out something; to figure out some kind of mystical logic in luck, or chance; some kind of scientific, almost religious law. So this guy’s a philosopher, he’s not playing for respect and he’s not playing for money, he’s just trying to figure out the law – there has to be some logic to it. He’s a poker player so it’s not easy for him to express his emotions, in fact he doesn’t express anything, he has a mask, and it’s just one mask and it never changes.”

“Shape of My Heart” by Sting is a poignant and introspective ballad that delves into the intricacies of love, mystery, and the human heart’s enigmatic nature. Sting’s lyrical craftsmanship shines in this song, as he artfully weaves a narrative that explores the multifaceted aspects of emotion and connection.

The song’s melody is both haunting and delicate, evoking a sense of melancholy and introspection. The gentle acoustic guitar and Sting’s soulful vocals work in tandem to create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and profound. The song’s arrangement perfectly complements the depth of its lyrical content.

As Sting croons about the “shape” of his heart, he invites the listener to reflect on the complex interplay of emotions that define the human experience. It’s a timeless classic that resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the mysteries of their own heart and the intricacies of love.

“Shape of My Heart” is a masterpiece that showcases Sting’s storytelling prowess and musical artistry, leaving an indelible mark in the world of singer-songwriter classics. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and invite deep introspection into the human condition.

And this song was edited into the end of the 1994 movie Leon: The Professional.

Lyrics:

He deals the cards as a meditation
And those he plays never suspect
He doesn’t play for the money he wins
He don’t play for respect
He deals the cards to find the answer
The sacred geometry of chance
The hidden law of a probable outcome
The numbers lead a dance
[I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that’s not the shape of my heart]

He may play the jack of diamonds
He may lay the queen of spades
He may conceal a king in his hand
While the memory of it fades

[I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that’s not the shape of my heart]

And if I told you that I loved you
You’d maybe think there’s something wrong
I’m not a man of too many faces
The mask I wear is one
Those who speak know nothing
And find out to their cost
Like those who curse their luck in too many places
And those who fear are lost

[I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that’s not the shape of my heart]

Watch how “Shawn Farquhar” doing the Cards Magic (trick) according to the song “Shape of my heart”