About the song
Patty Loveless’s electrifying “Blame It On Your Heart.” Released in 1993 as a single from her critically acclaimed album Only What I Feel, this song wasn’t just a hit; it absolutely rocketed to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, solidifying her place as one of country music’s most powerful and authentic voices. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a spirited anthem of self-empowerment, a playful yet firm dismissal of a fickle lover, and a testament to knowing your own worth.
The lyrics of “Blame It On Your Heart” tell the story of a narrator who has finally seen through a partner’s manipulative ways and is now turning the tables, refusing to take the blame for the relationship’s demise. It’s a witty and sharp-edged narrative, full of clever turns of phrase that expose the lover’s deceit while asserting the narrator’s newfound strength. Phrases like “You say you’re sorry, say you’re sorry / But it don’t make it right” and “Don’t blame it on your heart / You didn’t give it to me, baby / You gave it away” perfectly capture this shift in power. The song speaks to the universal experience of moving past betrayal and reclaiming your emotional agency. It’s about recognizing the fault lies not with you, but with the one who couldn’t be true, and refusing to let their actions diminish your spirit. It’s a joyful, almost celebratory act of walking away with your head held high, full of the wisdom gained from a hard lesson learned.
Patty Loveless’s vocal performance on “Blame It On Your Heart” is nothing short of phenomenal. Her voice, renowned for its incredible power, its soulful depth, and that unmistakable raw edge, delivers the lyrics with an infectious blend of sass, conviction, and undeniable emotional truth. She doesn’t just sing the words; she embodies the narrator’s journey from hurt to liberation, making every line feel deeply personal and utterly relatable. There’s a palpable sense of triumph in her phrasing, a playful defiance that makes the song utterly exhilarating. Loveless’s brilliance lies in her ability to infuse even a seemingly straightforward breakup anthem with such a visceral, authentic emotional punch, connecting with audiences on a deeply spirited and empowering level. This performance is a prime example of why she’s considered one of the all-time greats.
The musical arrangement of “Blame It On Your Heart” is a vibrant, upbeat country-rock track, perfectly showcasing the kind of dynamic, driving sound that defined Patty Loveless’s most successful era. It features a prominent, infectious guitar riff that sets an immediate, energetic tone, a tight, driving rhythm section, and tasteful touches of steel guitar and fiddle that ground it firmly in country while still pushing its boundaries. The arrangement is full of verve and momentum, perfectly complementing the song’s feisty lyrical content. The production is clean, crisp, and powerful, designed for maximum impact on radio while still retaining an organic, live-feel energy. It’s an arrangement that feels both contemporary for its time and utterly timeless in its ability to get you moving.
“Blame It On Your Heart” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of moving past betrayal, reclaiming self-worth, and playful defiance are universally understood and passionately felt. It became one of Patty Loveless’s most iconic and enduring hits, solidifying her status as a vocal powerhouse and a master of emotional storytelling. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the best response to a broken promise is to simply blame it on your heart.
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Lyrics
You’ve got a thing or two to learn about me baby
‘Cause I ain’t taking it no more and I don’t mean maybe
You don’t know right from wrong
Well the love we had is gone
So blame it on your lying, cheating, cold deadbeating,
Two-timing, double dealing
Mean mistreating, loving heartWell all I wanted was to be your one and only
And all I ever got from you was being lonely
Now that dream is laid to rest
‘Cause you have failed the test
Hey blame it on your lying, cheating, cold deadbeating,
Two-timing, double dealing
Mean mistreating, loving heartAre you headed for a heartache, oh yeah
Gonna get a bad break, oh yeah
You made a bad mistake, oh yeah
Well, you’re never gonna find another love like mine
Someone’s gonna do you like you done me honey
And when she does you like she’ll do you, it ain’t funny
You need some sympathy
But don’t be calling me
Hey blame it on your lying, cheating, cold deadbeating
Two-timing, double dealing
Mean mistreating, loving heartAre you headed for a heartache, oh yeah
Gonna get a bad break, oh yeah
You made a bad mistake, oh yeah
Well, you’re never gonna find another love like mine
Someone’s gonna do you like you done me honey
And when she does you like she’ll do you, it ain’t funny
You need some sympathy
But don’t be calling me
Hey blame it on your lying, cheating, cold deadbeating
Two-timing, double dealing
Mean mistreating, loving heartHey blame it on your lying, cheating, cold deadbeating, two-timing, double dealing
Mean mistreating, loving heart
