The Meaning Behind The Song: There’s The Girl by Heart
Heart, the American rock band formed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, released their hit song “There’s The Girl” in 1987. The song immediately became a fan favorite, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Despite the song’s commercial success, some fans may wonder about its meaning. In this article, we will explore the story behind “There’s The Girl” and its significance to Heart’s discography.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
“There’s The Girl” was written by Ann Wilson, Holly Knight, and Bernie Taupin. Taupin was famously known for his collaborations with Elton John, while Knight co-wrote several hit songs such as “Love Is A Battlefield” for Pat Benatar. In an interview with Songfacts, Wilson revealed that they wrote “There’s The Girl” as a response to an intriguing painting.
“We were in L.A., and Bernie was living there at the time. He had this painting of a girl looking out a window. I was inspired by the painting, and Holly and I decided to write the song,” said Wilson.
The painting became the inspiration behind the lyrics of “There’s The Girl.” In the song, the narrator sings about a former lover who has moved on to someone new. She sees them together and wonders what could have been if things had turned out differently. The line “there’s the girl that you used to be mine” encapsulates the regret felt by the narrator.
The Significance of the Song
“There’s The Girl” is a poignant track that showcases Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics and melody tug at the heartstrings of listeners, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced a similar situation. “There’s The Girl” resonated with Heart’s fans and helped cement their status as one of the best rock bands of the era.
In an interview with Songwriter Universe, Holly Knight revealed that “There’s The Girl” was one of the most requested Heart songs during her live shows. “That song really connected with people. It was always interesting to see how many people would come up to me and tell me that it was their favorite song,” Knight said.
The song’s popularity has not waned even after more than three decades. It remains a staple on classic rock radio stations and has been covered by several artists, including Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.
The Meaning of the Lyrics
The lyrics of “There’s The Girl” speak of lost love and the pain of seeing someone move on. The narrator sings of a former lover who has found happiness with someone else. She sees them together and realizes what could have been if things had worked out differently.
The line “there’s the girl that you used to be mine” is particularly heartbreaking. It is a reminder of what the narrator has lost and the memories that she cannot reclaim. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “there’s the girl…there’s the girl,” emphasizes the pain of seeing a past love together with someone new.
The Song’s Impact on Heart’s Career
“There’s The Girl” was the second single released from Heart’s ninth studio album “Bad Animals.” The album was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. “There’s The Girl” was instrumental in its success, helping to promote the album to a wider audience.
The song’s music video was also a hit, featuring Ann Wilson wandering around a surreal world, searching for what she has lost. The video received heavy rotation on MTV and helped introduce Heart to a younger audience. It also earned the band a nomination for Best Group Video at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards.
The Legacy of “There’s The Girl”
“There’s The Girl” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its relatable lyrics and catchy melody make it a favorite among Heart’s fans. The song’s success helped cement Heart’s status as one of the best rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
Today, Heart continues to tour and perform “There’s The Girl” to adoring crowds. The song’s legacy will live on through future generations of fans who will appreciate its significance to Heart’s discography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ann Wilson write “There’s The Girl”?
Ann Wilson wrote “There’s The Girl” as a response to a painting she saw while visiting Bernie Taupin. The painting depicted a girl looking out a window, which inspired Wilson to write the lyrics to the song.
What is the meaning behind “There’s The Girl”?
The song is about a former lover who has moved on to someone else. The narrator sees them together and wonders what could have been if things had worked out differently.
What inspired the music video for “There’s The Girl”?
The music video for “There’s The Girl” features Ann Wilson wandering around a surreal world, searching for what she has lost. It was inspired by German Expressionism and the films of Tim Burton.
Where does “There’s The Girl” rank in Heart’s discography?
“There’s The Girl” is one of Heart’s most beloved songs and is often ranked among their best work. It helped promote their ninth studio album “Bad Animals” and cemented their status as one of the best rock bands of the era.
Has “There’s The Girl” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “There’s The Girl” has been covered by several artists, including Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. The song’s popularity has not waned over the years and remains a staple on classic rock radio stations.
What accolades did “There’s The Girl” earn for Heart?
“There’s The Girl” earned Heart a nomination for Best Group Video at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards. It helped promote their album “Bad Animals” and continued to be a popular track on classic rock radio.
What type of music did Heart create?
Heart was known for their blend of hard rock and heavy metal, often featuring powerful vocals and intricate guitar work. Their music also incorporated elements of folk, country, and pop.
When was “There’s The Girl” released?
“There’s The Girl” was released in 1987 as the second single from Heart’s album “Bad Animals.” It peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped promote the album to a wider audience.
What other hit songs did Heart release?
Heart had several hit songs throughout their career, including “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You,” and “Alone.” They were one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
What inspired Heart’s music?
Heart’s music was inspired by a variety of sources, including folk music, heavy metal, and hard rock. The Wilson sisters were also influenced by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and other classic rock acts.
What is Heart’s legacy?
Heart’s legacy is one of the most significant in rock music history. They helped pave the way for female rock musicians and inspired a generation of fans with their powerful vocals and emotive lyrics.
What are Heart doing today?
Heart continues to tour and perform, with Ann and Nancy Wilson still fronting the band. They have released several albums in recent years and continue to be adored by fans around the globe.
What impact did Heart have on the music industry?
Heart had a significant impact on the music industry, helping pave the way for female rock musicians and inspiring countless fans. They were one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s and helped define the sound of the era.
