Oh people downcast in despair
See the disillusion everywhere
Hoping that their luck will change
It's a little harder every day
People struggle people fight
For the simple pleasures in their lives
The trouble comes from everywhere
It's a little more than you can bear
I know it will be hurt
I know it will break your heart the way things are
And the way they've been
And the way they've always been
People shallow self absorbed
See the push and shove for their rewards
With nothing nice on their minds
You can read about it in their eyes
People ruthless, people cruel
The damage that some people do
Full of hatred, full of pride
It's enough to make you lose your mind
I know that it will hurt
I know that it will break your heart the way things are
And the way they've been
Yeah I know that it will hurt
I know it will hurt
I know that it will break your heart
The way things are and the way they've been
Don't spread discontent, don't spread the lies
Don't make the same mistakes with your own life
You know it will always come back
Yeah, I know that it will hurt
I know that it will hurt
I know that it will break your heart
The way things are and the way they've been
Don't spread discontent, don't spread the lies
Don't make the same mistakes with your own life
And don't disrespect yourself, don't lose your pride
And don't think everybody is gonna chose your side
Oh no... Oh no... no..


Lyrics submitted by kevin

Break Your Heart Lyrics as written by Natalie A Merchant

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Break Your Heart song meanings
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3 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    Natalie is speaking to a close friend she knows very well, and she knows the worries and awful nature of everyday people will push this friend down, and she is worried they may go along with the crowd. She's advising them to be their own person.

    lossocklaundrmaton May 23, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    the lryics are wrong ... go here and see nataliemerchant.com/lyrics.asp

    NIKKIEon April 09, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Thats about life... ever and ever harder... and you must be prepared to walk-through...

    browserboy72on March 13, 2017   Link

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