In previous posts about Christina Perri, I mentioned how daunting it would be to write about today’s featured song – Jar of Hearts. Now that time has come, and I must step up to the plate. This song is my favourite ballad post 2000. I consider it one of the greatest female songs I’ve ever heard. It is fitting Jar of Hearts inaugurates the songs with titles starting ‘J’ in the music project.
Typically, when I write about a song here, I’ll listen to it and write about my reflections during the course of the performance. But here I can’t do that. I’m left speechless with this song as I hear it and I can’t summon the words to write. Every line, every intonation of voice and melodic sequence is pure magic to my senses.
This song is like the original Rocky of Music. You can’t compare anything to the original Rocky movie and the same with this song. Perri has gone out on a limb and created one of the greatest ballads of all time, but you can tell it’s all through blood, sweat and tears. It’s not pretty – dumbed down, on the contrary, this is someone in the 15th round of music who has been felled and then risen up against all odds.
I know I can’t take one more step towards you
‘Cause all that’s waiting is regret
Don’t you know I’m not your ghost anymore
You lost the love I loved the most
I’ve learned to live, half alive
And now you want me one more time
Who do you think you are?
Runnin’ ’round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You’re gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don’t come back for me
Who do you think you are?
I am still umming and ahhing about which version of Jar of Hearts to present here. There is the live version on the Today Show here (which reminded me of Springsteen’s My Hometown when he did something similar) and then there is the original video version which I’m not overly fond of because of the video depiction. There is also the 10th anniversary version that I like a lot, but I think I’ll go with audio and lyrics.
The song appeared on Perri’s debut studio album, Lovestrong (2011). Perri drew inspiration for the song from a real-life experience with a love interest who wanted to rekindle a broken relationship. Perri was unsigned at the time of the song release, which created a lot of discussion between critics who favored the song. The song charted on multiple charts in the United States at 17 and peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
Think of this quote when you watch Christina Perri in Sao Paulo, Brazil singing Human or in Manchester singing Jar of Hearts. Then she gives a masterclass lesson in how to deliver a song just a few months ago with Back in Time.
Reference:
1. Jar of Hearts – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
I never heard this before Matt…it’s really beautiful…her voice and melody.
I’m glad you liked it Max. I have no words to describe this song. I tried in my article, but nothing is enough. This is the best of the best to my senses. Happy Thanksgiving by the way! Cheers
She is really talented…the recording is seamless…really smooth.
Thank you Matt it was a good one. We went over to some of my families house. It saved Jen from cooking this year plus we all got together.
Christina Perri had all in Sao Paulo, Brazil reciting her lyrics. I think she was onto something, but motherhood took hold and she lost a still-born. Then came back with ‘Back in Time’. She’s the ants pants at least to my ears.
Nice you had a good thanksgiving away from home. Jen must have loved it.
That is terrible about losing a baby. Glad she overcame that and came back.
Yes she enjoyed it. Bruces post yesterday is really good about Thanksgiving. A movie needs to be made about that man.
Yeh I was working on a book project for him (about his stories) but the ladies went silent after I sent a lengthy email to help with the translation.
I have to read Bruce’s post. Thank you.
It’s a breathtaking song for sure.
For sure! Every-time I hear it I melt lol