The poem behind the song
Cawein’s lyric speaks directly to a beloved person, using the language of closeness to hold together affection and absence. Its tone is intimate rather than theatrical.
The musical setting gives that direct address a warm, personal shape, allowing the repeated feeling to become the emotional centre of the song.
Read the complete poemMadison Julius Cawein
Here where the season turns the land to gold,
Among the fields our feet have known of old,--
When we were children who would laugh and run,
Glad little playmates of the wind and sun,--
Before came toil and care and years went ill,
And one forgot and one remembered still,
Heart of my heart, among the old fields here,
Give me your hands and let me draw you near.
Heart of my heart.
Stars are not truer than your soul is true--
What need I more of heaven then than you?
Flowers are not sweeter than your face is sweet--
What need I more to make my world complete?
O woman nature, love that still endures,
What strength hath ours that is not born of yours?
Heart of my heart, to you, whatever come,
To you the lead, whose love hath led me home.
Heart of my heart.
Authorship and text checked against the public-domain Project Gutenberg edition. Text source ↗
The original poem is in the public domain. The musical adaptation and video are by Melody Tales Music.