'Jar of Hearts' by Christina Perri - Lyric Anaysis

Lyrics:

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 learned to live, half alive

and now you want me one more time

Who do you think you are?
Runnin’ ’round leaving scars
collecting a jar of hearts
tearing love apart
you’re gonna catch a cold
from the ice inside your soul
don’t come back for me
who do you think you are?

I hear you’re asking all around
if I am anywhere to be found
but I have grown too strong
to ever fall back in your arms

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 a jar of hearts
and tearing love apart
you’re gonna catch a cold
from the ice inside your soul
don’t come back for me
who do you think you are?

It took so long just to feel alright
remember how to put back the light in my eyes
I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed
cause you broke all your promises
and now you’re back
you don’t get to get me back

Who do you think you are?
running around leaving scars
collecting a 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
don’t come back at all

x2

Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?

Analysis:

The lyrics to Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri seem to be based on the theme of heartbreak which is evident from the first line, “I know I can’t take one more step towards you ‘cause all that’s waiting is regret”.  The song was written after she had been through a divorce with her husband and therefore represents her feelings and emotions at that time, "I have grown too strong to ever fall back into your arms." Heartbreak is the main focus and is deeply embedded into the lyrics through the use of tone that can be sensed throughout the song.    

The song shows how much she loved her husband as the lyrics suggest how much he has affected her life, "I learned to live half alive". This could be highlighting that even though she has moved on; she has lost a part of herself which sends a very powerful message to the audience. However, there is a clear sense of betrayal and heartbreak in the lyrics, "Collecting your jar of hearts and tearing love apart". This line in particular creates a heavy amount of tone as her target audience may be able to relate to the song if they have experienced a break up. This creates a strong sense of empathy towards the artist.

She also displays a lot of hatred towards the man, “You’re gonna catch a cold from the ice inside your soul”, representing how heartless he was, whereas the singer is represented as powerful, “But I have grown too strong to fall back into your arms." Her strength is further portrayed through the line,” And now you’re back you don’t get to get me back”, showing that she has moved on and is a stronger person from it.  These lines would also be relatable to her audience if they have experienced a similar situation themselves.  "I wish I missed the first time that we kissed" suggests her resentment of the relationship. The lyrics mainly highlight around the theme of heartbreak which we will incorporate into our video.