Now I have nothing left/
Only heartache and regret.

I like the concept of Kat Edmonson’s “You Can’t Break My Heart”. Edmonson sings a song to her lover telling them that she really isn’t heartbroken.  By the sound of her voice we know that’s not true. She’ll admit to heartache and regret, and that her world is falling apart, but “broken” is one step too far for her.

That seems to be an important distinction in her mind. Her heart might be left with a little scar, but it will not break.  We understand that there is a distinction between heartache and a full-on broken heart: the former is temporary and less severe.  But the tone of the song and the tone of her voice lead us to believe she is just putting on a brave face.

The sound of the song is really unique. The first thing we notice is Edmonson’s voice. The best way to describe it is “vintage”. The song sounds like a French woman pulled from the 1940s singing a contemporary song with a Latino vibe…in English. But I like it. I think the Latino vibe comes from the nylon string acoustic guitar in a minor key (I assume)…along with the muted trumpets. It is an interesting combination. I also like the subtle use of the timpani. I wouldn’t mind more timpani in my rock and pop music.

You Can’t Break My Heart Lyrics

What good does true love do?
Why’d I fall in love with you?
You can break a promise but
You can’t break my heart
If I can’t change your mind
You go your way and I’ll go mine
You can tear my world apart but
You can’t break my heart
Who do you think you are
Walkin’ out on me now
You might leave a little scar
Now I have nothing left
Only heartache and regret
Can break promise but
You can’t break my heart
Who do you think you are
Walkin’ out on me now
You might leave a little scar

But you can’t break my heart
You don’t know where to start
You can break a promise but
You can’t break my heart

Songwriters: Zuniga Alfredo Joaquin