Before releasing her debut album Heart On My Sleeve in 2014, Mary Lambert was a spoken word poet. Her lyrics are poignant, intelligent, and vulnerable in a way that only a true poet’s words could be. The next time you feel like getting a sentimental tattoo, check out these lines from Heart On My Sleeve. And if you don’t think they’re right for a tattoo, just paint them on a nice canvas or something. Either way, keep reading and grab Mary Lambert’s album here.
Even with ashes in my mouth I was still born to breathe.
My heart’s too big for this city.
I opened up my ribcage and violins flew out.
How can I spell your name without the sound of autumn underneath my tongue? Without acknowledging the lovers who bent me in half? Bless them for bringing me to you.
I will paint sunsets on every wall so you can only see beautiful things.
I made peace with the part of me that couldn’t leave.
Can you feel the beat of my heartbeat beat through me?
I could make you happy.
I could make you love me.
Don’t go looking for some kind of rescue: you are the only one who can save you.
I get so tired of writing everything I should have said that maybe this time I’ll put my pen down and just tell you instead.
I don’t care if the world knows what my secrets are.
Are you raising yourself above your father’s empire?
I could be your love song.
I could be your long gone.
Down on my knees, unsure what to say—no, I never learned how to pray.
I’m not monochromatic.
Gotta give me something to get me through the nothing one more night.
I got caught hiding bottles in my bedroom.
Kelsey laughed, she said, ‘You never learn, do you?’
I love my butt and won’t shut up and I never really grew up.
My life’s in black and white but it’ll get better.
We are, we are more than our scars.
We are, we are more than the sum of our parts.
I lost myself when I found you in the fall.
I’m not a pretty machine in your assembly line.
Slow down, slow down, slow down—
I’ve got to be heard.
How did I miss you when I didn’t know you?
Telling secrets in the backseat confessional.
My heart’s too big for you to understand me.
Laughing at the top of my lungs, said, ‘I’ll never get old, I’ll never get old.’
Kiss me like the world is gonna disappear. I’m a better person when I have you here.
Full speed, got my heart on my sleeve.
Oh my god, how can I feel so much?
See the pieces of hearts missing but watch how the light fills the cracks.
The day I saw you at your door you opened up the things I shut.
Everybody’s hurting. There’s nothing more human than that.
I’m miles away but my voice carries.
Which part of you will you let live again?
I’ve got the last word.
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