The Heart That You Own by Dwight Yoakam

Introduction

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“The Heart That You Own” is a country song by Dwight Yoakam, released in April 1992 as the fifth single from his album If There Was a Way. Written by Yoakam himself, the track reached number 18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 13 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.

The song showcases Yoakam’s signature blend of honky-tonk and Bakersfield sound, characterized by heartfelt lyrics and a traditional country arrangement. The accompanying music video, directed by Neil Abramson, features actress Sharon Stone, with whom Yoakam was romantically linked at the time. Their brief relationship added a layer of public interest to the song’s release.

“The Heart That You Own” is part of an album that marked a period of artistic growth for Yoakam, as he began to incorporate a wider range of musical influences into his work. The album If There Was a Way is noted for its diverse material, introducing rock and soul influences while retaining the honky-tonk sound that made Yoakam famous.

Over the years, “The Heart That You Own” has remained a fan favorite, exemplifying Yoakam’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music. Its enduring appeal is a testament to his talent as a songwriter and performer, solidifying his place in the country music genre.

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Lyrics
I pay rent on a run-down place
There ain’t no view but there’s lots of space
In my heart, the heart that you own
I pay the rent, pay it right on time
Baby I pay you ever single dime
For my heart, the heart that you own
Used to be I could love here for free
Way back before you bought the property
Now I pay daily on what once was mine
Lord I probably owe you for these tears that I cry
‘Cause I pay rent on a run-down place
There ain’t no view but there’s lots of space
In my heart, the heart that you own
I struggle each night to find a new way
To pay what I owe just so I can stay
I ain’t overdue so you can’t throw me out
I’ve loved here for years don’t know where I’d go now
‘Cause I pay rent on a run-down place
There ain’t no view but there’s lots of space
In my heart, the heart that you own
Yea, my heart, the heart that you own