You Can’t Make A Heart Love Somebody (09/16/2007)

So I was surfing the internet at work this morning, and as usual I had iTunes open in the background as I navigated my way through my normal electronic stomping grounds. I was listening to some country tunes (George Strait specifically) when the following song a came on. As the melody played, the words seemed to strike a haunting chord in me.

Suddenly I was deeply saddened by the truth of the lyrics, and couldn't help but look back on moments when those very words perfectly described scenarios in my life. Times when I was dating people and I fell haphazardly head over heels for them, only to learn they did not share my deep feelings of connection. Every time I can remember wondering what I could have done or said to somehow win the love and affection of the person I so desired.

I have also been on the opposite end of that spectrum. Yes, believe it or not I have had females vying for my attention. I have even been proposed to a few times. I am not proud of the fact that even I have broken a heart or two.

One time in particular, was with a beautiful, intelligent, vivacious and promising young woman, whom I had shared a lengthy relationship with. I recall one night we were engaged in a wonderful dinner. It was late fall and the interior of the upscale restaurant was lit with dozens of candles... shadows flickered and music played softly in the background. It was in fact very romantic. We had both a few glasses of wine, and suddenly she stared intensely into my eyes and then came right out and told me "David, you are The One".

I was at a complete loss for words, and I did the hardest gut check I can ever remember. The moment of silence seemed to drag on forever as she waited for my response with glowing anticipation. My mind was telling me "Say you love her!", but everything in the rest of my being was telling me not to. As much as I wanted to tell her she was "The One", I already knew she was not. That one single night was a distinct turning point in our relationship... she never forgave me, and ultimately it ended up destroying it.

So this goes out to all of us who have ever endured that helpless feeling of wanting the love of someone so terribly bad. It is also for those who have had to be the bearer of news that ended up hurting someone they truly cared about. Being let down or being the person doing the letting down is never easy...

So I share with you the lyrics to "You Can't Make A Heart Love Somebody" by George Strait

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

At a table for two, with candle light and wine.
That diamond burnin' holes in his pockets, thinkin' now's the perfect time.
When he popped the question, he could see the teardrops fill her eyes.
She said I knew this was comin' and I'm sorry, but I hope you realize.

You can't make a heart love somebody.
You can tell it what to do, but it won't listen at all.
You can't make a heart love somebody.
You can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall.

Then she reached for his hand and said, I want you to know,
I've done everything that I know of to make the feeling grow.
I've begged and I've pleaded with my heart, but there's no gettin' through.
My heart's the only part of me that's not in love with you.

You can't make a heart love somebody.
You can tell it what to do, but it won't listen at all.
You can't make a heart love somebody.
You can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall.

You can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Well there you go... a moment to reflect. Friends all I can say is love and learn, learn and love. Someday... God willing, maybe just maybe we will all find that soul mate we are in search of.

Good luck friends!

Your's truly,

David