Aboutr the song
“Heart Full of Soul” by The Yardbirds is a classic gem from the vibrant 1960s, a period often hailed as the golden age of rock and roll. Released in 1965, this song quickly became one of the band’s most celebrated tracks, solidifying their place in the pantheon of rock legends. The Yardbirds, known for their innovative approach and significant influence on the development of rock music, included “Heart Full of Soul” in their prolific repertoire, showcasing their knack for blending blues, rock, and early psychedelic sounds.
Penned by the gifted songwriter Graham Gouldman, who later found fame with the band 10cc, “Heart Full of Soul” stands out with its haunting, sitar-like guitar riff, which was groundbreaking at the time. Interestingly, the riff was played by Jeff Beck, the guitarist who replaced Eric Clapton in the band. Beck’s distinctive style brought a new edge to The Yardbirds’ music, and his performance on this track is often highlighted as one of the defining elements of its success.
The song was part of The Yardbirds’ album “Having a Rave Up,” although it was also released as a standalone single. Upon its release, “Heart Full of Soul” climbed the charts, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, marking it as one of the band’s highest-charting hits.
The raw emotion in Keith Relf’s vocal delivery, combined with the innovative instrumentation and Gouldman’s poignant lyrics, captures a sense of longing and heartache that resonated deeply with listeners. Over the decades, “Heart Full of Soul” has been covered by numerous artists, further testament to its enduring appeal and influence.
For many older listeners, this song not only represents a specific moment in their youth but also a pivotal point in the evolution of rock music. The Yardbirds, with “Heart Full of Soul,” contributed significantly to the genre’s development, paving the way for future rock icons and leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Video
Lyrics
Sick at heart and lonely
Deep in dark despair
Thinking one thought only
Where is she, tell me where
And if she says to you
She don’t want me
Just give her my message
Tell her of my plea
And I know, if she had me back again
Oh, I would never make her sad
I got a heart full of soul
She’s been gone such a long time
Longer than I can bear
But if she says she wants me
Tell her I’ll be there
And if she says to you
She don’t love me
Just give her my message
Tell her of my plea
And I know, if she had me back again
Oh, I would never make her sad
I got a heart full of soul