About the song
“Anyone Who Had a Heart,” penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, emerged as a poignant ballad that defined the soulful elegance of Dionne Warwick’s early career in 1963. Initially conceived during a rehearsal session in Bacharach’s New York City apartment, the song’s complex time signatures and emotive lyrics were crafted in collaboration with Warwick, who was immediately captivated by its melodic depth.
Released on the Scepter label in November 1963, Warwick’s rendition of “Anyone Who Had a Heart” swiftly ascended to the top of the charts in Detroit, foreshadowing its broader impact. By January 1964, the single had achieved Top Ten status across multiple countries including the United States, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, South Africa, Belgium, and Australia, solidifying Warwick’s international acclaim.
In the United Kingdom, however, Warwick’s version faced formidable competition from Cilla Black, whose rendition soared to the number-one spot, marking a significant cultural moment in British music history. Black’s interpretation of “Anyone Who Had a Heart” not only dominated the charts for three consecutive weeks but also became one of the best-selling singles of 1964 in the UK, underscoring the song’s universal appeal and the prowess of Bacharach and David’s songwriting.
Beyond Warwick and Black, “Anyone Who Had a Heart” attracted further interpretations across Europe. Petula Clark notably recorded the song in multiple languages, achieving chart success in France with “Ceux Qui Ont Un Coeur,” in Italy with “Quelli che hanno un cuore,” and reaching number one in Spain with “Tú no tienes corazón.”
Mary May, an English singer, also contributed a version released on Philips’ Fontana label, although it did not achieve widespread commercial success compared to its counterparts.
Musically, “Anyone Who Had a Heart” is distinguished by its intricate arrangement and Warwick’s emotive delivery, supported by Burt Bacharach’s distinctive production style and the technical finesse of session musicians like drummer Gary Chester.
Overall, “Anyone Who Had a Heart” remains a timeless testament to the enduring appeal of Bacharach and David’s songwriting, celebrated through various interpretations that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, reaffirming its status as a classic in the annals of popular music.
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Lyrics
Anyone who ever loved, could look at me
And know that I love you
Anyone who ever dreamed, could look at me
And know I dream of you
Knowing I love you so
Anyone who had a heart
Would take me in his arms and love me too, fool
Couldn’t be another heart that hurt me
Like you hurt me and be so untrue
What am I to do?
Every time you go away, I always say
This time it’s goodbye, dear
Loving you the way I do
I take you back, without you I’d die, dear
Knowing I love you so
Anyone who had a heart
Would take me in his arms and love me too, fool
Couldn’t be another heart that hurt me
Like you hurt me and be so untrue
What am I to do?
Knowing I love you so
Anyone who had a heart
Would take me in his arms and love me too, fool
Couldn’t be another heart that hurt me
Like you hurt me and be so untrue
Anyone who had a heart would love me too
Anyone who had a heart would simply
Take me in his arms and always love me
Why won’t you? Yeah
Anyone who had a heart would love me too
Anyone who had a heart would simply
Take me in his arms and always love me