Fortress Around Your Heart

Sting

About Fortress Around Your Heart

"Fortress Around Your Heart" is one of four hit singles released from Sting's 1985 solo debut album The Dream of the Blue Turtles. The song was later included on the U. S. release of the Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984–1994 compilation album.


Year:
1985
4:48
360 
#4

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Under the ruins of a walled city
Crumbling towers in beams of yellow light.
No flags of truce, no cries of pity;
The siege guns had been pounding through the night.
It took a day to build the city.
We walked through its streets in the afternoon.
As I returned across the fields I'd known,
I recognized the walls that I once made.
Had to stop in my tracks for fear of walking on the mines I'd laid.

And if I've built this fortress around your heart,
Encircled you in trenches and barbed wire,
Then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm,
And let me set the battlements on fire.

Then I went off the fight some battle that I'd invented inside my head.
Away so long for years and years,
You probably thought or even wished that I was dead.
While the armies are all sleeping beneath the tattered flag we'd made.
I had to stop in my tracks for fear of walking on the mines I'd laid.

And if I've built this fortress around your heart,
Encircled you in trenches and barbed wire,
Then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm,
And let me set the battlements on fire.

This prison has now become your home,
A sentence you seem prepared to pay.
It took a day to build the city.
We walked through its streets in the afternoon.
As I returned across the fields I'd known,
I recognized the walls that I once made.
Had to stop in my tracks for fear of walking on the mines I'd laid.

And if I've built this fortress around your heart,
Encircled you in trenches and barbed wire,
Then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm,
And let me set the battlements on fire.

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Sting

Gordon Matthew Thomas SumnerCBE (born 2 October 1951), known by his stage name Sting, is an English musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, activist, actor and philanthropist. Prior to starting his solo career, he was the principal songwriter, lead singer and bassist for the rock band The Police. more »

21 fans

Written by: Gordon Sumner

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Production
"Fortress Around Your Heart" was released in 1985 as part of Sting's debut solo album, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles."
Song Composition
The melody of this song is unique, featuring unconventional chord progressions and unexpected turns, showcasing Sting's ability as a skilled composer.
Album's Success
The album "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" was extremely successful, achieving multi-platinum status.
Song's Success
"Fortress Around Your Heart" peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.
Lyrical Interpretation
The lyrics of the song reflect on Sting's feelings of guilt about the breakup of his first marriage to Frances Tomelty. The "fortress" is symbolic of the protective barriers one puts up emotionally.
Music Video
The song's music video, directed by Howard Greenhalgh, is distinct, as it features Sting performing on a war-ravaged landscapes, symbolizing the emotional trauma described in the song.
Cover Versions
The song was covered by Australian singer Sia for the 2004 movie "50 First Dates."
Sting's Musical Journey
After leaving the band The Police, Sting pursued a solo career, and "Fortress Around Your Heart" was one of his earliest and most successful solo hits.
Song's Influence
Despite its age, the song remains popular and continues to receive significant radio airplay.
Songwriting Perspective
In regard to songwriting, Sting once said about "Fortress Around Your Heart", that "...'Fortress' was the first one I got, which was kind of about trying to escape from that negativity."

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    Fortress Around Your Heart

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #8


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