from HAVE A HEART (single)
Written by Aldo Nova, Billy Steinberg & Ralph McCarthy
“Have A Heart” was a dramatic power ballad recorded by Céline Dion for her 1990 first English language studio album Unison. Co-written by Aldo Nova, Billy Steinberg and Ralph McCarthy, noted songwriters, and produced by David Foster, “Have A Heart” was the fifth and last Canada single off the record. “Have A Heart” reached #26 on Canada’s Top Singles and #4 on Canada’s Adult Contemporary charts.
The history behind “Have A Heart” was pretty interesting. It was originally recorded in 1987 as “Just Have A Heart” by soul/R&B singer Angela Clemmons. Later in that same year, Ms. Dion covered the song in French with words written by Eddy Marnay and titled “Partout Je Te Vois” for her 1987 Incognito album. The composition’s potential and Ms. Dion’s amazing performance convinced her record company to record an English version that eventually appeared on Unison. Foster, who produced several other songs on Unison, put his unmistakable mark on “Have A Heart.” Foster contributed an evocative arrangement, superb atmosphere while he guided the young, impressive songbird to deliver an exciting vocal performance. Foster also enlisted some amazing background music makers including Michael Landau on guitar, Robbie Buchanan and Randy Kerber on keyboards and programming and the unforgettable Jeff Porcaro (1954-1993) on drums. Together, they crafted the impeccable backing track. Thanks to its knock-out musical quality, “Have A Heart” secured the Hitman his 1991 nomination for a Juno Producer of the Year award.
- Lead Vocals: Celine Dion
- Keyboards: David Foster, Robbie Buchanan & Randy Kerber
- Synth Programming: Robbie Buchanan, Rick Bowen & Randy Kerber
- Drums: Jeff Porcaro
- Guitars: Michael Landau
- Arranged by David Foster & Aldo Nova
- Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
Lying in bed alone thinkin’ ’bout how much I need you
Oh, give me one more chance to see you again
If only I’d have known, it was the last time I’d be with you
I would’ve held on and never let you go
Baby, just have a heart, I’m begging you
Let me show you how much I need you
Baby, just have a heart, this much is true
But I miss your touch, I’m still in love with you
Here comes another day I don’t know if I can make it
Oh, I just realized it’s so lonely being free
Runnin’ from the pain I’m never gonna shake it
Oh, how I need you to take it from me
Baby, just have a heart, I’m begging you
Let me show you how much I need you
Baby, just have a heart, this much is true
But I miss your touch I’m still in love with you my love
I always thought that I would have the upper hand
But now I know that I’m really not that strong
If I could only make you understand
I’d give you the world but for a start
Baby, just have a heart, I’m begging you
Let me show you how much I need you
Baby, just have a heart, this much is true
But I miss your touch, I’m still in love
I want you so bad, I’m still in love
I miss you so much, I’m still in love with you
I’m still in love with you