The Heart Gently Weeps

Album: 8 Diagrams (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This take on the Beatles "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" featured R&B vocalist Erykah Badu singing the melody, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante on guitar and George Harrison's son Dhani Harrison on drums and rhythm guitar. Dhani Harrison used for the latter a 1961 Gretsch guitar. It had been given as a present to the song's producer RZA of Wu-Tang Clan by Russell Crowe after they had finished filming the movie American Gangster.
  • In an interview with the New Musical Express December 8, 2007, RZA was asked how he managed to clear a Beatles sample for this song. He replied: "Well, I was fortunate that I became friends with Dhani Harrison and the song was written by his father. I actually wrote a letter to his mother." The interviewer then asked if it was a letter or email. RZA answered: "A letter. I explained it was Wu-Tang- harsh but real. And respectful of the art. She thought it was harsh. So I thought I should mellow it down, I got Erykah Badu to come in and sing on it. So she gave us the clearance." The conversation then got onto the subject of this song, and RZA admitted: "You know what? I wouldn't usually admit this so openly, but it's good to cry. That's what 'The Heart Gently Weeps' is all about. You need to let stuff out, man. I didn't cry for 15 years until my mother passed away. Then I cried. But then I sealed myself back up again. Now when I watch movies, I cry."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.

Sam Phillips

Sam PhillipsSongwriter Interviews

Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, Leslie Phillips changed her name and left her Christian label behind - Robert Plant, who recorded one of her songs on Raising Sand, is a fan.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.