About The Song
Released in 1963 on the soundtrack to the film “It Happened at the World’s Fair,” Elvis Presley’s “One Broken Heart for Sale” isn’t your typical heartbreak song; it’s a playful yet poignant auction, a tender offering of a shattered heart in exchange for understanding and perhaps, a new beginning. This unique ballad, laced with Elvis’s signature charisma and tinged with vulnerability, offers a glimpse into the King’s introspective side and his ability to turn emotional turmoil into musical gold.
Composed by Otis Blackwell, the song was originally intended for another artist. However, when Elvis encountered the demo, he knew its ironic twist on heartbreak resonated with his own experiences of love and loss. The lyrics, though playful in their imagery of selling a broken heart, carried a deeper vulnerability, reflecting on the emotional toll of lost love and the yearning for connection.
The song’s musical composition mirrors its playful premise. The opening piano melody, jaunty and upbeat, sets the stage for Elvis’s smooth vocals, delivered with a wink and a smile. The lyrics, filled with metaphors of auctions and price tags, create a unique narrative, transforming heartbreak into a tangible commodity. Yet, beneath the playful surface, a melancholic undercurrent flows, hinted at in the minor chords and Elvis’s occasional vocal inflections, reminding us of the genuine pain hidden within the song’s facade.
While “One Broken Heart for Sale” may appear to be solely about emotional loss, it offers a deeper message of resilience and hope. Elvis sings of not letting past hurts define him, of holding onto a belief that someone might “see the worth” of his broken heart. The lyrics, “Maybe somebody, someday, will come along and understand / The love that’s left, the price I’ve paid,” express a quiet optimism, a willingness to open up again despite the risk of further heartbreak.
“One Broken Heart for Sale” became a moderate hit for Elvis, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. But its impact extends far beyond the charts. The song’s unique blend of playful irony and emotional vulnerability continues to resonate with listeners, offering a relatable commentary on heartbreak and the courage to keep searching for love, even after it’s been shattered.
Prepare to raise your bidding paddle or simply join Elvis as he puts his “One Broken Heart for Sale.” This isn’t your typical love song; it’s a playful auction of emotions, a tender offering of vulnerability disguised as a witty one-liner. So, let Elvis’s charismatic vocals guide you through this unique dance of heartbreak and hope, reminding you that even when love leaves us bruised, there’s always the chance to find someone who sees the value in our imperfect hearts.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Who wants to buy a heart
One broken lover’s heart
One broken heart for saleWell, excuse me if you see me crying like a baby
Since she rejected me
There’s nothing left to save meWho wants to buy a heart
One broken lover’s heart
One broken heart for saleShe would not listen to the things my heart was saying
She turned and walked away
And told me I was playingSome guys have all the luck
And my heart hasn’t any
I think I’ll paint a sign
For sale for a pennyWho wants…