Grace of My Heart (song)
"Grace of My Heart" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello. It was prominently featured in the 1996 film Grace of My Heart, a fictionalized musical biopic loosely inspired by the career of Carole King and other female songwriters of the Brill Building era. Elvis Costello performed the song for the film's soundtrack, embodying the fictional character of a cynical, Liverpudlian musician named Colin, who writes the song for the film's main character, Denise Waverly (played by Illeana Douglas).
The song is a sophisticated pop ballad, evocative of Bacharach's classic style, with complex chord changes and a memorable melody. Costello's interpretation lends the song a blend of sincerity and world-weariness, capturing the character's arc in the film. The lyrics explore themes of love, heartbreak, and artistic expression.
Beyond its presence in the film, "Grace of My Heart" has become a recognized song in its own right, highlighting the songwriting collaboration between Bacharach and Costello. It remains a popular example of soundtrack music that stands alone as a notable artistic achievement.