Shape of My Heart (Sting song)
Shape of My Heart is a song by English musician Sting, released in 1993 as the fifth single from his fourth studio album, Ten Summoner's Tales. It is a pop ballad, written by Sting and guitarist Dominic Miller.
The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff played by Dominic Miller, and its lyrical exploration of a poker player's detached, emotionless approach to the game, which serves as a metaphor for navigating life and relationships. The lyrics describe the player as dealing cards "as a meditation," and suggest that the player plays not for money, but for the intellectual challenge and the strategy involved.
"Shape of My Heart" did not achieve significant commercial success upon its initial release, but it has since gained considerable popularity through its inclusion in various films, television shows, and notably, its sample in numerous hip-hop and R&B songs. Its melancholic melody and evocative lyrics have resonated with listeners across different genres. It is considered one of Sting's most recognizable and enduring songs. The song explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, framed within the context of a gambler's perspective.