Extreme is an American rock band formed in 1985 in Massachusetts. They are best known for their hit song More Than Words, which is a soft acoustic ballad.
The band mixes hard rock, funk, and pop styles in their music. Extreme’s members include singer Gary Cherone and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, who is praised for his fast and skillful guitar playing.
Their energetic songs and catchy melodies made them popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Extreme continues to perform and release music today.
About the Song
Hole Hearted features a simple acoustic guitar and clear vocals. The song talks about feelings of hurt and the pain caused by a broken relationship. Its honest and straightforward words connect with many listeners.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 7, 1990 |
| Album | Extreme II: Pornograffitti (Deluxe) (2015) |
| Writers | Gary Cherone & Nuno Bettencourt |
| Producers | Michael Wagener |
Hole Hearted Lyrics by Extreme
Intro
Oooh yeah wooh!
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, yeah
Verse 1
Life´s ambition occupy my time
Priorities confuse the mind
Happiness one step behind
This inner peace I’ve yet to find
Pre-Chorus
Rivers flow into the sea
Yet even the sea is not so full of me
If I´m not blind why can’t I see
That a circle can´t fit where a square should be?
Chorus
There´s a hole in my heart
That can only be filled by you
And this hole in my heart
Can´t be filled with the things I do
Hole hearted
Hole hearted
Verse 2
This heart of stone is where I hide
These feet of clay keep warm inside
Day by day less satisfied
Not fade away before I die
Pre-Chorus
Rivers flow into the sea
Yet even the sea is not so full of me
If I´m not blind why can´t I see
Ooh, that a circle can´t fit where a square should be?
Chorus
There´s a hole in my heart
That can only be filled by you
And this hole in my heart
Can´t be filled with the things I do
Chorus 2
There´s a hole in my heart
That can only be filled by you
Should have known from the start
I´d fall short with the things I do
Hole hearted, hole hearted
Hole hearted, hole hearted
Outro
Hole hearted, hole hearted
Yeah
Yee haw!
Meaning of the Song
Hole Hearted is about feeling incomplete and searching for something deeper in life. The lyrics use the metaphor of having a “hole” in the heart that can’t be filled by achievements, ambitions, or material things.
Instead, this emptiness can only be filled by a special connection interpreted initially by many as romantic love, but songwriter Gary Cherone has explained it’s actually about a spiritual longing, specifically a “God-shaped void” that only God can fill.
The song expresses themes of dissatisfaction, longing, and the search for inner peace, using clear imagery and references inspired by the Bible, such as rivers flowing into the sea yet never being full.
Similar Songs Like Hole Hearted
If you enjoy Hole Hearted, these songs by Extreme offer different sounds and strong emotions.
- More Than Words: This gentle acoustic track asks for love to be shown through actions, not just spoken words.
- Get the Funk Out: The song delivers a powerful mix of rock and funk with energetic guitars and driving rhythm.
- When I’m President: It presents a bold rock sound with deep lyrics about hope, change, and facing life’s struggles.
- Tragic Comic: This catchy tune tells a story of love and mistakes with a memorable melody and clear vocals.
Similar Artists Like Extreme
If You Like the Music of Extreme, You May Also Enjoy Other Bands that Mix Rock with Strong Melodies and Clear Vocals. Here Are Five Artists Similar to Extreme:
- Mr. Big
Genre: Hard Rock, Rock
Top Albums: Lean Into It (1991), Mr. Big (1989) - Skid Row
Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Top Albums: Skid Row (1989), Slave to The Grind (1991) - Danger Danger
Genre: Glam Metal, Hard Rock
Top Albums: Danger Danger (1989), Screw It! (1991) - Tesla
Genre: Hard Rock, Glam Metal
Top Albums: Mechanical Resonance (1986), The Great Radio Controversy (1989) - Winger
Genre: Hard Rock, Glam Metal
Top Albums: Winger (1988), In the Heart of The Young (1990)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the Song’s Acoustic Style Stand Out?
The clear and simple guitar work, paired with soft singing, creates a peaceful mood.
Why Is the Song Still Popular After Many Years?
People connect with its honest feelings and easy-to-remember melody.
How Does the Song Reflect the Band’s Musical Range?
This track reveals a gentler, more melodic side beyond their usual rock style.
