In the Shape of a Heart

Zoo Freaks, you’re tuned into THE ZOO, where your hippie DJs of the Zoo Crew are spinning the soulful sounds of Jackson Browne’s “In the Shape of a Heart” from his 1986 album Lives in the Balance. This track is a gem, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. Browne has said this song is deeply personal, written about his first wife, Phyllis Major, who tragically died of a drug overdose in 1976. The ruby heart necklace in the lyrics isn’t just poetic imagery—it’s a real object, symbolizing love and loss. Browne told Mojo magazine that the song explores “whether we recognize people for who they really are” and the “missed opportunities” in relationships, making it a raw reflection on heartbreak and misunderstanding. Rolling Stone called it one of his finest love songs, and we agree—it’s got that catchy pop vibe with a gut-punch of emotion.

Here’s a cool tidbit: when Asylum Records released “In the Shape of a Heart” as the second single from Lives in the Balance, they pressed a promotional red vinyl in—you guessed it—the shape of a heart! It included two remixes and is a collector’s dream. The song hit No. 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart but only reached No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100, which some fans, like those on Songfacts, still wonder about, given its emotional depth. Browne also recorded a Spanish version, “Como Un Corazon,” in 2002 with the Spanish rock band Los Secretos for their album Sólo para escuchar. And get this—some folks speculated the song was about his later relationship with actress Daryl Hannah, but Browne’s clear it’s about Phyllis, shutting down that rumor.

Now, let’s rewind to how Jackson Browne got his start. Born on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, to a musical family with Southern California roots, Browne grew up in Los Angeles and Orange County. As a teenager in the mid-1960s, he was already writing songs that caught attention. At 16, he penned “These Days,” which became a minor hit for Nico in 1967. Browne briefly joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966 and later moved to New York City, where he backed up Nico and Tim Buckley. His songwriting talent shone early, with artists like Tom Rush, the Byrds, and Linda Ronstadt covering his work. This led to his self-titled debut album in 1972, featuring the Top 10 hit “Doctor, My Eyes.” Browne’s knack for blending introspective lyrics with folk-rock vibes made him a cornerstone of the 1970s singer-songwriter movement, and he’s been a voice for both personal and political stories ever since.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Jackson Browne on his official website, where you’ll find tour dates and news about his latest projects, like his 2021 album Downhill from Everywhere. Follow him on Facebook for updates on benefit concerts, like his recent gigs for Music Will, and check out his Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. On X, he’s sharing thoughts on music and activism, like a 2021 post celebrating the 35th anniversary of Lives in the Balance. For fan communities, join the Jackson Browne Fans group on Facebook to connect with other Browne enthusiasts. You can also dive into fan-driven content on sites like Songfacts or JacksonBrowne.com, where fans share stories and insights about his music. Keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep the vibes flowing!