Meaning of "Petrified Heart" by Caedmon's Call

The lyrics of "Petrified Heart" delve into the vulnerability and resilience of the human heart in the face of pain and betrayal. The imagery of the heart being left on the sleeve and then rent into pieces reflects the emotional toll of having one's trust broken by loved ones, leaving behind a sense of emotional brokenness and fear. The comparison to the woman torn for the twelve tribes evokes a deep sense of sacrifice and suffering, highlighting the narrator's own sense of being torn apart by love and loss. The references to the Gnostic proud using knowledge as a weapon to tear down the narrator speak to the destructive power of false beliefs and harmful ideologies. The plea to strike the rock with a rod and allow living water to flow symbolizes the desire for spiritual healing and renewal, drawing on the biblical imagery of Jesus as the Man of Sorrows who sacrificed himself for the twelve tribes. Overall, the song captures the struggle to remain open-hearted and vulnerable in a world full of pain and challenges, while also seeking the strength to overcome past hurts and find healing in the depths of suffering.