She was touching up her makeup

I was standing next in line

I couldn't help but notice

'Neath those powder room lights

It was China red, outlined in black

On the left side of her shoulder

In plain view

I just had to ask, "Hey, what's with the half a heart tattoo?"

She glanced at me through the mirror

And just started to laugh

She said "I know this looks funny but there is another half

And it's China red, outlined in black on the right side of his shoulder

Last I knew

Yeah somewhere out there is a match to this

Half a heart tattoo"

"Well the last I heard some redhead

Caught his eye in New Orleans

And before that it was a blonde in Baton Rouge

I know there's at least a dozen gals out sporting one of these

Thinking that they're the only fool

That he left with half a heart tattoo"

Well girl you got my sympathy

I knew a guy like that

I said, "You ain't gonna believe this"

Then I pulled my jacket back

"Yeah it's China red, outlined in black on the left side of my shoulder

Still fairly knew

I guess there's just a whole mess of us

With a half a heart tattoo"

Well the last I heard he moved in

With some dancer from L.A.

But I'm betting that won't last a week or two

He loves them long enough to leave his mark

And then he's on his way

And he's so good they never have a clue

'Til they're stuck with a half a heart tattoo

So ladies make sure that guy standing next to you

Ain't wearing no half a heart tattoo