Context

This line is spoken by Lloyd Dobler, played by John Cusack, in the film Say Anything, directed by Cameron Crowe (1989).

In the most iconic scene of Say Anything, no one's saying anything. Instead, Lloyd Dobler holds up a boombox and blares a Peter Gabriel song into Diane's window. 

Yeah, you know the scene.

But one of the most iconic lines in the movie—actually spoken by one of our characters—comes way before the boombox moment. Because, of course, in order for Lloyd to try to win back Diane, she has to first break it off.

And break it off she does, giving Lloyd a pen to write to her when she's hundreds of miles away in England. Sensitive, heartbroken Lloyd, on the phone in the rain—even the universe is crying—says, "She's gone. She gave me a pen. I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen." 

A lesser guy would just stab himself with said pen and give up, but Lloyd doesn't. Lloyd gets his boombox.

Where you've heard it

You hear this if someone is heartbroken—but at least they have a writing implement.

Our favorite paridy of the line? Link gave Zelda his heart… and she gave him a jar, in this trailer for the Legend of Zelda reimagined as an 80s teen comedy.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

We hope it's at least a nice pen, like a Pilot G-2 or one of those clicky ones you steal… er… accidentally walk off with from the bank.