About the song
Johnny Tillotson’s “It Keeps Right On A Hurtin'” is a classic country ballad that has endured for decades, a testament to its timeless appeal and poignant lyrics. Released in 1962, the song quickly became a chart-topping hit, showcasing Tillotson’s emotive vocals and the enduring power of heartbreak.
The song’s narrative is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the lingering pain of a lost relationship. Tillotson’s lyrics capture the raw emotion and vulnerability of a man struggling to move on from a love that has left him deeply wounded. The song’s refrain, “It keeps right on a hurtin’,” serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of heartbreak and the difficulty of healing a broken heart.
Musically, “It Keeps Right On A Hurtin'” is a beautifully crafted ballad that showcases Tillotson’s vocal talents and the versatility of the country music genre. The song’s gentle melody and understated instrumentation create a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s emotional content. Tillotson’s voice, filled with both pain and longing, conveys the depth of the character’s emotional turmoil.
Beyond its commercial success, “It Keeps Right On A Hurtin'” has also endured as a timeless classic, resonating with listeners across generations. The song’s universal themes of love, loss, and heartbreak continue to strike a chord with audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of music to connect with our emotions and experiences. As we listen to the song today, we are transported back to a simpler time, reminded of the bittersweet nature of love, and the enduring pain of a broken heart.
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Lyrics
I cry myself to sleep each night
Wishing I could hold you tight
Life seems so empty since you went away
The pillow where you’d lay your head
Now holds my lonely tears instead
And it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re gone
It keeps right on a-hurtin’ every minute of the day
Every hour you’re away I feel so lonely
And I can’t help it, I don’t think I can go on
And it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re gone
They say a man should never cry
But when I see you passin’ by
My heart breaks down and cries a million tears
You broke my heart and set me free
But you forgot your memory
And it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re gone
It keeps right on a-hurtin’ every minute of the day
Every hour you’re away I feel so lonely
And I can’t help it, I don’t think I can go on
And it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re gone