About the song
“Heartaches by the Number” is a quintessential country song written by the prolific songwriter Harlan Howard and first published in 1959. This timeless piece quickly captured the hearts of listeners, becoming a best-seller in both the United States and Britain by January 1960. Its enduring appeal lies in its poignant lyrics and catchy melody, which beautifully encapsulate the theme of unrequited love.
The song’s narrative is structured around three distinct heartaches experienced by the narrator. The first heartache occurs when the narrator’s lover leaves, inflicting deep emotional pain. The lover returns but without the intention of staying, causing the second wave of anguish. Finally, the third heartache arises when the lover promises to return once more, but the narrator waits in vain, suggesting that the lover has lost their way. The chorus poignantly conveys the disparity in their affections: while the lover’s feelings for the narrator diminish every day, the narrator’s love only grows stronger. Despite acknowledging the futility of their love and the numerous heartaches endured, the narrator asserts that ceasing to count these heartaches would mean the end of their world.
The most famous rendition of “Heartaches by the Number” was recorded by Guy Mitchell on August 24, 1959. Released by Columbia Records on August 31, 1959, the song quickly soared to the top of the charts, spending the weeks of December 14 and December 21, 1959, at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marked Mitchell’s second and final pop chart-topping single, following his earlier success with “Singing the Blues.”
Columbia Records initially issued Mitchell’s hit version as a mono recording on a 7″ 45 rpm single, which became widely popular. Later, Columbia released a stereo version; however, the mono and stereo versions were distinct recordings. Interestingly, the original hit version has never been available in stereo and has appeared on only one compact disc release, “Hit Parade Records 12311, Hard to Find Jukebox Classics 1959: Pop Gold.”
The song’s cultural impact extends beyond its initial release. It gained renewed attention when it was featured in the video game Fallout: New Vegas. However, neither the original Columbia Records mono version nor the later stereo version was used; instead, the game features a 1980 re-recording made for K-Tel records.
“Heartaches by the Number” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its emotional depth and relatable lyrics. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of country music to tell heartfelt stories that resonate across generations. Guy Mitchell’s rendition continues to be celebrated as one of the definitive versions of this iconic song, capturing the essence of heartache and the complexity of unrequited love.
Video
Lyrics
Heartaches by the number
Troubles by the score
Everyday you love me less
Each day I love you more
Yes, I’ve got heartaches by the number
A love that I can’t win
But the day that I stop counting
That’s the day my world will end
Heartache number one was when you left me
I never knew that I could hurt this way
And heartache number two was when you come back again
You came back but never meant to stay
Yes, I’ve got heartaches by the number
Troubles by the score
Everyday you love me less
Each day I love you more
Yes, I’ve got heartaches by the number
A love that I can’t win
But the day that I stop counting
That’s the day my world will end
Heartache number three was when you called me
And said that you were comin’ back to stay
With hopeful heart I waited for your knock on the door
I waited but you must have lost your way
Yes, I’ve got heartaches by the number
Troubles by the score
Everyday you love me less
Each day I love you more
Yes, I’ve got heartaches by the number
A love that I can’t win
But the day that I stop counting
That’s the day my world will end