About the Song
Johnny Tillotson’s “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'” isn’t your typical pop tune. Released in 1962, this melancholic ballad delves into the raw emotions of heartbreak, capturing the lingering pain of a lost love. While Tillotson is known for his versatility and upbeat melodies, “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'” showcases his ability to deliver a powerful and relatable song about heartache.
The song opens with a stark confession: “I cry myself to sleep each night.” These opening lines set the tone for a song that explores the depths of emotional pain. Tillotson’s vocals are filled with a palpable sense of despair, perfectly conveying the emptiness and longing felt after a relationship ends.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life turned upside down by heartbreak. Lines like “Life seems so empty since you went away” and “The pillow where you’d lay your head / Now holds my lonely tears instead” showcase the pervasive nature of the pain. The constant refrain, “It keeps right on a-hurtin’ / Since you’re gone” serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of heartbreak.
“It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'” doesn’t shy away from the emotional turmoil that comes with a broken heart. The song acknowledges the societal pressure on men to suppress their emotions, with lines like “They say a man should never cry,” but ultimately Tillotson throws away those expectations. His vulnerability feels genuine, making the song all the more relatable.
The melody, with its melancholic piano chords and a slow, steady tempo, perfectly complements the emotional weight of the lyrics. It creates a space for Tillotson’s vocals to take center stage, allowing him to deliver a heartfelt performance that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the sting of heartbreak.
“It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'” became a major hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. Its enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of a universal experience. The song doesn’t offer easy solutions or happy endings; instead, it acknowledges the raw pain of heartbreak and allows the listener to sit with those emotions. “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'” remains a classic, a testament to Tillotson’s ability to capture the complexities of human emotions in a simple yet powerful ballad.
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Lyrics: “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'”
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 lay your head
Now holds my lonely tears instead
And it keeps right on a-hurtin’
Since you’re goneIt 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 goneThey say a man should never cry
But when I see you passing by
My heart breaks down and cries a million tears
You broke my heart and set me free
But you forgot your memory
And keeps right on a-hurtin’ since your goneIt 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