“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Imagine the heartache of watching love slip through your fingers, only for it to return briefly, leaving you more shattered. This is the emotional landscape of Johnny Tillotson’s version of “Heartaches By The Number,” a song that has resonated deeply with many since its release.
About the Composition
- Title: “Heartaches By The Number”
- Composer: Harlan Howard
- Premiere Date: 1959
- Genre: Country
- Background: Written by Harlan Howard, the song explores the emotional toll of unrequited love. First recorded by Ray Price and popularized by Guy Mitchell, Johnny Tillotson’s 1965 version brings a tender, melancholic vibe. It became one of his notable hits, contributing to his long-standing influence in country music.
Musical Style
Tillotson’s version retains the classic country instrumentation but adds his distinct vocal style, characterized by its emotional clarity. The use of simple guitar arrangements emphasizes the heartfelt lyrics, allowing the listener to focus on the story of heartache.
Lyrics
The lyrics vividly recount three heart-wrenching moments when the narrator’s love falters, culminating in a profound realization that despite the pain, his love endures.
Performance History
Tillotson’s recording made it to No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, solidifying its popularity. Though it didn’t reach the heights of previous versions, it added a unique tenderness to the song’s legacy.
Cultural Impact
“Heartaches By The Number” has been covered by several artists across genres, showing its adaptability. Its inclusion in films and TV shows, as well as its re-recording by modern artists like Dwight Yoakam, attests to its enduring relevance.
Legacy
Decades later, “Heartaches By The Number” continues to be cherished for its simple yet poignant portrayal of love and loss. Johnny Tillotson’s version stands as a testament to the song’s timeless appeal.
Conclusion
Johnny Tillotson’s rendition of “Heartaches By The Number” adds an emotional depth that still speaks to listeners today. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting a classic, it’s a song that reminds us all of the fragility of love.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve got heartaches by the number when you left me
I never knew that I could hurt this way
O, how my heart was filled, when you come home again
But you came back an’ never meant to stay
Now, I’ve got heartaches by the number
Troubled by the shore
Ever day I love you more an’ more
I’ve got heartaches by the number
It’s a love that I can’t win
But the day you stop lovin’ me
Is the day my world will end
Got heartaches by the number
When you called me an’ said
You were coming back to stay
With hopeful heart I waited for you
But you must have lost your way