The Greatest Oldies Music

Oldies Musics

‘It Keeps Right On A Hurtin’ – Johnny Tillotson

About the Song

A Countrypolitan Classic

In the realm of country music, there are songs that touch the heart with their simplicity and emotional depth, and then there are those that linger in the mind long after the last note has faded. “It Keeps Right On A Hurtin'” by Johnny Tillotson is a song that falls into the latter category. Released in 1959, this countrypolitan ballad became an instant hit, topping the charts in both the United States and Canada. It has since become a timeless classic, covered by numerous artists and earning its place in the hearts of country music fans worldwide.

A Song of Enduring Heartache

The song’s narrative follows the story of a heartbroken man who is struggling to cope with the loss of his beloved. The lyrics, penned by Don Helms, capture the raw emotions of heartache with poignant simplicity. The opening lines, “I thought that time would ease my mind / I thought that you’d be hard to find / But as the days go by, I still can see / Your smiling face staring back at me”, immediately set the tone for a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Tillotson’s Heartfelt Delivery

Tillotson’s vocals on “It Keeps Right On A Hurtin'” are nothing short of masterful. His voice, imbued with a blend of tenderness and strength, perfectly conveys the protagonist’s pain and longing. He delivers each line with a sincerity that resonates with listeners, making it impossible not to feel the weight of his heartache.

A Timeless Countrypolitan Masterpiece

“It Keeps Right On A Hurtin'” is a testament to the enduring power of country music to capture the complexities of human emotion. With its simple yet profound lyrics, Tillotson’s heartfelt delivery, and the timeless melody that underpins it all, the song has cemented its place as a countrypolitan masterpiece. It is a song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners across generations, proving that the power of music to connect with us on a deeply personal level is truly timeless.

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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

 

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Long before the sprawling mansions, multi-platinum records, and roaring audiences, Elvis Presley experienced the harsh reality of financial hardship. Growing up in a modest household in Tupelo, Mississippi, his parents, Vernon and Gladys, frequently fought to make ends meet. Even so, Elvis was nurtured by a foundation that would anchor him throughout his life: strong family bonds, deep-rooted faith, and a constant presence of music.

During his days at Humes High School, Elvis Presley was far from the self-assured icon America would soon embrace. After moving to Memphis for a fresh start, his family settled into the Lauderdale Courts public housing. Financial struggles persisted, and memories from his school days reveal that even paying for a simple lunch was a challenge. A former coach even remembered slipping Elvis a quarter every now and then just to ensure he had something to eat.

It feels almost surreal that Elvis Presley left behind a legacy so immense given how brief his journey was. Born into poverty in a modest Tupelo home, he passed away at just 42. Yet within that span, the quiet Mississippi boy forged a voice, a presence, and an emotional resonance capable of transcending generations. His time was far shorter than anyone could have foreseen, but somehow, he made every moment of it monumental.

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