About the song
“It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'” is a poignant ballad penned and originally performed by Johnny Tillotson in 1962, marking a significant milestone in his career as a singer-songwriter. The song resonated deeply with audiences and swiftly became one of Tillotson’s most notable hits. Its emotive lyrics and soulful melody captured the essence of heartache and resilience, striking a chord with listeners during its era of release.
Tillotson’s rendition of “It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'” garnered critical acclaim, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Country & Western song in 1962, although ultimately losing to Burl Ives’ “Funny Way Of Laughing.” Despite this, the song’s enduring popularity endured and it has since been covered by a diverse array of artists across different genres and eras.
Among the notable cover versions, Bobby Darin’s interpretation in “You’re the Reason I’m Living” (1963) stands out for its heartfelt rendition, reflecting Darin’s versatility as an artist. Shelley Fabares’ rendition in “The Things We Did Last Summer” (1962) added a fresh perspective to the song, blending it seamlessly with her own musical style.
Dean Martin, known for his smooth vocal delivery, included a version of the song in his album “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife” (1970), infusing it with his trademark charm. Elvis Presley also lent his powerful voice to the song on his album “From Elvis in Memphis” (1969), offering a soulful interpretation that showcased his emotive range.
Over the years, “It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'” has continued to be revisited by artists such as Billy Joe Royal (1988), Margaret Whiting (1968), Slim Whitman (1964), and most recently Wanda Jackson in her album “Encore” (2021). Each rendition brings a unique perspective, illustrating the song’s timeless appeal and ability to resonate across generations.
Through its evocative lyrics and enduring melodies, “It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'” remains a testament to the universal experience of heartache, capturing the essence of human emotions in its purest form. Johnny Tillotson’s original masterpiece continues to inspire and evoke profound emotions, ensuring its place as a classic in the tapestry of American music.
Video
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