About the song
“It’s a Heartache,” a timeless ballad etched into the annals of pop music history, is the signature song of Welsh vocalist Bonnie Tyler. Penned by Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe and meticulously produced by David Mackay, the track was unleashed upon the world in November 1977 through RCA Records. Its impact was nothing short of phenomenal, ascending to the pinnacle of charts in Australia, Canada, and a multitude of European nations. The song’s enduring popularity is underscored by its impressive sales figure of approximately six million copies globally.
Interestingly, Tyler’s iconic rendition faced stiff competition upon its US release in 1978. Juice Newton and Ronnie Spector concurrently unveiled their own versions of the song, creating a unique battle of interpretations.
The genesis of “It’s a Heartache” is as compelling as the song itself. Recorded at The Factory Sound in Surrey, England, in 1977, it marked the inaugural session in David Mackay’s newly constructed recording studio. What makes this recording even more remarkable is its timing. Tyler had recently undergone surgery to remove nodules from her vocal cords, a procedure that left her with a distinctive husky voice. This vocal transformation, far from being a hindrance, proved to be a defining characteristic, lending a raw and emotional quality to her performance. Music critic Marcy Donelson aptly described Tyler’s post-surgery voice as an “effective instrument,” a testament to the transformative power of adversity.
Despite the song’s undeniable brilliance, RCA Records was initially hesitant to release it, prioritizing the re-release of Elvis Presley’s catalog. However, the unwavering determination of Mackay, Scott, and Wolfe ultimately prevailed, leading to the single’s release in November 1977 in Europe and March 1978 in the United States and Canada.
Upon its release, “It’s a Heartache” garnered critical acclaim and drew comparisons between Tyler’s vocal style and that of Rod Stewart. The song’s impact was such that it overshadowed Tyler’s previous hit, “Lost in France,” with critics praising the newfound depth and richness of her voice.
While Bonnie Tyler’s version remains the definitive interpretation, the song’s enduring appeal is evident in the numerous covers it inspired. Juice Newton and Ronnie Spector’s contemporary releases added to the song’s cultural significance, and Dave & Sugar’s 1981 country rendition further expanded its reach.
“It’s a Heartache” stands as a testament to the power of human resilience and the transformative nature of artistic expression. Bonnie Tyler’s courageous journey through vocal adversity culminated in a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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Lyrics
Si tout s’arrête
Si pour vous tout s’arrête
Dis-lui que je suis prête
Que je ne l’attends pas
Même si tu l’aimes
Même si vraiment tu l’aimes
Partir où il m’entraîne
Ne m’intéresse pas
It’s a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Love him, till your heart breaks
Then he lets you down
À trop vouloir tout partager
On finit par s’éloigner
De tout
Il est plus sage qu’on abandonne
Qu’au bout du compte je lui pardonne
Tout
Si tout s’arrête
Si pour nous tout s’arrête
Dis-toi que tu es prête
Tu ne l’attends pas
Même si je l’aime
Même si pourtant je l’aime
Partir où il t’entraîne
Ne suffira pas
It ain’t right with love to share
When you find he doesn’t care
For you
No it ain’t wise to need someone
As much as I depended on you
Si tout s’arrête
Si pour nous tout s’arrête
Dis-toi que tu es prête
Tu ne l’attends pas
It’s a fool game (si tout s’arrête)
Standing in the corner
It’s a fool game
When you’re feeling like a clown (je ne l’attends pas)
It’s a heartache (si tout s’arrête)
You love love till your heart breaks (je fais le premier pas)