About the Song
It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin’: A Countrypolitan Classic
In the early 1960s, a young singer named Johnny Tillotson took the music world by storm with his smooth, soulful voice and a string of hit songs. One of his most popular tunes was “It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin’,” a countrypolitan ballad that perfectly captured the pain and heartache of lost love.
The song was written by Tillotson himself, along with fellow songwriter Claude King. It tells the story of a man who is struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship. He tries to move on with his life, but he can’t help but be reminded of his ex-lover everywhere he turns. The song’s lyrics are simple but powerful, and Tillotson’s delivery is heartfelt and moving.
“It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'” was released in 1959 and quickly became a major hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for three weeks. The song also topped the country charts and was a crossover hit in the United Kingdom.
Tillotson’s success with “It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'” helped to launch his career as a countrypolitan singer. He went on to have a string of other hits, including “Poetry in Motion,” “You Can Never Stop Me Loving You,” and “Tillotson’s Theme.” He also starred in several movies and television shows.
“It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'” remains one of Tillotson’s signature songs. It is a classic countrypolitan ballad that has stood the test of time. The song’s simple but powerful lyrics and Tillotson’s heartfelt delivery continue to resonate with listeners today.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.
- The song’s producer was Chet Atkins.
- The song was released on the Cadence Records label.
- The song was featured on Tillotson’s debut album, “Johnny Tillotson.”
- The song was covered by many other artists, including Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, and Tammy Wynette.
Here are some of the song’s lyrics:
- “I keep tryin’ to forget you, but it keeps right on a-hurtin'”
- “I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I can’t even think straight”
- “I’m just a walking, talking, aching, breaking heart”
Here are some of the song’s themes:
- Love and loss
- Heartbreak
- Pain and suffering
- Moving on
Here are some of the song’s significance:
- It was a major hit for Johnny Tillotson.
- It helped to launch his career as a countrypolitan singer.
- It is a classic countrypolitan ballad that has stood the test of time.
- It continues to resonate with listeners today.