About the Song
Heartaches by the Number is a countrypolitan song written by Harlan Howard. It was first recorded by Guy Mitchell in 1959 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Tillotson, whose version reached number four on the Hot 100 chart in 1965.
The song is about a man who is heartbroken after his girlfriend leaves him. He goes to a bar and starts counting the number of heartaches he has had. He realizes that he has had so many heartaches that he can no longer count them. The song ends with the man saying that he is going to give up on love.
Johnny Tillotson is an American singer and songwriter. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1939. Tillotson began his career as a songwriter, and he wrote several hit songs for other artists, including “It’s Not for Me to Say” and “Poetry in Motion.” In 1960, Tillotson signed with MGM Records and began his recording career. He had a string of hit singles in the early 1960s, including “Poetry in Motion,” “You Can Never Stop Me Loving You,” and “I’m So Tired.”
Tillotson’s version of “Heartaches by the Number” is one of the most popular versions of the song. His smooth, soulful vocals and the song’s catchy melody have made it a classic. The song has been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Big Chill” and “The Sopranos.”
“Heartaches by the Number” is a timeless song about heartbreak and loss. Tillotson’s heartfelt performance makes the song even more moving. If you’re a fan of countrypolitan music, or if you’re just looking for a good song to cry to, then “Heartaches by the Number” is definitely worth a listen.
Here are some additional details about the song and its recording:
- The song was written in 1959 by Harlan Howard, who also wrote hits like “I Fall to Pieces” and “Busted.”
- Tillotson’s version of the song was recorded in 1965 at the RCA Victor Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
- The song’s producer was Chet Atkins, who was one of the most successful country music producers of all time.
- The song’s backing musicians included some of the top session players in Nashville, including Grady Martin, Hank Garland, and Boots Randolph.
- The song was released as a single in 1965 and reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song has been covered by many other artists, including Ray Price, George Jones, and Willie Nelson.
“Heartaches by the Number” is a classic countrypolitan song that has stood the test of time. Tillotson’s heartfelt performance and the song’s catchy melody have made it a favorite among fans of country music.
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Lyrics: Heartaches By The Number
I’ve got heartaches by the number when you left me
I never knew that I could hurt this way
Oh, how my heart was filled, when you come home again
But you came back an’ never meant to stayNow, 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 endGot 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