Elvis Presley – It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin’

About the song

Elvis Presley and the Heartbreak Ballad: A Look at “It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin'”

In the realm of music, few names evoke the raw emotion and captivating power of Elvis Presley. With his electrifying stage presence and soulful vocals, Presley revolutionized the music landscape, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. Among his vast repertoire, the ballad “It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin'” stands as a poignant testament to the enduring ache of heartbreak.

Released in 1969, “It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin'” marked a departure from Presley’s usual rock and roll style. The song’s melancholic melody and introspective lyrics delved into the depths of human emotion, showcasing Presley’s versatility as an artist. The song’s opening lines, “I’ve tried everything to forget you, but baby, it’s no use,” set the tone for the emotional journey that follows.

Presley’s voice, imbued with vulnerability and longing, perfectly captures the essence of the song’s message. He laments the lingering pain of a lost love, the memories that haunt his every waking moment. The lyrics, “It keeps right on a-hurtin’, like a wound that won’t heal,” effectively convey the depth of his heartache, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pangs of heartbreak.

The song’s arrangement, with its gentle guitar strumming and understated piano accompaniment, provides a fitting backdrop for Presley’s emotive vocals. The subtle instrumentation allows his voice to take center stage, emphasizing the raw emotion he pours into each word.

“It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin'” is more than just a heartbreak ballad; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the pain and sorrow, the song’s protagonist finds the strength to carry on, acknowledging the hurt while refusing to let it consume him. This message of resilience offers a glimmer of hope amidst the despair, reminding listeners that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of healing and moving forward.

Elvis Presley’s “It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin'” remains a timeless classic, a poignant reminder of the universal experience of heartbreak. Its enduring popularity speaks to the song’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, offering solace and understanding to those who have experienced the pain of lost love. Presley’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s relatable lyrics have cemented its place as one of the most emotionally resonant ballads in music history.

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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
And the pillow where you lay your head
Now holds my empty dreams 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 ain’t supposed to cry
But when I see you passing by
My heart breaks down and cries a million tears
The pillow where you lay your head
Now holds my empty dreams 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
Yes, it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re gone