David Ruffin – Loving You (Is Hurting Me)

About the song

David Ruffin’s “Loving You (Is Hurting Me)” is a poignant and soul-stirring ballad that delves deep into the complexities of love, heartache, and longing. As one of the prominent voices of Motown’s golden era, Ruffin brings a raw and emotive delivery to this timeless classic, showcasing his undeniable talent and depth as a vocalist.

The song opens with a gentle piano melody that sets a somber yet captivating mood, immediately drawing listeners into the emotional narrative. Ruffin’s velvety voice enters, filled with a sense of vulnerability and pain as he sings about the bittersweet nature of love. The lyrics poetically express the inner turmoil of loving someone deeply while knowing that it causes hurt and sorrow.

Ruffin’s vocal performance is nothing short of breathtaking, with each note carrying a weight of longing and heartbreak. His ability to convey raw emotion through his delivery is what makes “Loving You (Is Hurting Me)” resonate with listeners on a profound level, transcending mere musicality to evoke genuine empathy and introspection.

The arrangement of the song is beautifully orchestrated, with lush strings and subtle guitar accents that enhance the emotional impact of Ruffin’s vocals. The backing harmonies add depth and richness to the overall sound, creating a captivating sonic landscape that perfectly complements the lyrical themes of love and pain.

As the song progresses, Ruffin’s voice soars to higher registers, conveying a sense of desperation and longing that is palpable. The chorus, with its soul-stirring refrain of “Loving you is hurting me,” becomes a haunting mantra that lingers in the listener’s mind long after the song has ended.

In essence, “Loving You (Is Hurting Me)” is a masterclass in soulful storytelling, showcasing David Ruffin’s unparalleled talent as a vocalist and his ability to touch hearts with his music. It’s a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a testament to Ruffin’s enduring legacy in the world of soul and R&B music.

Video

Lyrics

Mmm, baby
(Mmm)
Yes, darlingOh, my sweet darlin’, I just can’t see
Why I hold onto a love that’s only hurting me, hurting me

You told me it was all on over, baby
And I should let you go
But my heart keeps, “Hold on, sir
I still love you girl”, baby, don’t you know

It’s hurting me, yeah, baby (Yes it is)
Ooh, loving you is hurting me
It’s hurting me, baby (Yes it is)
I’ve tried living without you but loving you is hurting me

I thought I could forget you, darling
Ooh, and I thought I was strong, baby
But I just can’t let you go, girl
I need you twice as bad, baby, since you’ve been gone

But my mind says that’s not true, baby
My eyes says, “Hey, let’s cry some”
Hoo, I don’t know where to go
Girl, I don’t know what to do
It’s hurting me, baby (Yes it is)
Ooh, loving you is hurting me, yeah (Hurting me)
I tried living without you but it’s hurting me, darling (Yes it is)
Loving you, loving you is hurting me, baby (Hurting me)
Hoo, hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo
Now let me tell you baby
I remember when our love was flyin’ high (Yes, I do)
I felt like I owned every star in the sky (Yes, I did)
You promised me I’d never be alone, baby (Yes, you did)
That was then, but baby, now you are gone (Yes it was)
It’s hurting me, baby (Yes it is)
Ooh, loving you is hurting me, darling (Hurting me)
(I’m trying to leave, but I can’t without you)
I don’t know why you do this to me but it’s hurting me (Yes it is)
Ooh (Hurting me)
(I’m trying to leave, but I can’t without you)
I can’t stand it
Baby. it’s hurting, yes indeed (Yes it is)
Oh, ow, loving you is hurting me (Hurting me)
(I’m trying to leave, but I can’t without you)
I can’t stand it, baby (Hurting me, yes it is)