About the song
Few voices in the world of music have ever possessed the same unique, emotive power as Gene Pitney. Known for his distinctively expressive vocal style, Pitney carved out a niche for himself in the pantheon of pop music with a string of hits that have stood the test of time. One such enduring gem is the heartfelt ballad “It Hurts to Be in Love”.
Released in 1964, “It Hurts to Be in Love” captures the quintessential essence of Pitney’s artistry. The song was written by Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller, two prolific songwriters who had an uncanny knack for crafting melodies and lyrics that resonated deeply with listeners. From the moment the song begins, with its compelling opening chords, you are drawn into a world of poignant emotion and melodic beauty.
The song’s theme is one that is universally relatable – the bittersweet pain of unrequited love. Pitney’s performance is nothing short of masterful. His voice conveys a mixture of yearning and despair that makes you feel every word he sings. The lyrics, “It hurts to be in love when the only one you love turns out to be someone who’s not in love with you,” are delivered with such sincerity and depth of feeling that they strike a chord with anyone who has ever experienced the heartache of loving someone who doesn’t love you back.
Musically, “It Hurts to Be in Love” is a perfect blend of pop and orchestral elements. The arrangement features lush strings that add a layer of drama and intensity to the song. This was a hallmark of Pitney’s recordings, as he often collaborated with some of the best producers and arrangers of the time to create a sound that was both rich and full-bodied. In this song, the orchestration complements Pitney’s vocal delivery, making each note and lyric even more impactful.
The song’s success is also a testament to Gene Pitney’s versatility as an artist. While he was known for his ability to deliver dramatic, almost operatic performances, he could also bring a subtle, nuanced touch to his songs. “It Hurts to Be in Love” showcases this versatility perfectly, as Pitney balances the song’s emotional weight with a vocal performance that is both powerful and restrained.
Beyond its commercial success, the song has left an indelible mark on the music world. It continues to be a favorite among fans of classic pop music and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, a testament to its enduring appeal. Pitney’s ability to convey deep emotion and his exceptional vocal talent make “It Hurts to Be in Love” a timeless piece of music history.
In conclusion, “It Hurts to Be in Love” is more than just a song; it’s an experience. It’s a journey through the complexities of love and heartache, brought to life by the incomparable Gene Pitney. His evocative performance and the song’s poignant lyrics combine to create a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners, proving that true artistry is indeed eternal.
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Lyrics
It hurts to be in love, when the only one you loveTurns out to be someone who’s not in love with youIt hurts to love her soWhen deep down inside you knowShe will never want you, no matter what you doAnd so you cry a little bit (hurts to be in love)Oh, die a little bit (hurts to be in love)Day and night, night and dayIt hurts to be in love this wayHow long can I exist?Wanting lips I’ve never kissedShe gives all her kisses to somebody elseShe thinks I’m just a friendThough it hurts, I must pretendThe only way to keep her, is to keep it to myselfAnd so I cry a little bit (hurts to be in love)Oh, I die a little bit (hurts to be in love)Day and night, night and dayIt hurts to be in love this wayAnd so I cry a little bit (hurts to be in love)Oh, I die a little bit (hurts to be in love)Day and night, night and dayIt hurts to be in love this wayIt hurts to be in love, day and night, night and dayIt hurts to be in love. night and day, day and nightIt hurts to be in love, day and night, night and day