About The Song
Released in November 1991, “It Only Hurts When I Cry” is one of the songs that defined Dwight Yoakam‘s career in the 1990s, and paved the way to where he is now. The song was actually co-written by Yoakam together with his friend, American singer-songwriter and actor Roger Miller. To note, this song was one of the last songs written by Miller before his death in 1992. Originally, Yoakam recorded the song earlier that year but it was only later when it was released. In addition, American music producer and guitarist Pete Anderson produced the song under the Reprise Records. This two-minute song was the fourth single from Yoakam’s fourth album, If There Was a Way.
“It Only Hurts When I Cry” entered the music charts for two consecutive years, 1991 and 1992. Interestingly, it managed to notch the 7th spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. Meanwhile, it placed no.4 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks. On the other hand, it also paved its way to the year-end charts in 1992. It reached no. 73 on the Billboard Country Songs while no. 61 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks.
Indeed, through this song, Yoakam shows that he is clearly one of the finest country artists of his time. He is certainly original which clearly reflects his hits and works. His voice is his instrument, and his songs are his masterpieces. His musical style is distinct and no one can argue and deny that he lives on as a legacy to country music. Long live Dwight, and may God bless your heart!
Video
Lyrics
The only time I feel the pain
Is in the sunshine or the rain
And I don’t feel no hurt at all
Unless you count when teardrops fall
I tell the truth ‘cept when I lie
It only hurts me when I cry
You couldn’t tell it by the smile
That my recovery took awhile
I worked for days and nights on end
Just to walk and talk again
You can’t believe the time it takes
To heal a heart once it breaks
The only time I feel the pain
Is in the sunshine or the rain
And I don’t feel no hurt at all
Unless you count my teardrops fall
I tell the truth ‘cept when I lie
It only hurts me when I cry
Oh maybe every now and then
I have a small heartache again
You wouldn’t know when you look at me
There’s tiny scars that you can’t see
It was a struggle to survive
I’m probably lucky I’m alive
The only time I feel the pain
Is in the sunshine or the rain
And I don’t feel no hurt at all
Unless you count when teardrops fall
I tell the truth ‘cept when I lie
And it only hurts me when I cry
I tell the truth ‘cept when I lie
And it only hurts me when I cry