Introduction:
Released in 1964, It Hurts Me is a poignant ballad by the legendary Elvis Presley. This song marked a shift in Presley’s career, showcasing his versatility and talent beyond the high-octane rock and roll that had initially propelled him to stardom.
While RCA Victor, his longtime record label, continued to focus on releasing Presley in films with accompanying soundtracks, It Hurts Me belonged to a new wave of singles aimed at re-establishing Presley’s position on the pop music charts. The song was produced by RCA Victor, with Presley delivering a powerful vocal performance that captured the deep emotions of the lyrics.
It Hurts Me falls under the genre of Pop Rock. Though Presley is primarily known for revolutionizing rock and roll in the 1950s, It Hurts Me showcases a gentler, more tender side of his musical persona. The Pop Rock genre incorporates elements of both rock and roll and pop music, often resulting in catchy melodies and relatable themes. It Hurts Me certainly adheres to this formula, featuring a memorable melody and lyrics that center on heartbreak and unrequited love.
It Hurts Me was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The “Bubbling Under” designation indicated songs that were highly successful but did not quite crack the coveted Billboard Hot 100 chart itself. Despite this technicality, It Hurts Me performed very well, solidifying Presley’s status as a top-selling recording artist.
More importantly, It Hurts Me resonated with fans. The song became a fan favorite, a departure from Presley’s wcześniejsze (veshn-ye-ish-eh) earlier, rock and roll-driven hits, yet still showcasing his undeniable charisma and vocal prowess. It Hurts Me continues to be a staple on Elvis Presley tribute albums and playlists, a testament to its enduring popularity and Presley’s lasting impact on music.
Video:
Lyrics:
It hurts me to see him treat you the way he doesIt hurts me to see you sit and cryWhen I know I could be so trueIf I had someone like youIt hurts me to see those tears in your eyesThe whole town is talking, they’re callin’ you a foolFor listening to his same old liesAnd when I know I could be so trueIf I had someone like youHurts me to see the way he makes you cryYou love him so much, you’re too blind to seeHe’s only playing a gameBut he’s never loved youHe never willAnd darling, don’t you know he’ll never changeI know that he never will set you freeBecause he’s just that kind of guyBut if you ever tell him you’re throughI’ll be waiting for youWaiting to hold you so tightWaiting to kiss you goodnightYes, darling, if I had someone like you