Introduction:
Country crooner Gene Watson etched his name into the hearts of country music fans with the release of One Hell Of A Heartache in 1984. The song, featured on the album of the same title, quickly became a staple of the genre. Watson, known for his smooth baritone and poignant storytelling, delivered a powerful ballad that resonated with listeners.
Billy Sherrill, a legendary country music producer who had worked with performers like Tammy Wynette and George Jones, was at the helm for One Hell Of A Heartache. Sherrill was known for his signature “countrypolitan” sound, a rich and polished production style that blended traditional country instrumentation with pop sensibilities. This style is evident in One Hell Of A Heartache, with its lush arrangements of strings, piano, and steel guitar that complement Watson’s vocals.
One Hell Of A Heartache tells the story of a man grappling with the aftermath of a heartbreak. The lyrics, though not explicitly included here, paint a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil he experiences. The protagonist is surrounded by memories of his lost love, making it difficult to move on. Despite the pain, he acknowledges a sliver of hope for healing in the future.
The song’s emotional core struck a chord with audiences, propelling One Hell Of A Heartache up the charts. It reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1985, solidifying Watson’s place as a rising star in country music. One Hell Of A Heartache is not only a showcase for Watson’s vocal talent and songwriting, but also a testament to Billy Sherrill’s production prowess. The song remains a beloved classic in the country music canon, a timeless ballad that captures the universal ache of lost love.
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Lyrics:
It’s the first morning after, it’s so hard to face‘Cause you left your memory all over this placeThey say it gets easier, I wonder howGoodbye couldn’t hurt more than it hurts right now.You’re gonna be one hell of a heartacheI’ve had some and I really should knowIt hurts me a lot but I know I’ve still gotOne hell of a heartache to go.You took me to heaven when you held me tightIf heaven’s forever where are you tonightThey say time is a healer but I don’t think that’s trueIt’ll take more than time to get me over you.You’re gonna be one hell of a heartacheI’ve had some and I really should knowGod, it hurts me a lot but I know I’ve still gotOne hell of a heartache to go.One hell of a heartache to go…