Heartaches by the Number
Dottie West Lyrics


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Heartache number one was when you left me
I never knew that I could hurt this way
And heartache number two was when you come back again
You came back but never meant to stay

Now I've got heartaches by the number, troubles by the score
Every day you love me less, each day I love you more
Yes, I've got heartaches by the number, a love that I can't win
But the day that I stop counting, that's the day my world will end

Heartache number three was when you called me
And said, ?That you were coming back to stay?
With hopeful heart I waited for your knock on the door
I waited but you must have lost your way

Now I've got heartaches by the number, troubles by the score
Every day you love me less, each day I love you more





Yes, I've got heartaches by the number, a love that I can't win
But the day that I stop counting, that's the day my world will end

Overall Meaning

In Dottie West's song "Heartaches By The Number," she reflects on several heartbreaks brought on by a love that she simply can't seem to win. In the first verse, she talks about the pain she felt when her lover left her, and in the second verse, she expresses the disappointment and confusion she felt when that lover returned but didn't stay. The third verse highlights another attempt at reconciliation, when her lover called to say he was coming back for good, but once again, that hope was dashed when he didn't arrive.


Throughout the song, West sings of the heartaches she's experienced, the troubles that continue to pile up, and the fact that she loves her unfaithful partner more and more with each passing day. Despite the fact that she acknowledges this love can't be reciprocated, she can't seem to stop counting the number of heartaches she's endured.


Overall, "Heartaches By The Number" is a testament to the power of enduring love and the heartbreak it can bring, a theme that has resonated with listeners for over six decades.


Line by Line Meaning

Heartache number one was when you left me
The first time you left me, it caused me immense emotional pain


I never knew that I could hurt this way
I was unaware that I had the capacity to feel this much pain


And heartache number two was when you come back again
When you returned, it brought another wave of grief and pain


You came back but never meant to stay
You returned only to leave me again, causing even more heartache


Now I've got heartaches by the number, troubles by the score
My sorrow is immeasurable, and my problems are numerous and never-ending


Every day you love me less, each day I love you more
Your feelings for me are diminishing, while my love for you is growing stronger


Yes, I've got heartaches by the number, a love that I can't win
I am experiencing an overwhelming amount of pain because of a love that is impossible


But the day that I stop counting, that's the day my world will end
If I am ever able to stop counting my heartaches, it means that my love for you is finally gone and my world as I know it will come to an end


Heartache number three was when you called me
When you called me and said you were coming back, it caused another heartache


And said, ?That you were coming back to stay?
You made me believe that you were returning for good, but it was just another false hope


With hopeful heart I waited for your knock on the door
I eagerly and optimistically waited for you to arrive, hoping that this time you would truly stay


I waited but you must have lost your way
You never showed up, leaving me to feel lost and alone once again




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harlan Howard

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@coolsweetgroovy

Thanks for this I've been a fan of Dottie's since I was little unfortunately the accident happened the week after my 1st birthday

@guyaushk

Thanks for sharing this Album. In growing up in the 60's and 70's, my Mother had this album and said this was one of her favorite songs. On September 12, 2017, it will be 25 years since she passed on, and still love hearing this song and thinking of her.

@markginther2842

Yahoo...Dottie is finally gonna be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year!!! She so deserves this for all she did for Country Music.

@donaldewert2332

Dottie was the Best!!!

@hublocker849

My mom had this record around the house when I was a teenager. I never realized now much that bass playing influenced me as a musician until a few years ago.

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