The Pain of Loving You
Emmylou Harris feat. Dolly Parton & Linda Ronstadt Lyrics


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(Dolly Parton/Porter Wagoner)

Oh, the pain of loving you
Oh, the misery I go through
Never knowing what to do
Oh, the pain of loving you

You just can't stand to see me happy
Seems you hurt me all you can
Still I go on loving you
But I never understand

To love and hate at the same time
The line between the two is fine
The two have bound me heart and soul
So strong that I can't let you go

To love and hate at the same time
The line between the two is fine




The two have bound me heart and soul
So strong that I can't let you go

Overall Meaning

The deep emotions and complex dynamics of a tumultuous relationship are poignantly expressed in The Pain of Loving You. The lyrics speak of the agony and confusion of loving someone who repeatedly hurts and disappoints you, leaving you in a constant state of misery and uncertainty. The alluring harmonies and soulful delivery of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt beautifully capture the bittersweet essence of this song.


The first verse sets the stage for the theme of the song, with the singer lamenting the pain and misery they endure from loving their partner. The second verse describes the paradoxical nature of the relationship, with the partner seemingly incapable of allowing the singer to be happy while still being loved by them. The chorus reinforces the central message of the song and highlights the feelings of confusion and helplessness that plague the singer. The third verse recognizes the fine line between love and hate, and how those two emotions have become interconnected in the singer's heart and soul. The last line poignantly summarizes the entire song, with the singer acknowledging the incredible agony and heartache that comes with loving someone who hurts you.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh the pain of loving you
The agony of being with you


Oh the misery I go through
The suffering that I endure


Never knowing what to do
Being unsure of how to proceed


Oh the pain of loving you
The torture of being in love with you


You just can't stand to see me happy
You cannot bear to witness my joy


Seems you hurt me all you can
It appears you cause me pain deliberately


Still I go on loving you
Despite the harm, I remain devoted to you


But I never understand
I cannot comprehend why I persist in loving you


Oh the pain of loving you
The torment of feeling affection for you


To love and hate at the same time
To feel both adoration and loathing concurrently


The line between the two is fine
The demarcation between these emotions is tenuous


The two have bound me heart and soul
These sentiments have ensnared me completely


So strong that I can't let you go
Their grip is so potent that I cannot break free of you


Oh the pain of loving you
The distress of being in love with you




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DOLLY PARTON, PORTER WAGONER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

fatie ansue

Oh my God ! I can't stop playing and listening to the voices of these three gifted women ,they revive and give me life

sandra stone

these three women are the bomb and i love all their voices since i was a small child. i remember jolene and how much i loved the song i listened to it over and over again! love the trio.

Paul R

These 3 ladies sound awesome together and the power of Lindas voice is amazing

Henry Sadowski

Three lovely voices, sweet as Angels! Great stuff.

Vallanique val

I grew up with Rock... but i loved the Trio... such beautiful voices and i loved to sing along with them....

veronique nyokabi

Honestly one of the best harmonies made on this worl...and i mean it then comes..

Darren Albers

I did my tap practice to this song over and over. Love it!

nan

Great trio.. Great Song..... i sing this with my sisters singing harmony... Luv it...

Alex Krauth

Would love to hear you girls!

Maryellen Valentine

Great tune ❤️❤️no more pain ❤️

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