Pitney, a pop rock pioneer, had his greatest success overall in Britain, first travelling there after his first self penned hit in 1961. "I Wanna Love My Life Away" hit #26 on the UK singles chart & just broke into the top 40 in the US.
His early music recorded for the "musicor" label was romantic, lonely and dramatic, fitting in alongside contemporaries like Buddy Holly, Neil Sedaka, Roy Orbison & serves as an audio time capsule of a more innocent time.
Gene Pitney - Yesterday's Hero...
Gene was a Brill Building songwriter who even before his singing career took off, had written one of Ricky Nelson's biggest hits "Hello Mary Lou". He had been helped out initially in his career by Burt Bacharach & Hal David, and later recorded some of their songs which became big hits like "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and the classic "Only Love Can Break A Heart". At the time his "Only Love..." recording was a #2 chart hit, he had written the number 1 song that week; "He's A Rebel" (A Phil Spector production recorded by The Crystals). All in all Pitney himself recorded 16 top 40 songs in the US from 1961 to 1968.
Gene's biggest popularity was in England, where he used the Rolling Stones publicist Andrew Loog Oldham to get his fame established, which lasted there to the day of his death. In the UK, Gene had 40 top-40 charting hits through 1974. He finally hit #1 in the UK in 1990, performing a duet with Marc Almond of Soft Cell. Pitney died April 5 on tour in 2006. He was found by his tour manager fully clothed on his bed at a Hilton Hotel in Cardiff , shortly after performing a concert.
True Love Never Runs Smooth
Gene Pitney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Separately we're weak, together we'll be strong
For true love never runs smooth, but I don't care
'Cause true love is worth all the pain, the heartaches and tears
That we may share
When the world outside my arms is pulling us apart
Press your lips to mine and hold me with your heart
But true love is worth all the pain, the heartaches and tears
We have to face
For true love never runs smooth, that's what they say
But true love is worth all the pain, the heartaches and tears
We have to face
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
The lyrics of True Love Never Runs Smooth by Gene Pitney speak to the power of love and the obstacles that come with it. The singer acknowledges that true love may not always be easy and may come with pain, heartaches, and tears. However, through it all, the singer remains committed to his love and is willing to face any challenges that come their way.
The first verse speaks to the strength that comes with being in a partnership, noting that separately we may be weak, but together we can be strong. This sentiment is further expressed in the second verse as the singer asks their partner to hold them with their heart and press their lips to their own, acknowledging that the outside world may be pulling them apart.
The chorus drives home the message that true love may not always run smooth, but that it is worth it despite any obstacles that may come their way. The repetition of these lines only serves to further emphasize the point.
Overall, the lyrics of True Love Never Runs Smooth convey a sense of commitment, dedication, and loyalty to a significant other that is willing to weather any hardships that may come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Stand beside me all the while no matter what goes wrong
Stay with me through thick and thin, even when things go wrong
Separately we're weak, together we'll be strong
We are stronger together than apart
For true love never runs smooth, but I don't care
Although love has its challenges, I don't mind because it's true
'Cause true love is worth all the pain, the heartaches and tears
The difficulties of love are worth it because of the love itself
That we may share
Which we experience together
When the world outside my arms is pulling us apart
Despite external pressures trying to break us apart
Press your lips to mine and hold me with your heart
Hold me tight and show your affection through your embrace
For true love never runs smooth, that's what they say
Although people say love is difficult
But true love is worth all the pain, the heartaches and tears
It's still worth it because of how strong and valuable the love is
We have to face
The challenges that come our way
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
Musical interlude
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
Musical interlude
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: HAL DAVID, BURT BACHARACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
singinjohnny
Beautiful song! One of my favorite Gene Pitney songs. I love the musical arrangement as well with the mandolin (or some kind of lute), chimes, and musette accordion. There's definitely a European flavor to this wonderful recording.
Paul Crow
I've only just discovered this gem of a song having come across an old Gene Pitney LP. He was such a great singer and he sings this song so beautifully. I love discovering old songs like this.
Tonithenightowl
When you heard Gene or Orbison there was no doubt who was singing. Unique voices. Range to die for and delivery from the heart.
evildcvma
I'm old and expeirenced, grew up with Gene, this one hits the nail on the head, better to have loved and lost than to never haved loved.
tgifa5
Thanks for posting this. I still love Gene Pitney music. I saw him in concert, along with Chad and Jeremy, years ago, he was fantastic!
Jim Sieferman
Although he had many great hits, this was my favorite of Gene's. What a voice!! So sorely missed.
Tutone66
I cannot believe this song only reached #21 on the charts. I suppose it's a testament to the quality of music in the 60s.
Jane McKenna
The title of the song is so apt! Many of us have had so much heartache - but listening to tracks like this, ensures we are not alone. R.I.P. Gene & some of your fans are with you too!
Greg Taggi
Jane McKenna - Jane......are you from Chicago??
chucknchar T
i wish i could sing like gene, its amazing talent