In 1957 while still in high school, Tillotson was making records and performing on stage; as a student at the University of Florida, he had his own musical variety show on regional television. Following graduation in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications, he signed with Cadence Records and moved to New York City to pursue his music career. In 1960, he recorded his first hit, a composition entitled "Poetry in Motion" (written by Anthony/Kaufman), that went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.
A "crossover" artist, several of Tillotson's songs were successful on both the country music charts and pop charts. He earned a Grammy Award nomination for another of his own compositions, "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin," and also for the song "Heartaches by the Number," nominated for Best Vocal Performance of 1965. He also appeared in the 1963 film "Just for Fun" and sang the theme song for the 1965 Sally Field television comedy "Gidget".
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Tillotson has recorded 26 singles that made it onto Billboard's charts, and performed at venues across the United States and other places around the globe.
He was featured in the 1966 camp comedy The Fat Spy starring Jayne Mansfield, Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jordan Christopher & the Wild Ones. This film was featured in the 2004 documentary The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made (#46).
It Keeps Right On
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wishing I could hold you tight
Life seems so empty since you went away
The pillow where you'd lay your head
Now holds my lonely tears instead
And it keeps right on a-hurtin' since you're gone
It keeps right on a-hurtin' every minute of the day
And I can't help it, I don't think I can go on
And it keeps right on a-hurtin' since you're gone
They say a man should never cry
But when I see you passin' by
My heart breaks down and cries a million tears
You broke my heart and set me free
But you forgot your memory
And it keeps right on a-hurtin' since you're gone
It keeps right on a-hurtin' every minute of the day
Every hour you're away I feel so lonely
And I can't help it, I don't think I can go on
And it keeps right on a-hurtin' since you're gone
The lyrics of Johnny Tillotson's It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' delve into the pain of lost love and heartbreak. The singer of the song is struggling to cope with the absence of their loved one, and the feelings of loneliness and emptiness are all-consuming. The imagery of tears and empty pillowcases further illustrate the depth of the singer's hurt. The song speaks of the constant ache that the singer feels in their heart and how it persists even in the mundane moments of daily life.
The song conveys a sense of helplessness, as the singer feels like they are unable to move on from their heartbreak. The chorus encapsulates this feeling of despair, as the singer laments that the hurt hasn't ceased and that they don't know how to cope without their loved one. However, the song also acknowledges that the pain of heartbreak is a universal experience, as the singer notes that "they say a man should never cry." This insight into societal expectations only adds to the loneliness and isolation that the singer feels.
Overall, It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' is a poignant reminder of the power of love, and how the heartbreak that follows can feel all-consuming. The lyrics and melody come together to create a melancholic yet beautiful piece of music that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
I cry myself to sleep each night
I am overcome with sadness and tears each night when I think of how much I miss you
Wishing I could hold you tight
I long to be able to hold you close and feel your warmth and love again
Life seems so empty since you went away
Without you, my life feels meaningless and hollow, and I'm struggling to find joy and purpose without you by my side
The pillow where you'd lay your head
Now holds my lonely tears instead
The place where you used to rest your head is now a reminder of my loneliness and heartache, and my tears soak the pillow in place of your loving presence
And it keeps right on a-hurtin' since you're gone
My pain and suffering continue unabated since you left me, and I am helpless to do anything about it
They say a man should never cry
Society tells men that they should be tough and not show their emotions, but I cannot help but feel so deeply hurt and sad in your absence
But when I see you passin' by
My heart breaks down and cries a million tears
Seeing you again after all this time only intensifies my pain and anguish, and I am overwhelmed with emotions that leave me unable to control my tears
You broke my heart and set me free
But you forgot your memory
You may have ended our relationship and moved on without me, but the memories of our love and the pain of your absence still haunt me and keep me from moving forward
And it keeps right on a-hurtin' since you're gone
No matter how much time passes, the pain of losing you remains fresh and raw, and I cannot shake the feeling of emptiness and hurt that you left behind
It keeps right on a-hurtin' every minute of the day
My pain is constant and unyielding, and I cannot escape the feeling of heartbreak and loss no matter how much time passes
Every hour you're away I feel so lonely
Your absence leaves me feeling lonely and isolated, and I long for your companionship and love to fill the void in my life
And I can't help it, I don't think I can go on
I feel helpless and hopeless in the face of my despair, and I'm not sure how to go on without you in my life
And it keeps right on a-hurtin' since you're gone
My pain and heartache are unceasing and unrelenting, and I cannot imagine ever finding happiness or peace without you by my side
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY TILLOTSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@miltonmoore5294
Sorry I evidently
didn't see your
earlier comment,
there being so many to scroll
through. (For a change of pace,
when you have 22
minutes to spare,
please watch Natalie Schwamova play
Tchaikovsky Piano
Concerto #1.
I have more comments on
this video than any other! You
probably would poop out trying
to scroll through
for all of them!)
@julz12100
I used to lay in my bed and listen to my beautiful dad playing these songs. I wish I could go back to those days. I miss you so much dad ❤ RIP. Thankyou for the music and the love and life we shared ❤️
@RandyBful1
I had a terrible childhood. These beautiful songs kept me strong and brought me much joy, in spite of my abusive childhood. They were great memories that more than balanced the bad.
@danshackleton9304
Hang in there Remember to forgive it releases the anger I was so angry until I decided to forgive the people that hurt me wish you the best
@cherylburgoon9679
So sorry to hear that you had a bad childhood so did my brother Greg w/ ours dad he was forever picking and nothing my brother ever did was good in his eyes and he gave my dad the shirt off his back and never still appreciated until almost his passing.
@rosecastillo8397
My heart was breaking when I read your post. May God bless you.
@ruthowens2640
Same here my friend 🙏
@lynndrowns4391
I'm so sorry
@marshajurach1317
This ERA had the very best music. The kids today have no idea. We grew up in the best of times. Sadly that time will never happen again.
@busyguy7479
I was adopted into a fine family that loved me for who i was a very loving lady that had a heart of gold. i think i was about a year old at the time. if only everyone had the chance i had to grow up and live listening to these songs of the past . may God bless everyone out there as you go about your way.
@ThePhotogPhil
My first wife, Michele, had this album and I played it every time I called on her. Breast cancer took her from everyone who ever met her. She was a great person, and if she isn't in Heaven, I don't want to go.