Nothing but a Heartache
The Flirtation Lyrics

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Nothing but a heartache everyday. (Nothing but a heartache)
Nothing but a teardrop all the way. (Nothing but a teardrop)
______ is such a sin yeah.
He's got me. Oh why can't I get him?

Nothing but a heartache everyday. (Nothing but a heartache)
Nothing but a teardrop all the way. (Nothing but a teardrop)
He's got me wishin' but I just can't win yeah.

He's got me. Oh why can't I get him?

I get a lot of those heartaches.
I get a lot of those teardrops.
Heartaches,
Teardrops,
All of the way.
Nothing but a heartache everyday.

Nothing but a heartache everyday. (Nothing but a heartache)
Nothing but a teardrop all the way. (Nothing but a teardrop)
______ is just too slim yeah.
He's got me. Oh why can't I get him?

I get a lot of those heartaches.
I get a lot of those teardrops.
Heartaches,
Teardrops,
All of the way.
Nothing but a heartache everyday.

Nothing but a heartache everyday. (Nothing but a heartache)
Nothing but a teardrop all the way. (Nothing but a teardrop)
______ is just too slim yeah.
He's got me. Oh why can't I get him?

[To fadeout]
Nothing but a heartache everyday. (Nothing but a heartache)
Nothing but a teardrop all the way. (Nothing but a teardrop)
Heartaches do I get 'em , every every day! (Nothing but a heartache)
Tears just pouring on down my face! (Nothing but a teardrop)

Oh the pain has got me so uptight! (Nothing but a heartache)
â€¦.

Overall Meaning

The Flirtations' "Nothing But A Heartache" from 1968 is a classic example of a Motown-styled upbeat tune with a seriously heartbroken edge. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, with the singer overwhelmed by the power of love and unable to resist its pull, despite the constant pain it causes. The opening two lines of the song perfectly sum up the theme: "Nothing but a heartache every day/ Nothing but a teardrop all the way." In the drive towards something they want, they are hurt while their object of affection remains unattainable.

The singer's repeated questioning of "why can't I get him?" is a perfect expression of the agony of unrequited love. There is also a sense that the singer feels somewhat trapped in their emotional state, with lines like "He's got me. Oh why can't I get him?" and "He's got me wishin' but I just can't win yeah." This repetition of emotions and desires heightens the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of pain and frustration that the singer cannot escape from. Despite this, the song manages to keep an upbeat tempo and instrumental energy, which provides an interesting contrast to the deeply sad words.

Line by Line Meaning

Nothing but a heartache everyday.
Every day is filled with nothing but pain and heartbreak.

Nothing but a teardrop all the way.
All I can do is cry and let the tears flow.

______ is such a sin yeah.
Whatever is causing this heartbreak is a terrible thing.

He's got me. Oh why can't I get him?
I am in love with someone who doesn't feel the same way and it hurts me deeply.

He's got me wishin' but I just can't win yeah.
I keep hoping and wishing for his love, but I can't seem to make him fall for me.

I get a lot of those heartaches.
Heartbreak is something I am very familiar with.

I get a lot of those teardrops.
Crying is an everyday occurrence for me.

______ is just too slim yeah.
My chances of winning his love are slim to none.

Heartaches, Teardrops, All of the way.
This pain and heartbreak I feel is constant and never-ending.

Heartaches do I get 'em , every every day!
Heartbreak is a daily occurrence for me.

Tears just pouring on down my face!
I cry constantly and can't seem to stop the tears from flowing.