The song was used on a television advertising campaign for KFC in the United Kingdom along with several other Northern Soul records including Frank Wilson's "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)" and Marlena Shaw's "California Soul". A promotional film for the song featuring the group was shot at Tintern Abbey in Wales.
"Nothing but a Heartache" was one of the songs covered on the Detroit Cobras album Tied & True in 2007. It was also covered in 2007 by the UK dance act Freemasons. This version was 'mashed up' by Dutch dance DJ Pytski with "Umbrella" by Rihanna. Although this mashup was quite popular in clubs, it was not released commercially due to legal reasons. Southside Johnny covered this song on his album "Into The Harbour".
Nothing But A Heartache
The Flirtations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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.
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)
….
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.
Oh the pain has got me so uptight!
This heartbreak is causing me so much stress and anxiety.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
bill kex
This song is a true gem. The instrumentation and arrangements totally blow me away. The stereo separation kicks butt too. The harmonies are fantastic. Too bad that it only hit 39. Classic stuff.
gbsk12
It was #3 on Billboard and #2 on Cash Box. Maybe yoou saw another rating service.
LaurenJayne Diamond
Finer than fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you friend.
Marcel Maker
I am so lucky to have a original copy of that single in my collection and lucky to hear the song on s radio station while in London on my first trip there, also had the pleasure of talking to the DJ on the air at time :-)
Analog synth player
Nothing today or recently could ever touch this, classy and musically there ranges, harmony all together make this one incredible song. Thank you Ladies
mike mckillip
One of the best, got lost. Voices words horns pianos excellent!!!!
tomshiba51
This song has a mysterious, other worldly sound to me. I love the deep bass beat, background brass and singing this offers. One of my favorites.
thewillismon
tomshiba51 Yeah I hear ya! For me it's the melody, one of the very best, and from an era where melody ruled!
mark williams
I agree tomshiba51. There are so many genius production elements in this song it will insanely "hook" you, and you won't know why. Hooks abound in this song; the lines, "He's got me oh why, can't I get him?" absolutely wreck me, I feel like Pavlov's salivating dog waiting for it. I'd love hear a remix with individual tracks discernible; but even then the "magic" (literally) in this cut could never be intellectually figured out. I'm a fan of 60's music, and I can't recall ever hearing this before - that in itself is pretty strange...
John C
Agree mysterious