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
@JohnnyNowhere
How can anyone not love this song?
@donovanpain83
Lost this song title in my head, came to me yesterday. Soon as I saw cover knew it was the one! A f*cking classic that demands to be played loud. Should have more exposure
@jpolar394
You can just hear the POWER coming out of their voices. Excellent song. Wish those times were back with us today.
@universallanguage59
A classic that sadly never got it's due - as good as anything out of Motown, if not better. Keep the faith...and play it LOUD...
@marilynryan7822
It’s good but Do Not compare to Motown…that’s a tall order.I do have it on my Spotify playlist btw.
@J0HNJ0RDAN
Thank you Art. I know music is special to everyone in a unique way. When, where, how you first heard it. For me, with this song, it was Art Bell. I will always associate this, and so much other great music, with that wonderful man. ✌️❤️
@robinr.770
You read my mind. Exactly who I associate this tune with, as well. Bring on the bumper music and reminisce.
@StatisticsJason
I probably never would have known about this song if it wasn't for Art Bell.
@-.Steven
I too first first heard this on Art Bell's Midnight in the Desert radio program as bumper music, and I searched and searched and finally one night Art let it play long enough that I had enough of the lyrics to find it via the internet. Man I must have played that song 100 times over and over! Love this song! It should have been a #1 hit!!!
@samuelgriffin4167
The pounding beat to this song sends me the chills up and down my spine