Introduction:
“It Only Hurts When I Cry” stands as a notable entry in Dwight Yoakam’s extensive catalog, a testament to his distinctive blend of traditional country with a contemporary edge. Released in December 1991, this poignant track served as the fourth single from his acclaimed album, “If There Was a Way.”
What sets this song apart is its co-writing credit, shared between Yoakam and the legendary Roger Miller. Miller, known for his witty and often whimsical songwriting, brought a unique perspective to the collaboration. This blending of Yoakam’s neo-traditionalist country sound with Miller’s seasoned songwriting prowess resulted in a song that is both heartfelt and subtly clever.
The song’s lyrics delve into the complexities of emotional resilience, exploring the idea of suppressed pain and the moments when it inevitably surfaces. The title itself, “It Only Hurts When I Cry,” speaks to the human tendency to mask vulnerability, a theme that resonates deeply with listeners.
Commercially, “It Only Hurts When I Cry” performed well, reaching number 7 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 4 in Canada. This success further solidified Yoakam’s status as a leading figure in country music during the early 1990s. The song is a great example of Dwight Yoakam’s ability to create very good traditional country music, that also was very popular on the radio.