Introduction:
It Only Hurts When I Cry: A Song by Dwight Yoakam
“It Only Hurts When I Cry” is a country music ballad co-written by American country music artists Dwight Yoakam and Roger Miller. Released in December 1991 as the fourth single from Yoakam’s album If There Was a Way, it became one of his most successful songs. The song peaked at number 7 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 4 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and the complexities of relationships. The narrator expresses a paradoxical sentiment: they only feel pain when they cry, suggesting that holding back tears is a way to cope with emotional distress. The song’s melancholic melody and Yoakam’s distinctive vocals further emphasize the emotional depth of the lyrics.
“It Only Hurts When I Cry” was one of the last songs written by Roger Miller before his death in 1992. The song’s success solidified Yoakam’s position as a prominent figure in country music and showcased his ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt and relatable songs.