Introduction:
“It Only Hurts When I Cry” is a poignant country song co-written and recorded by Dwight Yoakam, featured on his 1990 album If There Was a Way. The track stands out not only for its heartfelt lyrics and classic country sound but also for its collaboration with the legendary Roger Miller, marking one of Miller’s final songwriting contributions before his passing in 1992.
The inception of “It Only Hurts When I Cry” began when Yoakam met Miller at the Grammy Awards. Yoakam, a longtime admirer of Miller’s work, presented him with the song’s title, leading to their collaboration. Miller’s influence is evident in the song’s clever wordplay and melodic structure, reminiscent of his earlier hits.
Released as the fourth single from If There Was a Way in December 1991, the song achieved significant success on the country charts, peaking at number seven in the United States and number four in Canada. This commercial performance underscored Yoakam’s ability to blend traditional country elements with contemporary sounds, appealing to a broad audience.
The accompanying music video, directed by Piers Plowden, is presented entirely in black and white, complementing the song’s melancholic tone. This visual approach aligns with Yoakam’s often minimalist aesthetic, allowing the song’s emotional depth to take center stage.
If There Was a Way, the album featuring “It Only Hurts When I Cry,” marked a period of artistic growth for Yoakam. The album showcased a diverse set of material, introducing rock and soul influences while retaining the Bakersfield honky-tonk sound that defined his earlier work. Collaborations with songwriters like Kostas and legends like Roger Miller highlighted Yoakam’s willingness to explore new creative avenues.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its authentic portrayal of heartache, a theme central to country music. Yoakam’s emotive delivery, combined with Miller’s songwriting prowess, resulted in a track that resonates with listeners, capturing the universal experience of love and loss.
In summary, “It Only Hurts When I Cry” exemplifies Dwight Yoakam’s commitment to traditional country music while embracing collaborative creativity. The partnership with Roger Miller not only enriched the song’s composition but also bridged generational gaps within the genre, solidifying the track’s place in country music history.