"Heartaches by the Number" is a song originally written by Harlan Howard and later recorded by various artists, including George Jones. The song tells the story of heartbreak and the pain caused by a failed relationship. In the lyrics, the protagonist experiences multiple heartaches throughout the course of the relationship. The first heartache occurs when their partner leaves them, causing unimaginable pain. However, the second heartache arises when the partner returns, but only temporarily, without any intention of staying. Despite this emotional turmoil, the narrator's love for their partner continues to grow, while the partner's love diminishes with each passing day. The third heartache is when the partner calls and claims to be coming back to stay. The protagonist eagerly waits for their return, but they never arrive, suggesting that the partner may have lost their way or simply changed their mind. This further intensifies the narrator's heartache and disappointment. Throughout the song, the songwriter reflects on the countless heartaches and troubles they face in their relationship. They express the paradoxical nature of their love, where they continue to love their partner more and more while receiving less love in return. The song conveys the pain and longing experienced in a one-sided love affair, where the narrator's feelings remain unrequited. It captures the emotional toll of a failed relationship and the desperation felt when love is imbalance. Ultimately, the song suggests that the narrator's world will only end when they stop counting the heartaches, indicating that they are tied to this pain as long as they hold onto their love.
