"Heartaches By The Numbers" is a song performed by George Jones, released in 1961. The song tells the story of a troubled relationship filled with heartaches and pain. In the first verse, the singer reminisces about the first heartache, which occurred when their lover left them. They never expected to feel such pain, but it overwhelmed them. The second heartache came when the lover returned, but only to leave again. The singer expresses their confusion and disappointment that their lover didn't intend to stay. As the song progresses, the chorus emphasizes the accumulation of heartaches and troubles. The singer highlights that their lover's love for them is diminishing while their love for the lover continues to grow. This unbalanced love causes immense heartache and serves as a constant source of pain for the singer. The third heartache occurs when the lover calls and claims they are returning to stay. The singer eagerly awaits their arrival, but the lover never shows up. The singer assumes that their lover must have lost their way. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the increasing number of heartaches and troubles. The singer realizes that their love for their lover is futile and unrequited, leading to heartbreak. The song concludes with the realization that the day the singer stops counting their heartaches is the day their world comes to an end, signifying the profound impact this relationship has had on their life. Overall, "Heartaches By The Numbers" portrays the anguish and struggles of a tumultuous love affair. The continuous heartaches and unfulfilled love create a sense of hopelessness and despair for the singer.
