I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes: A Country Classic by The Oak Ridge Boys
In the realm of country music, there are songs that touch the heart with their poignant melodies and heartfelt lyrics, and then there are songs like “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes” by The Oak Ridge Boys, which transcend the genre to become timeless anthems of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Released in 1984 as the second single from their album Deliver, this country ballad has become a cornerstone of The Oak Ridge Boys’ illustrious repertoire, captivating audiences for decades with its raw emotional power and enduring message of hope.
Penned by songwriter Randy VanWarmer, the song’s origins trace back to a deeply personal experience – the passing of his father. VanWarmer’s heartfelt lyrics, imbued with the profound grief and acceptance that follow such a loss, resonated deeply with listeners, striking a chord that transcended the boundaries of age, background, and musical preference.
The Oak Ridge Boys, with their signature four-part harmonies and earnest delivery, breathed new life into the song, imbuing it with a depth of emotion that solidified its place among country music’s greatest treasures. Their rendition, released in 1984, soared to the top of the country charts, claiming the number one spot for a week and lingering in the charts for a total of twelve weeks.
The song’s music video, directed by Joel Schlomo Neto, paints a poignant picture of a lost love, adding a visual dimension to the song’s emotional narrative. However, for tenor singer Joe Bonsall, the song’s true essence lies in its original intent – a reflection on grief and healing. Bonsall, who cites “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes” as his favorite song to perform on stage, recognizes the power of the song to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, offering solace and understanding in the face of heartache.
“I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes” is more than just a song; it’s an emotional journey that mirrors the highs and lows of life, reminding us that even in the depths of despair, there is always a glimmer of hope, a promise of brighter days ahead. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to touch our souls, to heal our hearts, and to remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. As the song’s poignant lyrics echo through the years, “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes” remains a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure and emerge stronger.
Music Legend