About The Song
George Jones, often hailed as the “Possum,” was a towering figure in country music. His soulful voice and ability to convey deep emotional pain made him a legend. While the full title of the song is “Nothing Ever Hurt Me (Half as Bad as Losing You),” it’s often shortened for convenience.
This song is a classic example of Jones’s ability to capture the heartache and despair of a lost love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is utterly devastated by the end of a relationship. The repeated refrain, “Nothing ever hurt me (half as bad as losing you),” serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the depth of his pain.
Jones’s delivery of the song is nothing short of masterful. His voice, filled with both sadness and resignation, perfectly conveys the emotional turmoil of the protagonist. The melody, with its gentle, mournful tone, complements the lyrics beautifully. The instrumentation, featuring a classic country arrangement with steel guitar and fiddle, adds to the song’s nostalgic feel.
“Nothing Ever Hurt Me” is more than just a sad love song. It’s a reflection on the human condition, exploring themes of heartbreak, regret, and the enduring power of love. The song’s universal appeal has made it a timeless classic, resonating with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
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Lyric
Well, I’ve had a splitting headache from my eyebrows to my backbone
Arthritis, appendicitis, Bright’s Disease, and gall stones
Bleeding ulcers, ingrown toe nails, swollen adenoids
The Asian Flu a time or two, and inflamed vocal chords
I’ve had a toothache so severe my jawbone split in two
But nothing’s ever hurt me half as bad as losing youWell, I’ve had the lit end of a cigar pressed against my belly
Whupped on with a crowbar till my eyeball turned to jelly
Accidentally nailed my index finger to the wall
Cut off half my toes and soaked my foot in alcohol
I’ve had my pelvis ruptured by an angry kangaroo
But nothing’s ever hurt me half as bad as losing youWell, it’s not because you measure fifty, twenty, forty-four
It’s surely not because you own a chain of liquor stores
It’s not because your daddy is the richest man in town
It’s just that I’ve grown used to you and having you aroundI’ve had my parents tell me, “Son, we don’t love you at all”
I’ve seen my sister’s name written on a washroom wall
My best friend set my barn on fire burned my horse to death
I went out with a girl who told me, “George, you’ve got bad breath”
Last week I drew a crowd when I went to the city zoo
But nothing’s ever hurt me half as bad as losing youWell, I’ve had a splitting headache from my eyebrows to my backbone
Arthritis, appendicitis, Bright’s Disease, and gall stones
Bleeding ulcers, ingrown toe nails, swollen adenoids
The Asian Flu a time or two, and inflamed vocal chords
I’ve had a toothache so severe my jawbone split in two
But nothing’s ever hurt me half as bad as losing you