About the Song
A classic cover of the iconic Ray Price hit, “Heartaches By the Number” showcases Waylon Jennings’ ability to take a traditional country song and inject it with his own distinctive outlaw spirit. Originally written by Harlan Howard, the song tells the story of a person who has suffered countless heartbreaks and emotional turmoil, yet remains caught in the cycle of love and loss.
Waylon Jennings’ version of “Heartaches By the Number” takes the song’s melancholy theme and adds a touch of gritty realism and heartache. Jennings’ rough, emotive voice perfectly matches the sadness in the lyrics, making the song feel both personal and universal. The narrator in the song is worn down by a series of failed relationships but continues to face the pain of heartache, despite the toll it’s taken. The line “I’ve got heartaches by the number, troubles by the score” resonates with anyone who has been through repeated emotional struggles and is left wondering when the cycle will end.
Musically, Jennings’ rendition stays close to the traditional honky-tonk roots of the original, but with the added influence of the outlaw country movement that Jennings helped define. The song features Jennings’ signature laid-back, but powerful delivery, with a steady rhythm, twangy guitars, and a steel guitar that adds a distinct country flavor. The arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing Jennings’ voice and the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage.
What makes Waylon Jennings’ version of “Heartaches By the Number” stand out is how he infuses the song with both a sense of resignation and strength. While the lyrics are about heartbreak, Jennings’ delivery is less about wallowing in self-pity and more about accepting the reality of the situation. His interpretation brings a sense of toughness and grit to a song that could easily be overwhelmed by sentimentality, and it’s this balance of raw emotion and stoic resolve that makes his version unique.
Released as part of Waylon Jennings’ 1973 album Lonesome, On’ry and Mean, “Heartaches By the Number” exemplifies his ability to tackle traditional country themes with his own distinctive style. The song serves as a fitting tribute to Ray Price and the honky-tonk sound, while simultaneously marking Jennings’ transformation into a leader of the outlaw country movement.
Ultimately, “Heartaches By the Number” is a standout track that perfectly captures the spirit of classic country while reflecting Waylon Jennings’ unique approach to music. His version remains one of the definitive takes on the song, offering a refreshing yet deeply emotional interpretation that showcases both his vocal talent and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.