I’m not typically a fan of country music or of Bonnie Tyler, but I do like this one.  When I last played this back in 2020, I only played the Bonnie Tyler version, but shortly thereafter, Clive joined Filosofa’s Word, and I know that he really likes Juice Newton, so for you, Clive, I’m playing her version as well tonight.  I still think Tyler knocks it out of the ballpark, but we each have our own ears and tastes.

This Bonnie Tyler song, released in 1977, was written by Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe, who were Tyler’s managers.

The song topped the charts in Australia, Canada, and numerous European countries, and reached no. 3 in the USA and no. 4 in the UK. It is listed among the best-selling singles of all time with sales of over six million copies.

There isn’t much trivia about the song itself, other than that it was covered by Juice Newton, Dave & Sugar, Lorrie Morgan, Gene Pitney, Rod Stewart, and Trick Pony.

What I did find interesting, though, is that Bonnie Tyler of Wales, was born Gaynor Hopkins, but when RCA offered her a recording contract in 1975, they recommended a name change.  After compiling a list from a newspaper, she settled on Bonnie Tyler.  In 1976, the year before this song came out, doctors found many nodules on Ms. Tyler’s throat due to years of singing in nightclubs.  After the nodules were removed, her voice was huskier than ever, but … it’s just the right sound.

It’s a Heartache
Bonnie Tyler

It’s a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Hits you when it’s too late
Hits you when you’re down

It’s a fool’s game
Nothing but a fool’s game
Standing in the cold rain
Feeling like a clown

It’s a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Love him ’til your arms break
Then he let’s you down

It ain’t right with love to share
When you find he doesn’t care for you
It ain’t wise to need someone
As much as I depended on you

Oh, it’s a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Hits you when it’s too late
Hits you when you’re down

It’s a fool’s game
Nothing but a fool’s game
Standing in the cold rain
Feeling like a clown

It ain’t right with love to share
When you find he doesn’t care for you
It ain’t wise to need someone
As much as I depended on you

Oh, it’s a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
You love him ’til your arms break
Then he let’s you down

It’s a fool’s game
Standing in the cold rain
Feelin’ like a clown
It’s a heartache
Love him ’til your arms break
Then he let’s you down
It’s a fool’s game

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Ronnie Scott / Victor William Batty
Si tout s’arrête (It’s a Heartache) lyrics © Universal Music – Careers, Lojo Music Ltd