About the song
“This One’s Gonna Hurt You (For a Long, Long Time).” Released in 1992 as a single from his album This One’s Gonna Hurt You, this track wasn’t just a hit; it became a Top 10 success on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, and importantly, it showcased a formidable collaboration with the legendary Travis Tritt. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a raw, honest exploration of impending heartbreak, a timeless testament to the deep, lingering scars that a broken relationship can leave, and a perfect example of what was dubbed “No Depression” country, embracing traditional sounds with fresh vitality.
The lyrics of “This One’s Gonna Hurt You (For a Long, Long Time),” penned by Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt, paint a vivid and somewhat melancholic picture of a man warning his partner about the consequences of their impending breakup. The narrator isn’t bitter or angry, but rather resigned and empathetic, understanding that while the decision to part ways might be made quickly, the emotional aftermath will be anything but swift. It’s a narrative about the inevitable pain that follows a profound loss of love, and the enduring nature of heartache. Phrases like “This one’s gonna hurt you / For a long, long time” and “There won’t be no easy way / When you walk out that door” perfectly capture this blend of painful foresight and the recognition of emotional inevitability. The song speaks to the universal human experience of confronting the aftermath of a broken relationship, the slow process of healing, and the understanding that some emotional wounds simply take an extended period to mend. It’s about the truth that some partings aren’t just immediate breaks, but long, drawn-out processes of grief and recovery. It resonates deeply with anyone who has either endured or caused the lingering pain of a significant breakup.
Marty Stuart’s vocal performance on “This One’s Gonna Hurt You” is absolutely compelling. His voice, with its distinctive blend of traditional country twang, a rich tenor, and an underlying rockabilly edge, delivers the lyrics with a profound sense of weary wisdom and genuine pathos. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the messenger of inevitable pain, making the listener feel every nuance of his somber warning and the underlying regret. When joined by Travis Tritt’s equally powerful and emotive vocals, their voices create a potent blend that amplifies the song’s gravitas. There’s a perfect blend of a commanding presence and an almost compassionate sorrow in their phrasing, an emotional resonance that makes the song incredibly personal and universally profound. Stuart’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to infuse such a deeply emotional narrative with authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral and empathetic level through the sheer honesty and controlled power of his voice. It is a masterclass in conveying solemn emotion with impactful, unvarnished conviction.
The musical arrangement of “This One’s Gonna Hurt You” is a pristine example of Marty Stuart’s signature sound from this era – traditional country, but with a palpable energy and rockabilly flair. It features a driving electric guitar riff that’s instantly memorable and provides a strong backbone, a solid drum beat that propels the song forward, and a prominent bassline that adds depth and groove. The inclusion of classic steel guitar fills adds that essential country authenticity and a touch of melancholic beauty, while the overall production is clean, powerful, and remarkably clear. The instrumentation is tight, forceful, and meticulously crafted to convey the song’s poignant yet resolute attitude. The combined energy of the musicians, particularly the interplay between Stuart’s and Tritt’s guitars, creates a robust and compelling soundscape. It’s an arrangement that feels both urgent and timeless, perfectly suited for a song that explores the enduring nature of heartache.
“This One’s Gonna Hurt You” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of impending heartbreak, the enduring pain of loss, and the stark reality of emotional consequences are deeply understood and intensely felt. It became one of Marty Stuart’s most iconic and beloved hits, a true signature song that cemented his legacy as a master storyteller and a powerful force in country music. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, This One’s Gonna Hurt You (For a Long, Long Time).
Video
Lyrics
Baby, close that suitcase, let’s turn this thing around
We’ve got everybody talking all over town
But if you have to leave, well, keep one thing in mind
Oh, this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long time
There’s a bottle on the table, to help me understand
How love can go so wrong between a woman and a man
But just beyond the door, here’s what you will find
Girl, this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long time
A long, long time is forever
And will I get over you, probably never
You can’t walk away from true love
And leave your feelings all behind
‘Cause this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long time
A long, long time is forever
And will I get over you, probably never
You can’t walk away from true love
And leave your feelings all behind
‘Cause this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long time
You can’t walk away from true love
Leave your feelings all behind
Ah, this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long time
