Love Hurts is an iconic song by the Scottish band Nazareth. Below, I’ll provide information about the song’s origins, the films in which it has been used, its relationship with the composer, and mention some of the musical techniques used.

Origins of the song

The song was written by the composer Boudleaux Bryant, who originally composed it in the 1960s. The song was performed by several artists before Nazareth recorded it in 1974 as part of their album “Hair of the Dog.” Nazareth’s version became the most well-known and successful.

Musical techniques used

This song is a powerful ballad characterized by its emotional vocal performance and instrumentation that accentuates the song’s emotions. Some of the musical techniques used in this song include:

1. Emotional performance: The vocals of Nazareth’s lead singer, Dan McCafferty, are essential in conveying the song’s emotion. His passionate performance adds depth to the sadness and pain in the lyrics.
2. Instrumental arrangements: The song features carefully crafted instrumentation, including acoustic and electric guitars, as well as vocal harmonies that complement the lead vocals.
3. Dynamics changes: “Love Hurts” transitions from soft, melodic moments to more intense sections, creating a dramatic effect in the performance. The choruses reinforce the song’s emotion.

Movies it has been used in

The song has been used in several films and television shows over the years. Some of the movies in which this song has been included are:

1. Dazed and Confused (1993): The song appears in this film that portrays the lives of high school students in the 1970s.
2. True Romance (1993): The song is used in this Quentin Tarantino film that combines romance and violence.
3. Notting Hill (1999): “Love Hurts” is also part of the soundtrack of this romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
4. The Virgin Suicides (1999): The song appears on the soundtrack of this film directed by Sofia Coppola.

Love Hurts has proven to be a lasting song that continues to resonate in popular culture, thanks to its emotional performance and lyrics that explore the complexities of love and pain. Nazareth’s version of this song is widely recognized and has left an indelible mark on pop music and cinema.

Lyric

Love hurts, love scars
Love wounds and marks
Any heart
Not tough or strong enough
To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain
Love is like a cloud
Holds a lot of rain
Love hurts
Ooh, ooh, love hurts

I’m young, I know, but even so
I know a thing or two
I learned from you
I really learned a lot, really learned a lot
Love is like a flame
It burns you when it’s hot
Love hurts
Ooh, ooh, love hurts

Some fools think of happiness
Blissfulness, togetherness
Some fools fool themselves, I guess
They’re not foolin’ me

I know it isn’t true
I know it isn’t true
Love is just a lie
Made to make you blue
Love hurts
Ooh, ooh, love hurts
Ooh, ooh, love hurts

I know it isn’t true
I know it isn’t true
Love is just a lie
Made to make you blue
Love hurts
Ooh, ooh, love hurts
Ooh, ooh, love hurts
Ooh, ooh…

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Boudleaux Bryant