We think of love during February because stores are pushing Valentine’s Day sales. But not everybody has a satisfying relationship–some people endure unrequited affection.
I sometimes wonder if we would have country music, which always tells a story, if it wasn’t for heartbreak. Whenever I ride in the truck with Ken, “Willie’s Roadhouse” plays on the radio because we’re fans of the classics that were popular during our younger days. A lot of the tunes relate a man’s misery. One of my favorites is George Jones singing “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” It took the fellow’s death to end his affection for a woman who was no longer his one and only. It isn’t so much the song but the memory it evokes. It was popular in the summer of 1980 when I had histoplasmosis and my left lung was surgically removed.
Dolly Parton wrote “Jolene” in 1973 and it was her first smash, solo hit. I think that song is ridiculous. One woman begs another, “Please don’t take my man just because you can.” I only want a man who loves me through all happenings of life. I expect him to stick with me when I look a wreck or am unlovable. If he’s tempted by a prettier face, a lither figure or a sunnier manner. I don’t want him–she is welcome to him.
I think there seem to be few songs like “You Are My Sunshine” written by Jimmie Davis in 1940 that extol a loved one in a person’s life. I guess we share sadness quicker than we share happiness.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to love someone who doesn’t love me in return. I’ve been fortunate to have the same guy in my life since I was fourteen. We’ve gone from teenage crush to old age satisfaction.
Have you suffered heartbreak during your lifetime?