Introduction
Gene Pitney’s Only Love Can Break a Heart remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful ballads of the early 1960s. Released in 1962, the song perfectly captures the pain of lost love with lush orchestration and Pitney’s unmistakable, soaring voice. This emotionally powerful track became one of his biggest hits and a staple in the world of classic pop.
About Gene Pitney
Gene Pitney was an American singer-songwriter known for his emotional delivery, wide vocal range, and dramatic style. Rising to prominence in the early ‘60s, Pitney produced a string of hits in both the U.S. and U.K., and carved out a legacy as one of pop’s most distinctive voices.
Song Overview: Only Love Can Break a Heart
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Release Date: 1962
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Label: Musicor Records
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Songwriters: Hal David (lyrics) and Burt Bacharach (music)
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Genre: Pop / Easy Listening
Written by the legendary duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Only Love Can Break a Heart combines poetic lyrics with a gentle, melancholy melody. It’s a powerful portrayal of romantic vulnerability and emotional pain—a theme that resonated strongly with audiences.
Lyrics Snapshot
“Only love can break a heart, only love can mend it again…”
The chorus distills the bittersweet truth that the very thing that brings joy—love—can also bring the deepest pain. Pitney’s emotionally charged delivery gives the lyrics an added sense of sincerity and heartbreak.
Chart Success
The song was a major commercial hit, especially in the U.S.:
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Billboard Hot 100: Peaked at #2
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Cash Box Chart: Reached #1
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U.K. Singles Chart: Modest charting, but grew in popularity over time
Ironically, Only Love Can Break a Heart was held from the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 by another song written by Pitney—He’s a Rebel by The Crystals. This rare situation underscored his widespread influence in pop music at the time.
Musical Style and Production
The song features soft piano, subtle strings, and a gentle rhythm section, which all allow Pitney’s expressive voice to take center stage. The production, typical of Bacharach and David’s craftsmanship, blends orchestral elegance with pop accessibility.
Cultural Impact
Over the years, Only Love Can Break a Heart has been covered by artists across genres, including:
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Kenny Dale (1979 – Country version, Billboard Country Top 10)
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Margaret Whiting
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Dionne Warwick (demo version from Bacharach’s archives)
Its timeless appeal continues to earn it radio airplay on classic hits stations and inclusion in soundtracks and playlists focused on heartbreak and classic romance.
Why It Still Resonates
The emotional honesty of Only Love Can Break a Heart transcends generations. Whether you’re going through a breakup or simply appreciate heartfelt songwriting, this track offers a deeply human message wrapped in melodic beauty. Pitney’s vocal performance remains one of the most unforgettable in pop ballad history.
Conclusion
Only Love Can Break a Heart is more than a classic love song—it’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling and vocal interpretation. With the combined genius of Bacharach, David, and Pitney, the song stands as one of the most poignant musical expressions of heartbreak ever recorded. If you haven’t heard it in a while, it’s well worth a revisit.
Lyrics: Only Love Can Break a Heart
Only love can break a heart, only love can mend it again
Last night I hurt you but darlin’ remember this
Only love can break a heart, only love can mend it again, mm, mmYou know I’m sorry, I’ll prove it with just one kiss
Only love can break a heart, only love can mend it agai-ainGive me a chance to make up for the harm I’ve done
Try to forgive me and let’s keep the two of us one.Please let me hold you and love you for always and always
Only love can break a heart only love can mend it agai-ain
Only love can break a heart only love can mend it again
