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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Heartaches by the Number" by the artist "Willie Nelson"

Willie Nelson's "Heartaches by the Number" tells a story of agonizing romantic turmoil, using the metaphor of heartaches enumerated like chart-topping hits.

"Heartache number one," the most profound, occurs when his lover leaves him. He compares the pain to a previously unknown feeling, emphasizing its depth.

"Heartache number two," filled with bitterness and disappointment, arrives when his lover returns with no intention of staying. This hope, dashed against the rocks of reality, multiplies the hero's pain, making it "countless."

Nelson further describes a vicious cycle of unrequited love. His feelings intensify with each passing day, while his lover's love fades. The hero recognizes the hopelessness of the situation ("a love that can't win"), yet clings to illusions, to promises ("you called me up and said you'd come back to stay"). The climax is "heartache number three" – deceived hope, the collapse of the last illusions.

The final phrase, "The day I stop countin', that's the day my world will end," is multifaceted. On the one hand, the hero admits that he lives only for these heartaches; they have become the meaning of his existence. On the other hand, he realizes that it is impossible to endure this pain endlessly, and there will come a moment when he breaks.

Heartache number one was when you left me I never knew that I could hurt this way

And heartache number two was when you came back again

You came back and never meant to stay

Now I've got heartaches by the number troubles by the score

Every day you love me less each day I love you more

Yes I've got heartaches by the number a love that I can't win

But the day that I'll stop counting that's the day my world would end

Heartache number three was when you called me

And said that you were coming back to stay

With hopeful heart I waited for your knock on the door

I waited but you must have lost your way

Now I've got heartaches by the number...

And the day that I'll stop counting that's the day my world will end

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