Pain of Loving You

Emmylou Harris · Portraits [Warner] [1996]

(Dolly Parton - Porter Wagoner)



Oh, the pain of loving you

Oh, the mis'ry I go through

Never knowing what to do

Oh, the pain of loving you.



You just can't stand to see me happy

Seems you hurt me all you can

Still I go on loving you

But I'll never understand.



Oh, the pain of loving you

Oh, the mis'ry I go through

Never knowing what to do

Oh, the pain of loving you.



--- Instrumental ---



To love and hate at the same time

The line between the two is fine

But too has bound me heart and soul

So strong that I can't let you go.



Oh, the pain of loving you

Oh, the mis'ry I go through

Never knowing what to do

Oh, the pain of loving you.



Oh, the pain of loving you...

Pain of Loving You

Emmylou Harris delivers a haunting performance of 'Pain of Loving You' on her 1996 album Portraits, channeling the raw emotion characteristic of her country and folk repertoire. The track features Harris's signature vocal delivery, blending traditional storytelling with a modern sensibility that has made her a defining voice in Americana. Recorded during a period where she frequently revisited classic material with fresh interpretation, the song reflects her deep connection to the genre's history while asserting her own artistic identity. The recording captures the intimate atmosphere of her studio sessions, highlighting her ability to convey complex feelings of heartbreak and devotion through melody and voice alone. This work stands as a testament to her enduring influence on contemporary country music and her commitment to preserving the spirit of the tradition she helped redefine.