About the song
Country music has long been a genre that thrives on raw emotion, heartfelt storytelling, and the kind of sorrow that lingers long after a song ends. Few songs capture that essence quite like “This One’s Gonna Hurt You (For a Long, Long Time)”, a beautifully crafted heartache ballad from the legendary Marty Stuart, featuring the equally iconic Travis Tritt. Released in 1992, this song remains one of the defining tracks of Stuart’s career, blending traditional country roots with the rich, dynamic sound that made the early ’90s such a golden era for the genre.
At its heart, the song is a classic country breakup anthem, filled with regret, betrayal, and the bitter sting of heartbreak. From the very first lines, Stuart’s distinctive voice sets the tone for the pain that follows. There’s no sugarcoating here—this is a song about the kind of love that leaves scars. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that has reached its breaking point, but unlike many other breakup songs, there’s a sense of finality in this one. The line “This one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long time” serves as both a warning and a painful truth—some wounds don’t heal overnight.
One of the most striking aspects of “This One’s Gonna Hurt You” is its traditional honky-tonk influence, blended seamlessly with a more polished, radio-friendly production. The song features a mournful steel guitar that weeps through the melody, a hallmark of classic country heartbreak songs. Yet, there’s also a rich, full-band arrangement that gives it a sense of grandeur, making it more than just a simple country ballad—it’s a statement.
Adding to the song’s emotional weight is the unmistakable presence of Travis Tritt. As a longtime friend and collaborator of Stuart, Tritt’s deep, soulful vocals complement Stuart’s twangy, heartfelt delivery perfectly. When the two voices come together, the harmony is nothing short of magic. The combination of their distinct styles—Stuart’s traditional country sensibilities and Tritt’s Southern rock-infused edge—creates a sound that is both timeless and deeply moving.
Beyond its musical excellence, this song also marks an important moment in Marty Stuart’s career. By the early ’90s, Stuart had fully established himself as one of country music’s most respected artists, blending a deep appreciation for traditional sounds with a modern edge. This song, the title track from his album This One’s Gonna Hurt You, helped solidify his reputation as a serious, enduring talent in Nashville. The album itself was a commercial success, further cementing Stuart’s place in the country music world.
Even decades after its release, “This One’s Gonna Hurt You (For a Long, Long Time)” remains a powerful and deeply relatable song. Its themes of love, loss, and heartache are universal, and its traditional country sound feels just as authentic today as it did in 1992. For fans of real, soul-stirring country music, this song is a reminder of why the genre continues to resonate so deeply—it’s about life, love, and the painful moments in between.
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Lyrics
Baby, close that suitcase, let’s turn this thing aroundWe’ve got everybody talking all over townBut if you have to leave, well, keep one thing in mindOh, this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long timeThere’s a bottle on the table, to help me understandHow love can go so wrong between a woman and a manBut just beyond the door, here’s what you will findGirl, this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long timeA long, long time is foreverAnd will I get over you, probably neverYou can’t walk away from true loveAnd leave your feelings all behind‘Cause this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long timeA long, long time is foreverAnd will I get over you, probably neverYou can’t walk away from true loveAnd leave your feelings all behind‘Cause this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long timeYou can’t walk away from true loveLeave your feelings all behindAh, this one’s gonna hurt you for a long, long time