The Apology That Hid a Broken Heart – The Untold Story Behind Buck Owens’ Rise
The Apology That Hid a Broken Heart – The Untold Story Behind Buck Owens’ Rise
In 1960, country music fans were introduced to a fresh, powerful voice from Bakersfield, California. Buck Owens, later hailed as the father of the Bakersfield Sound, released “Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got a Heartache)” and quickly shook the charts. But behind its upbeat rhythm and lively melody lay a story of deep sadness.
An apology turned into a hit
“Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got a Heartache)” was co-written by Buck Owens and Dusty Rhodes. The song emerged during a time when Owens was searching for his own artistic direction. The lyrics feel like a confession – shy yet painful: excuse me, but I think I’ve got a heartache that won’t heal. It wasn’t a romantic ballad, but rather the inner voice of a man hiding heartbreak beneath a tough exterior.
The Bakersfield Sound – a new era begins
The 1960s were dominated by the Nashville Sound, polished with string sections and pop arrangements. Owens, however, chose a different path: raw energy, twangy Telecaster guitars, and honky-tonk rhythms. “Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got a Heartache)” was proof of that vision. It climbed to No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and paved the way for Owens’ future classics like “Act Naturally,” “Together Again,” and “Love’s Gonna Live Here.”
The real heartbreak behind the song
Owens admitted in later interviews that the song reflected his own struggles in love. As a young man, he endured several failed relationships, and the feeling of a “broken heart” was no mere metaphor. This is what made the song so relatable: who hasn’t worn a smile to hide their sorrow?
A lasting legacy
“Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got a Heartache)” wasn’t just an early hit – it was the launchpad that took Buck Owens from an unknown studio musician to a national star. It also marked the rise of the Bakersfield Sound, a movement that would influence Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, and countless others.
More than half a century later, the song still resonates. Its cheerful bounce contrasts with its bittersweet truth, reminding us that sometimes the most painful confessions are hidden inside the brightest melodies.