Heartbreak Hotel

From the brilliant pen of Rick Kollinger

In Measure for Measure, Shakespeare wrote, “music oft hath such a charm to make bad good.”

When you recall how good the songs about love gone bad sounded during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, you know the Bard was right on target.

A veritable river of tears flowed from every radio and jukebox during the golden age of rock and roll. These sad songs helped carry us through unhappy experiences and provided us with a primer for handling heartbreak.

For example, how can you tell when love is about to go cold? The Righteous Brothers reckon you’ll catch your beloved’s eyes open while kissing.

How can you prove your love is a cheat? Connie Francis recommends a detailed lipstick comparison.

What if the object of your affection dumps you? Despite all of the lovely Miss Brown’s attributes, Herman suggests getting on with life. Pining is simply a waste of time.

And these scenarios are just the tip of the Kleenex box. Because at the Heartbreak Hotel, there’s always room for one more old friend with a good, sad story to tell.    

Here are a few of the lyrics that have meant something to me over the years. Which are your tear-soaked faves?    

         Perish is the word that more than applies

         To the hope in my heart each time I realize

         That I am not going to be the one to share your dreams.

         That I am not going to be the one to share your schemes.

                  “Cherish”

         The Association

Yesterday’s love was like a warm summer breeze

But like the weather you changed.

Now things are dreary baby, and it’s windy and cold

and I stand alone in the rain, calling your name.

         “Stormy”

         Classics IV

I should have known you’d bid me farewell.

There’s a lesson to be learned from this

and I’ve learned it very well.

Now I know you’re not the only starfish in the sea.

If I never hear your name again,

it’s all the same to me.

         “Red Rubber Ball”

         The Cyrkle

You made me leave my happy home,

You took my love and now you’re gone.

“Since I Fell For You”

                   Lenny Welch

I walk in shadows, searching for light

cold and alone, no comfort in sight.

Hoping and praying for someone to care,

always movin’ and goin’ nowhere.

         “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted”

                     David Ruffin

Remember what we’ve said, and done,

and felt about each other.

Oh babe, have mercy.

Don’t let the past remind us of

what we are not now.

         “Suite Judy Blue Eyes”

         Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young 

A one-line note left by a suicide victim became the inspiration for Elvis’ first number one single. After reading “I walk a lonely street,” co-writer Mae Axton decided to put a heartbreak hotel at the end of it.

Though it’s always crowded,

you still can find some room.

                 “Heartbreak Hotel”

                     Elvis Presley

Even the rich and famous can't always buy happiness.

"Onstage, I make love to 25,000 people. Then I go home alone."
                                                                         – Janis Joplin