Every Night About This Time: The Agony of Unrequited Love
A Timeless Ballad of Longing and Loneliness
In the grand tapestry of country music, certain songs stand out not for their flashy production or upbeat tempo, but for their raw, heartfelt honesty. They are the anthems of the human condition, capturing emotions we all feel but often struggle to articulate. Such a song is “Every Night About This Time,” a poignant ballad performed by the legendary Johnny Rodriguez. This isn’t just a song; it’s a feeling, a memory, and a reminder of a time when music was less about spectacle and more about soul.
Released in 1974, “Every Night About This Time” was a significant hit for Rodriguez, a testament to his burgeoning career and his unique ability to connect with audiences. The single soared to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, spending two weeks at the coveted number one spot. This was a remarkable achievement, solidifying Rodriguez’s place among the country music elite and establishing him as a true star. The song’s success wasn’t a fluke; it was a result of its universal appeal and the genuine emotion that Rodriguez poured into every note.
The story behind the song is one of classic heartache and longing. Written by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton, two of country music’s most prolific and successful songwriters, the lyrics tell a simple yet devastating tale. It’s the story of a man who, night after night, finds himself haunted by the memory of a lost love. As the clock strikes a certain hour, the loneliness sets in, and he’s left to grapple with the emotional fallout of a relationship that has ended. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man lost in his thoughts, replaying moments and wondering what could have been.
The beauty of “Every Night About This Time” lies in its simplicity and its emotional depth. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt the sting of unrequited love or the ache of a broken heart. The meaning is clear: it’s a testament to the power of memory and how it can both comfort and torment us. The song’s narrative isn’t about dramatic breakups or grand gestures; it’s about the quiet, insidious pain that creeps in when the world goes to sleep. It’s the kind of song you listen to late at night, in the quiet solitude of your home, as you reflect on your own life and loves lost.
Johnny Rodriguez’s performance is what truly elevates the song from good to great. His voice, with its smooth, melodic texture and a hint of a tear, perfectly captures the vulnerability and pain of the narrator. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the emotions, making the listener feel every ounce of his sorrow. The gentle rhythm and the subtle steel guitar weep along with him, creating a soundscape that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. It’s a song that proves that sometimes, less is more, and that true emotion can be conveyed with a simple melody and a heartfelt vocal.
For those of us who grew up with this music, “Every Night About This Time” isn’t just a song; it’s a time machine. It takes us back to a different era, to late nights spent listening to the radio, to memories of first loves and first heartbreaks. It’s a reminder of a simpler time, when a good story and a powerful voice were all you needed to create a masterpiece. It’s a song that stands the test of time, and its ability to evoke such strong emotions is a testament to its enduring power. It’s a song that, much like the memories it describes, will be with us for a long, long time.
Oldies Songs