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Introduction:

American country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith tugged at heartstrings with the release of “Hurt A Lot Worse When You Go” in 2008. The song, featured on his album That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy, became a fan favorite for its poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring pain of heartbreak.

Keith, known for his rebellious streak and often patriotic anthems, took a more vulnerable approach with “Hurt A Lot Worse When You Go.” The song delves into the complexities of a passionate relationship, where the narrator pleads for even a shallow connection, knowing the inevitable heartache that awaits when the love interest departs.

While not credited as a producer on the album, Keith is heavily involved in the production of his music, and That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy is no exception. This creative control allows him to craft a sound that resonates with his audience. For “Hurt A Lot Worse When You Go,” the instrumentation is subdued, featuring a gentle guitar melody and a melancholic piano accompaniment. This stripped-down production style puts the spotlight on Keith’s vocals, allowing him to deliver the song’s emotional lyrics with sincerity.

“Hurt A Lot Worse When You Go” wasn’t a chart-topping hit, but it resonated with fans who connected with the raw portrayal of emotional vulnerability. The song continues to be a popular choice for fans creating playlists about heartbreak and lost love. “Hurt A Lot Worse When You Go” serves as a reminder of Toby Keith’s ability to deliver not just boisterous anthems but also tender ballads that capture the complexities of love and loss.

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Lyrics:

“Hurt A Lot Worse When You Go”
Go on and call me up.
Tell me you made a grave mistake.
You know I never once turned you away.Bad as I hate to say,
I know how good it’s gonna be.
If just for a night, I lay you down by me.And you lie.
Like you wont say goodbye.
Like you do every time.

Come here and kiss me
And act like you miss me.
Make me believe we’re together.
Come here and hold me
And baby control me.
Touch me like you’ll be here forever.
You never cut me deep enough to tell you no.
Ohhhh
Tell me you love me,
It’ll hurt a lot worse when you go.

I’m not what you want.
No, I’m not ever gonna be.
More than someone you come to in need.

And you lie.
Like you wont say goodbye.
Like you do every time.

Come here and kiss me
And act like you miss me.
Make me believe we’re together.
Come here and hold me
And baby control me.
Touch me like you’ll be here forever.
You never cut me deep enough to tell you no.
Ohhhh
Tell me you love me.
It’ll hurt a lot worse when you go.

You never cut me deep enough to tell you no.
Ohhhh.
Tell me you love me.
It’ll hurt a lot worse when you no.

Girl, tell me you love me.
It’ll hurt a lot worse when you go.