Song Details
- Album Release Date: 1967-03-01
- Album Name: Waylon Sings Ol’ Harlan
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “Heartaches for a Dime” by Waylon Jennings
“Heartaches for a Dime” by Waylon Jennings is a song that reflects on the struggles and pain of living life and the hardships that come with it. The singer recognizes that life can be difficult but at times is willing to pay whatever cost to get what they desire. The chorus paints a vivid image of the singer desperately searching for something that will make them feel complete: “Yeah, I’d pay all the money in the world just to get rid of this ache in my soul/ I’m looking for something that can’t be bought, no matter how much I pay/ So I get my heartaches for a dime”. The song talks of getting an unfulfilling bargain, of settling cases with no tangible hope in sight no matter how much “money in the world” is thrown at the problem, as the singer recognizes no matter how hard they try, they are unable to find the true satisfaction they desire. Ultimately it serves as a reflection on the reality of life, that pain and struggle is simply a part of life’s journey.