I really like when a cover tales a song in a whole new direction.
In 1975, Scottish hard rock band Nazareth released a passionate power ballad treatment of ‘Love Hurts’ that reached the top ten in the U.S. and Australia and #1 in three other countries. It’s the only version of this song I know, and I assumed the tune originated with them.
But it was the Everly Brothers who first recorded this song, as an album track on the 1950 record A Date with the Everly Brothers. The duo’s soft rock balladry calls to mind early Beatles performances, and underscores their influence on the Fab Four.
‘Love Hurts’ was covered by many other artists, including Roy Orbison, Cher, Jim Capaldi, and Gram Parsons (with Emmylou Harris). Still, Nazareth remains the act most associated with this great song.
Love hurts, love scars
Love wounds and mars
Any heart, not tough
Nor strong enough
To take a lot of pain
Take a lot of pain
Love is like a cloud
Holds a lot of rain
[Chorus]
Love hurts
Love hurts
[Verse 2]
I’m young, I know
But even so
I know a thing or two
I’ve learned from you
I’ve really learned a lot
Really learned a lot
Love is like a stove
It burns you when it’s hot
[Chorus]
Love hurts
Love hurts
[Bridge]
Some fools rave of happiness
Blissfulness, togetherness
Some fools fool themselves I guess
But they’re not foolin’ me
[Refrain]
I know it isn’t true
Know it isn’t true
Love is just a lie
Made to make you blue
[Chorus]
Love hurts
Love hurts
Love hurts
Meet Me In Montauk 
What a striking disparity between the lyrics and the insipid clipity clop music and lilting voices. Where were these guys when I was signing divorce papers. Might’ve softened the blow!
The Nazareth version arguably better matches the music to the lyrics, but their cover always annoyed me for some reason as being a bit too dramatic. I had never heard the original, but I like it much better. Sometimes you need some musical sugar to help the medicine go down.🤣
To my ears, the Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris cover is the best … it guts me every time I hear it. Their harmonies are brilliant.
Wow the Everly Brothers! Brings back childhood memories ❤️