I Fall To Pieces by Patsy Cline

Album: 12 Greatest Hits (1961)

Charted: 12

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard, this was arguably the first pure country single to cross over to the pop charts. It also established Patsy Cline's sophisticated weepy style.

Legendary songwriter Harlan Howard was the perfect talent to bring onboard for the writing of this song. Bill DeMail quoted Howard's explanation of his proclivity for complex love songs in his Performing Songwriter obituary. "The toughest songs in the world to write are love songs," he said. "'I love you and I will forever and blah blah blah.' I'd rather get into a song about a relationship that's a little bit shaky or even tragic. That in my mind represents country music and the drama of the man-woman thing." Howard, who passed away in 2002, wrote hit songs for performers as diverse as Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and Patty Loveless.
According to Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs, "Cline was reluctant to record this ballad, which had been turned down by Brenda Lee, until producer Owen Bradley coaxed her into it. The sound was stone country but wrapped in elaborate pop, with Cline crying inside, like a nerve rubbed raw by heartbreak."

Comments: 7

Jeff from Perth Western Australia I am 40 I have older parents so I listened too alot of singers and songs of music from the 50s 60s 70 and 80s . But I agree Patsy Cline is the queen too me of country music and this song is my favourite so is crazy all her songs are brilliant. She sings with feeling that's the essence of a great singer god bless you Patsy you left this world far too soon. And I agree with the other comment just imagine what other songs she would of sang if she lived on. I have many cds and records of hers and no all the words she is the best !!!. I will always love her music till I die Jeff from all the way from down under Perth Western Australia
Love ya Patsy lol
Karin from Lafayette, LaPatsy is still the Queen of Country Music. When I asked my 16 year old neice who her favorite country artist is she said "Patsy Cline!" That's my girl! She and some of her friends were with me one night and they asked me to put a Patsy CD in the radio. And they all knew the words to many of her songs! What a loss to country music!
Alma from Laredo, TxGreg Kin who sang "Jeopardy" back in the 80's also covered this song on American Bandstand. Just like he said the day he sang it, "Nobody sings it like Patsy". Aaron Neville and Trisha Yearwood have also sang this as a duet.
Lalah from Wasilla, AkNobody could match her voice or pull the nuances of each word and note.
Farrah from Elon, NcOOPS!!! That was a typo. She would have had the title of "Queen Of Country Music" But that went to her best friend, Loretta Lynn.
Farrah from Elon, NcIf she wouldn't have left so soon, she probably would have had the title of "Queen
Lalah from Wasilla, AkWeepy? No way. Patsy could belt them out, raw and barely contained. She had a perfect voice. What would she have sung if she hadn't left us so soon!

see more comments

More Songfacts:

How Dry I AmIrving Berlin

Irving Berlin wrote "How Dry I Am" in anticipation of Prohibition, envisioning a bleak future without alcohol.

Walkin' On The SunSmash Mouth

You wouldn't know it from the upbeat melody, but "Walkin' On The Sun" by Smash Mouth is about the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.

Year Of The CatAl Stewart

The title of Al Stewart's "Year Of The Cat" comes from Vietnamese astrology. The Year of the Cat comes every 12 Years: 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023...

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On MeElton John

Recording "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me," Elton John was frustrated and sang the line "don't discard me" with an exaggerated American accent, which is why is sounds strange.

DiamondsRihanna

Rihanna's 2012 hit "Diamonds" was written by Sia Furler, who two years later had a huge hit on her own with "Chandelier." Sia also wrote the David Guetta hit "Titanium."

Brian WilsonBarenaked Ladies

Brian Wilson played Barenaked Ladies "Brian Wilson" at some of his concerts. He was "honored" by the song.