About the song
“I Fall to Pieces” is a classic song in the world of country music, written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard. It was first recorded by the legendary Patsy Cline and released in 1961 under Decca Records. This heartfelt ballad quickly became a significant hit, topping the country charts and even making its way onto the pop charts, solidifying its place as one of Cline’s most memorable songs.
Initially, Patsy Cline was hesitant to record “I Fall to Pieces.” She had concerns that the song’s production, overseen by producer Owen Bradley, didn’t include enough traditional country elements. Despite her reservations, Cline was persuaded by Bradley to give the song a chance.
Upon its release, “I Fall to Pieces” didn’t immediately receive widespread airplay. However, thanks to focused promotional efforts, the song eventually caught the attention of radio disc jockeys who began playing it. As the song began climbing the charts, Cline faced a personal setback. She was involved in a serious car accident, which kept her hospitalized while the song was at its peak. During this period, she was unable to perform, but the song continued to gain popularity.
The song later appeared on Cline’s second studio album, *Showcase*, also released in 1961. Over time, “I Fall to Pieces” has become a country music standard. It has been recognized by several prominent music organizations, including the Recording Industry Association of America, Country Music Television, and Rolling Stone.
The song’s influence extends beyond Patsy Cline’s original recording. It has been covered by various artists across different genres, including a notable duet by Aaron Neville and Trisha Yearwood in 1994. Instrumental versions have also been recorded, such as by Boots Randolph on his 1963 album. Dottie West and Diana Trask also recorded their own versions, contributing to the song’s enduring legacy.
The creation of “I Fall to Pieces” is a story of collaboration and perseverance. Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard crafted the song after meeting in California, and it was recorded in a demonstration version by Jan Howard. Although the song was initially rejected by other artists, Patsy Cline’s keen interest in the song led to its eventual recording and success. This song remains a testament to the lasting impact of Patsy Cline’s extraordinary talent and the songwriting excellence of Cochran and Howard.
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Lyrics
I fall to pieces
Each time I see you again
I fall to pieces
How can I be just your friend?
You want me to act like we’ve never kissed
You want me to forget (to forget)
Pretend we’ve never met (never met)
And I’ve tried and I’ve tried
But I haven’t yet
You walk by and I fall to pieces
I fall to pieces
Each time someone speaks your name (speaks your name)
I fall to pieces
Time only adds to the flame
You tell me to find someone else to love
Someone who love me too (love me too)
The way you used to do (used to do)
But each time I go out with someone new
You walk by and I fall to pieces
You walk by and I fall to pieces