Baby, when your heart breaks down
When you’re low on love
And there isn’t anybody around
You’re gonna feel bad
And you’ll wanna get back
The only good thing that you ever had
Honey, when he turns you loose
And you keep on tryin’ to forget him
But, it ain’t no use
Well, then you’re gonna know what I’m feelin’ now
Baby, when your heart breaks down
Well, I left Cotton Valley on a 309
To give up a job on the gas pipeline
And I chased you across the country
Like that’s all I had to do
There wasn’t nothin’ in the world would’ve changed my mind
You were the girl with the starry eyes
And all those dreams that never had the chance of comin’ true
Baby, when your heart breaks down
When you’re low on love
And there isn’t anybody around
You’re gonna feel bad
And you’ll wanna get back
The only good thing that you ever had
Honey, when he turns you loose
And you keep on tryin’ to forget him
But, it ain’t no use
Then you’re gonna know what I’m feelin’ now
Baby, when your heart breaks down
Well, I drove a long way to get hung up on
And I bought another ticket on the grey dog home
And I’m back out on this highway
I try not to think of you
And one of these nights when he says good-bye
Just to see how hard You’ll try
You’ll be tryin’ not to want me too
Baby, when your heart breaks down
When you’re low on love
And there isn’t anybody around
You’re gonna feel bad
And you’ll wanna get back
The only good thing that you ever had
Honey, when he turns you loose
And you keep on tryin’ to forget him
But, it ain’t no use
Well, then you’re gonna know what I’m feelin’ now
Baby, when your heart breaks down
…
Heartbreak and Regret: A Deeper Look
“Baby, When Your Heart Breaks Down” by Brooks & Dunn captures the bittersweet aftermath of lost love. The lyrics paint a vivid portrait of someone grappling with heartbreak and longing, while warning an ex-lover that emotional pain is inevitable when her current relationship falters. Through evocative storytelling, the narrator recounts sacrifices made—leaving home, abandoning a job, and chasing after love—only to be left behind. The chorus echoes with empathy and a touch of vindication, as the narrator predicts the loneliness and regret the other will soon feel. This song resonates with anyone who’s loved deeply and lost, highlighting the universal ache of wanting to be the “only good thing you ever had.”
Song Credits
Artist: Brooks & Dunn
Release Year: 1991
Label: Arista Nashville