About the song
“I Don’t Want to Talk About It” is a poignant ballad written by American guitarist Danny Whitten, originally recorded by the rock band Crazy Horse and featured as the final track on their 1971 self-titled album. Whitten, known for his emotive songwriting and distinctive guitar style, crafted this song as his signature piece. The original recording, which also includes contributions from Nils Lofgren on guitar and backing vocals, Ry Cooder on slide guitar, and Billy Talbot on bass, showcases a raw and heartfelt performance that resonated with listeners despite its initial release not gaining significant mainstream attention.
The song gained wider recognition through its subsequent cover versions, most notably by British rock icon Rod Stewart. Stewart’s rendition, recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, for his 1975 album “Atlantic Crossing,” became a major hit when it was released as a single in 1977. This version topped the UK Singles Chart as a double A-side with “The First Cut Is the Deepest.” The release strategy was believed to be a calculated move to prevent the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” from reaching the top spot, a reflection of Stewart’s prominence and the song’s strategic placement in the music market.
In addition to its UK success, the song received a silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry in February 2021, recognizing over 200,000 sales and streams. In the United States, Stewart’s version was promoted in December 1979 as part of his “Greatest Hits” album and peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 44 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The track also enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in 1989 when Stewart recorded a new version for the anthology “Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990,” which was later featured on “Downtown Train – Selections from the Storyteller Anthology.” This updated rendition performed well on adult contemporary radio, reaching number two on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Stewart’s interpretation of “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” also found its way into live performances, including a notable duet with Amy Belle during his 2004 tour, which was captured in a concert DVD. The official video of this performance has accumulated over 912 million views on YouTube as of January 30, 2024, highlighting the enduring appeal of Stewart’s emotional delivery of the song.
The song’s impact is evident from its chart performance across various regions, including a peak position of number two in New Zealand and number three in the Netherlands, as well as notable positions in Belgium, Ireland, and Canada. Its continued success and influence underscore the song’s timeless quality and the powerful connection it has made with audiences over the decades.
Video
Lyrics
I can tell by your eyes
That you’ve probably been cryin’ forever
And the stars in the sky
Don’t mean nothin’ to you, they’re a mirror
I don’t wanna talk about it
How you broke my heart
If I stay here just a little bit longer
If I stay here, won’t you listen to my heart?
Oh, whoa, heart
If I stand all alone
Will the shadow hide the color of my heart?
Blue for the tears, black for the night’s
Fears the stars in the sky
Don’t mean nothin’ to you, they’re a mirror
I don’t wanna talk about it
How you broke my heart
If I stay here just a little bit longer
If I stay here, won’t you listen to my heart?
Oh, my heart
I don’t wanna talk about it
How you broke this old heart
If I stay here just a little bit longer
If I stay here, won’t you listen to my heart?
Oh, my heart
My heart
Oh, my heart