More than five decades after its release, Al Green’s soulful rendition of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is experiencing an unexpected renaissance on TikTok, currently sitting at No. 6 on the platform’s Viral Songs chart, per parade.com.
The 79-year-old soul legend’s cover of the Bee Gees classic, originally released on January 31, 1972, as part of his album “Let’s Stay Together,” has captured the hearts of Gen Z listeners without relying on trending dances or viral challenges. The organic popularity demonstrates TikTok users’ genuine appreciation for timeless music.
The Bee Gees originally released “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” in 1971 on their album “Trafalgar.” Written by Barry and Robin Gibb, it became the group’s first US No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Green’s emotionally charged interpretation transforms the melancholic ballad into a deeply personal plea for healing, with his signature falsetto delivering lines like “How can you mend this broken man?” and “Somebody please help me mend my broken heart.”
Unlike typical TikTok viral sensations driven by specific trends, this song’s resurgence appears purely music-driven. Young listeners are gravitating toward the raw emotion and masterful vocal performance that made Green a soul icon.
The track joins other classic covers that have found new audiences on social media, proving that exceptional artistry transcends generational boundaries.
Notable artistes including Boyz II Men and Alicia Keys have also covered this enduring song over the years.
•Featured image: Al Green/Mike Prior/Redferns
