“Somewhere in My Broken Heart” is a song co-written and originally recorded by Billy Dean for his 1990 debut album, Young Man. The song is a heartfelt ballad about a man who lets his love go, believing that she will find greater happiness elsewhere, even though it deeply hurts him. He reassures her that, despite the heartbreak, his love for her remains.

The song became one of Dean’s signature hits, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1991. It also won the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award for Song of the Year in 1992.

Before Billy Dean released it as a single, Somewhere in My Broken Heart was first recorded by country artist Randy Travis. His version appeared on his 1989 album No Holdin’ Back, though it was not released as a single. Dean’s rendition ultimately became the more well-known version.

I did some simple fingerpicking for the verses and strummed on the chorus for a little variety but a simple strum for the verses works just as well.

Basically, this is how I played it:

Fingerpicking (verses):
Count 1: Pinch 4th, 2nd, & 1st Strings (Thumb/Index/Middle)
Count 2: 3rd string (Thumb)
Count 3: 1st string (Middle Finger)
Count 4: 2nd string (Index Finger)

Strumming (chorus): Down, Down, down/up, down/up (1 – 2 – 3 & 4 &)