MANILA -- The '70s ballad "Sometimes When We Touch" is a popular hit among Filipinos who wish to express their love for their significant other through music.

But as singer-songwriter Dan Hill revealed, the inspiration behind it is not at all happy.

In an interview with ANC's "Headstart" on Thursday, the Grammy winner recalled being "madly in love with a woman" when he penned this song, but that love was not reciprocated.

"She was interested in another man, so that was breaking my heart. So I thought I needed to write a song that would capture her and win her over—that would be so passionate in a sense that she’d see that I’m the only guy for her," said Hill.

"I wrote her the song and I played it over the telephone, and she said ‘that song is just too intense for me. I’m going to the States with the football player.'"

This song borne out of heartache, however, changed Hill's life.

"Suddenly I’m a worldwide, international artist. The money that came in was unbelievable. The opportunities that opened up for me so that I can be a songwriter for other singers, the doors totally opened with that song. The whole world opened up to me," he said.

Several decades and numerous covers later, the song is still a staple in many sentimental playlists.

"I just think it’s a very relatable song and it was a very passionate record, and that passion kind of carries through over the decades," he said.

Hill is back in the Philippines for a concert with J Michaels "Love Rocks! Valentines" on February 14, 8 p.m., at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.