Introduction:
Merle Haggard’s timeless ballad, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” is a poignant exploration of heartbreak and the enduring nature of love. Released in 1983, the song was the title track of Haggard’s thirty-eighth studio album. Its poignant lyrics and Haggard’s soulful delivery solidified its place as a country music classic.
Originally penned by Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer, “That’s the Way Love Goes” is a tale of love lost and the bittersweet realization that despite its pain, love’s memory can linger long after it’s gone. Haggard’s rendition, characterized by his distinctive baritone and emotive vocal style, captures the song’s melancholic essence. His voice, filled with both sorrow and resignation, conveys the depth of the narrator’s heartache.
The song’s success was undeniable. It reached the top of the Billboard Country Singles chart, becoming Haggard’s thirtieth number-one hit. Additionally, “That’s the Way Love Goes” won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, in 1984. Its enduring popularity has ensured its place in the country music canon, resonating with listeners across generations.
“That’s the Way Love Goes” is a testament to Merle Haggard’s artistry and his ability to craft songs that touch the heart. Its poignant lyrics, combined with Haggard’s soulful performance, have made it a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences.
Video:
Lyrics:
“That’s The Way Love Goes”
I’ve been throwing horseshoes over my left shoulder
I’ve spent most all my life searching for that four-leafed clover
Yet you ran with me chasing my rainbows
Honey, I love you too and that’s the way love goesThat’s the way love goes, babe, that’s the music God made
For all the world to sing, it’s never old it grows
Losing makes me sorry, you say “Honey, now don’t worry”
Don’t you know I love you too and that’s the way love goesThat’s the way love goes, babe, that’s the music God made
For all the world to sing, it’s never old it grows
Losing makes me sorry, you say “Honey, now don’t worry”
Don’t you know I love you too and that’s the way love goes…