Introduction:
“More Than This Old Heart Can Take” is a country song by Merle Haggard, released in 1987. Known for his deep, emotional lyrics and iconic voice, Haggard delivers a heartfelt performance in this track, which revolves around themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. The song captures the traditional honky-tonk style that made Haggard a household name in country music, blending twangy guitar riffs with soulful vocals that tell the story of a man grappling with the emotional strain of a love that has pushed him to his limits.
This track exemplifies Haggard’s ability to communicate raw emotion through simple yet profound lyrics, a hallmark of his music career that spanned several decades. Released during the latter part of Haggard’s career, “More Than This Old Heart Can Take” came at a time when he was already a well-established figure in country music, with a career defined by hits like “Mama Tried” and “Okie from Muskogee.” The song fits well within the traditional country genre, showcasing his signature style of blending personal storytelling with relatable themes of loss and endurance.
With a moderate tempo of 103 BPM and set in the key of F major, the song maintains a melancholic yet smooth musicality that complements its reflective tone. While it might not be as widely known as some of Haggard’s other classics, “More Than This Old Heart Can Take” is appreciated by his fans for its sincere portrayal of emotional vulnerability. It stands as a testament to Haggard’s enduring ability to connect with listeners through his authentic storytelling.
Video:
Lyrics:
“More Than This Old Heart Can Take”
You walk into his arms before my very eyes
You can’t even wait to be somewhere alone
The ties that bind have broken loose and I’m about to break
Loving you is more than this old heart can takeThere was a place in time when I was always on your mind
And now I’m nothing more than just a fool
I thought that I was strong enough to live with my mistake
But loving you is more than this old heart can takeI don’t know what’s kept my mind from going crazy
But when you laugh at me it’s more than I can stand
And when you’re dancing with someone too close it causes me to shake
Loving you is more than this old heart can take
Hey, loving you is more than this old heart can take