Introduction:
“That’s the Way Love Goes” is a classic song performed by Merle Haggard, which was released in 1983 as the title track of his album That’s the Way Love Goes. The song is a reflective ballad with a timeless message about the ups and downs of love, capturing the inevitability of heartbreak and joy in relationships. This rendition marked another high point in Haggard’s storied career, as it reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Interestingly, “That’s the Way Love Goes” was not originally written by Haggard but by Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer. The song was first recorded by Johnny Rodriguez in 1973, who took it to the top of the charts. Merle Haggard’s version, however, introduced a smoother, more laid-back interpretation that resonated deeply with his audience. His rich voice and poignant delivery highlighted the song’s emotional core, making it his own and contributing to its lasting appeal.
The song also won Haggard a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male in 1984, further solidifying his legacy in country music. Throughout his career, Merle Haggard often paid homage to his musical influences, and with this song, he honored the style of his idol, Lefty Frizzell, by recording a song that carried Frizzell’s lyrical essence. Haggard’s version remains one of the most memorable renditions, showcasing his mastery in blending heartfelt emotion with traditional country sounds.
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…