Introduction:
Great songs are often born in unexpected moments, drawn from the fabric of real life and the emotions that flow through it. Few country classics illustrate this truth better than “Today I Started Loving You Again.” Behind its timeless melody lies a deeply personal story of love, heartbreak, and enduring connection, told by the man who lived it.
The song’s origins trace back to an intensely creative period in Merle Haggard’s career. Freshly married, he found himself writing at a remarkable pace, and his wife played a central role in that process. Whenever inspiration struck, she was there with a pen and paper, capturing every word before it could slip away. Without her steady hand, iconic works like “Mama Tried” and “Workin’ Man Blues” might never have come to life. In fact, during the late 1960s, the couple celebrated a remarkable run of six BMI awards in a single year—each one preserved because she never missed a lyric.
The inspiration for “Today I Started Loving You Again” came during a rare break in their grueling touring schedule. After nine days on the road in Texas and facing another forty-five, the pair returned briefly to Los Angeles. At the airport, Haggard remarked that they had barely had time to connect, telling his wife, “Today I’ll start loving you again.” She immediately recognized it as the seed of a song. Weeks later, after a long night of performing in Dallas, Haggard returned to his hotel room, sat on the bed in nothing but his shorts, and scrawled the lyrics on a paper bag. By the time his wife returned with a hamburger, the song was born.
Though a verse was later cut, the heart of the song remained intact. It went on to become not just a hit but a cornerstone of Haggard’s catalog, earning him royalties for decades. In fact, he once admitted that while all his other songs combined made up about half his earnings, the other half came solely from “Today I Started Loving You Again.” True to its origins, he shared half the royalties with his wife, acknowledging the inspiration and support she had given.
Their marriage eventually ended in divorce, yet their bond endured. They remained close friends, tied by music, children, and mutual respect. Even after separation, their story carried a tenderness that transcended the end of romance. Years later, as Alzheimer’s began to claim her memory, Haggard visited her in the care facility. Though she could no longer recognize him directly, she proudly pointed to a photograph of them together, telling others, “He’s my favorite.”
That bittersweet moment captured the essence of their relationship—complicated yet filled with undeniable affection. “Today I Started Loving You Again” is more than just a song; it is a testament to love’s ability to inspire art, to survive endings, and to echo through memory even when recognition fades. Through it, the personal became universal, ensuring that their story, and their love, will be heard for generations to come.