OldiesButGoodies

Country

Merle Haggard – Today I Started Loving You Again

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Introduction:

Merle Haggard, a titan of country music, etched his name into the annals of the genre with countless hits. Among his most enduring masterpieces is “Today I Started Loving You Again,” a poignant ballad that resonated deeply with audiences upon its release in 1968.

Hailing from the Bakersfield Sound movement, a subgenre characterized by its raw, electric guitar-driven approach, Haggard’s music often painted vivid portraits of the working class and explored themes of love, loss, and redemption. “Today I Started Loving You Again” perfectly encapsulates this style, blending heartfelt lyrics with a soulful melody.

The song, penned by Haggard himself in collaboration with his then-wife Bonnie Owens, is a testament to his songwriting prowess. It delves into the complexities of love and longing, capturing the bittersweet experience of rekindling a past relationship. With its relatable themes and honest delivery, the track struck a chord with listeners, becoming an instant classic.

While the song didn’t initially chart as a single, it gained immense popularity through album sales and radio airplay. Its inclusion on Haggard’s iconic album, “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde,” further solidified its status as a fan favorite. Over the years, “Today I Started Loving You Again” has become a staple of country music radio and has been covered by numerous artists, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

The production of the song, helmed by Haggard himself, showcases the stripped-down authenticity that defined the Bakersfield Sound. The emphasis on vocals and instrumentation creates a raw and intimate atmosphere, allowing Haggard’s powerful voice to take center stage.

“Today I Started Loving You Again” stands as a testament to Merle Haggard’s enduring talent and his ability to craft songs that resonate on a profound level. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate audiences, solidifying its place as one of country music’s most cherished ballads.

Video:

https://youtu.be/7PY2yW9Biyo?si=Rhcl4goJHM56UEoo

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Merle Haggard’s childhood was becoming increasingly chaotic when something entered his life that would eventually change everything: a guitar. His older brother Lowell gave him one when Merle was around 12. Merle began teaching himself, absorbing the records and styles of country heroes such as Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams. There were no expensive lessons preparing him for Nashville. There was simply a troubled California kid listening closely and learning how another man’s sadness could live inside a melody. Merle would still make plenty of mistakes. Music didn’t instantly rescue him from running away, juvenile detention or eventually prison. But the guitar remained. Years later, millions would recognize Merle’s voice within seconds. Perhaps that’s because he wasn’t merely learning how to sing songs as a boy. He was slowly learning how to tell the truth about his own life.

Merle Haggard rarely needed to invent heartbreak. He had known it since childhood. In 1946, when Merle was only nine years old, his father, James Haggard, died following a stroke. For a boy who deeply needed his father’s presence, the loss became a turning point. His mother, Flossie, worked to support the family. Merle, meanwhile, became increasingly restless. He skipped school, ran away, got into trouble, and began a long journey through juvenile institutions that eventually led somewhere far darker. Looking back at his life, it is difficult not to see that nine-year-old boy behind many of the adult Merle Haggard’s songs. People later called him a rebel, an outlaw and a survivor. But before any of those labels existed, there was simply a grieving boy who had lost his dad—and never seemed to completely outrun that loss.

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