OldiesButGoodies

Country

Alan Jackson – Love’s Got A Hold On You

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Introduction:

Love’s Got A Hold On You, a classic country song written and performed by the iconic American singer-songwriter Alan Jackson, was released in 1991. Although not the first single released from the album Don’t Rock The Jukebox, it quickly became a fan favorite and a defining song for Jackson’s career.

The song’s success can be attributed to several factors. The legendary producer Keith Stegall, known for his work with artists like Gary Allan and Tim McGraw, plays a part. Stegall’s signature traditional country sound perfectly complements Jackson’s distinctive vocals, creating a warm and relatable atmosphere.

Lyrically, the song explores the all-encompassing feeling of being swept off your feet by love. Love’s Got A Hold On You tells the story of a man experiencing the often humorous physical symptoms of newfound love – sweaty palms, weak knees, and sleepless nights. He confides in his doctor and friends, who diagnose his condition with a knowing smile: “Sounds like love’s got a hold on you.” The simple yet evocative lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever been struck by Cupid’s arrow.

Love’s Got A Hold On You was a commercial and critical success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Jackson’s place as a rising star in country music. The song also charted within the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing its crossover appeal. In 1993, the song received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, further solidifying its critical acclaim.

Love’s Got A Hold On You transcended the charts and became a cultural phenomenon. The song is a staple at weddings and other romantic events, its sweet melody and relatable message making it a timeless favorite. It continues to be one of Alan Jackson’s most recognizable songs, a testament to his songwriting ability and enduring legacy in country music.

Video:

https://youtu.be/LSJwhx2yGgw?si=9egEiH_1cNwX549m

Lyrics:

… I called my doctor on the telephoneHelp me Doc there’s something wrongI can’t shake it it’s gone too farHe said tell me what your symptoms are
… I said my hands are sweaty and my knees are weakI can’t eat and I can’t sleepIt’s turning me every way but looseHe said it sounds like love’s got a hold on youNo doubt love’s got a hold on you
… I told my buddies I was settlin’ downNo more of this running ’roundThey looked at me like I was a foolAnd said come on tell us what’s wrong with you
… I said my hands are sweaty and my knees are weakI can’t eat and I can’t sleepIt’s turning me every way but looseHe said it sounds like love’s got a hold on youNo doubt love’s got a hold on you
… Well I tossed and turned til the morning lightHolding my pillow hanging on for lifeThere ain’t nothing I can doThey said it sounds like love’s got a hold on youSounds like love’s got a hold on you
… My hands are sweaty and my knees are weakI can’t eat and I can’t sleepIt’s turning me every way but looseHe said it sounds like love’s got a hold on youSounds like love’s got a hold on youSounds like love’s got a hold on youNo doubt love’s got a hold on you

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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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