Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - song and lyrics by Jim Reeves | Spotify

Introduction:

Jim Reeves’ “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” is a timeless country ballad that has captured hearts worldwide since its release in 1964. A poignant expression of love and devotion, the song has become a standard in the country music repertoire and has transcended genre boundaries to achieve enduring popularity.

Hailing from the golden era of country music, Jim Reeves was a renowned singer and guitarist whose rich baritone voice and impeccable delivery earned him the title of “The Golden Voice of Country Music.” His heartfelt interpretations of love songs, combined with his genuine warmth, resonated deeply with audiences.

“Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” is a quintessential example of Reeves’ artistry. Produced by Chet Atkins, the song features a simple yet elegant arrangement that perfectly complements the intimate nature of the lyrics. The melody, with its gentle sway and nostalgic undertones, creates a captivating atmosphere that draws listeners in.

Released as a single in 1964, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” quickly climbed the charts, becoming one of Reeves’ signature songs. The track’s universal theme of love and affection has ensured its enduring appeal, making it a beloved choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions. Beyond its commercial success, the song has also garnered critical acclaim, solidifying its status as a country music classic.

While the song’s original composition is often attributed to the songwriting duo of Jimmy Wakely and Curly Williams, its widespread popularity and enduring legacy are undeniably linked to Jim Reeves’ iconic recording. “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” remains a testament to the power of music to convey profound emotions, making it a cherished treasure in the hearts of countless fans.

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“FOUR DECADES UNDER THE LIGHTS — AND STILL, ONE MERLE HAGGARD SONG COULD SILENCE A ROOM.” Merle Haggard never defined his legacy by hardware on a shelf. Awards came — of course they did — but compared to the magnitude of his cultural imprint, they felt almost incidental. His real measure wasn’t engraved in metal. It was etched into people. Country music has never belonged solely to pristine arenas or carefully choreographed award shows. It thrives where life is unpolished. In dimly lit taverns where working hands cradle longneck bottles after a brutal week. In smoky dance halls glowing under flickering neon, where strangers sway together as if they’ve shared a lifetime. At scratched-up bar tops where someone always scrolls the jukebox and chooses the one song that hurts just enough to feel true. That’s where Merle still lives. Step into a weathered roadside joint off Route 66 and wait. Before long, the opening lines of “Mama Tried” or the lonesome cry of “Silver Wings” will float from a tired speaker in the corner. Conversations soften. A few faces brighten with recognition. Others fall into that heavy, reflective stillness — the kind that comes when a lyric touches something private and long carried. Because Merle Haggard was never about monuments or headlines. He was about truth. His voice carried grit, regret, pride, defiance — the full, complicated spectrum of the American working-class soul. He didn’t polish the edges. He didn’t disguise the scars. He sang them exactly as they were. And in doing so, he gave millions permission to confront their own. Trophies tarnish. Plaques gather dust. But honesty — the raw, unvarnished kind Merle delivered — refuses to fade. It lingers in melody. It echoes in memory. It survives wherever someone presses play and lets a song say what they couldn’t. Forty years on stage built the legend. One voice made it eternal.