OldiesButGoodies

Country Songs

Merle Haggard – That’s The Way Love Goes

That's The Way Love Goes [Vinyl LP]: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

Introduction:

Merle Haggard, the legendary country music singer and songwriter, delivered countless unforgettable songs throughout his storied career. Among them, “That’s The Way Love Goes” stands out as a poignant and enduring ballad. Released in 1983 on Haggard’s studio album of the same name, the song became a cornerstone of Haggard’s discography, showcasing his signature Bakersfield sound and his unmatched ability to capture the complexities of love and loss.

By 1983, Haggard was already a well-established country music icon. Debuting in the early 1960s, he had become a prominent figure in the genre’s Bakersfield movement, known for its Bakersfield sound characterized by a twangy electric guitar and a strong emphasis on steel guitar. “That’s The Way Love Goes” arrived amidst a period of continued success for Haggard. The album itself was produced by Ken Nelson, a longtime collaborator who had worked with Haggard on numerous projects throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Nelson’s production on the album helped craft a signature sound that complemented Haggard’s distinctive vocals and storytelling lyrics.

While details about the song’s specific inspiration are unclear, “That’s The Way Love Goes” resonates with listeners due to its universal themes of heartbreak and the disillusionment that can accompany love. The song chronicles the emotional fallout of a failed relationship, capturing the pain of dashed hopes and the gradual process of moving on. Haggard’s vocals deliver the lyrics with a raw vulnerability that tugs at the heartstrings, perfectly conveying the bittersweet acceptance of a love that wasn’t meant to last.

“That’s The Way Love Goes” was not a chart-topping hit, but it has nevertheless become a cherished classic within the country music canon. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. The song’s simple yet powerful message of heartbreak and acceptance continues to resonate with audiences today, solidifying its place as a timeless country ballad. Moreover, the track further cemented Merle Haggard’s reputation as a masterful storyteller whose music explored the full spectrum of human emotions. “That’s The Way Love Goes” serves not only as a testament to Haggard’s artistry but also as a reminder of the enduring power of country music to capture the complexities of life and love.

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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.

THE RAREST BEE GEES MOMENT OF ALL — FOUR GIBB BROTHERS, ONE SONG, ONE STAGE… AND A MEMORY FILLED WITH BOTH JOY AND HEARTBREAK.

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