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Merle Haggard – That’s The Way Love Goes

Postscript: Merle Haggard, 1937—2016 | The New Yorker

About the Song

Merle Haggard, a country music legend known for his gruff vocals and introspective lyrics, takes a surprisingly tender turn on “That’s The Way Love Goes.” This song, released on his 1983 album of the same name, isn’t your typical country ballad. Instead, it offers a frank and honest look at the complexities of love, acknowledging its joys and heartbreaks with a wry smile.

The opening lines set the stage for a relatable narrative: “I’ve been throwing horseshoes over my left shoulder / I’ve spent most all my life searching for that four-leaf clover“. Haggard, with his signature baritone, paints a picture of a man who has always chased after lucky charms, searching for a way to smooth out life’s rough edges.

Love, however, isn’t something you can control with lucky charms. The arrival of love is acknowledged with a simple line: “Yet you ran with me, chasing my rainbows“. Here, Haggard expresses his appreciation for a partner who embraces his quirks and imperfections. The chorus, “That’s the way love goes, babe / That’s the music God made / For all the world to sing / It’s never old, it grows“, offers a surprisingly optimistic perspective. Love, despite its ups and downs, is a universal language, a beautiful melody that enriches our lives.

The song doesn’t shy away from the inevitable struggles: “Losing makes me sorry. Haggard acknowledges the pain of heartbreak, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has experienced the sting of loss. However, the following line, “You say ‘Honey, now don’t worry’“, introduces a glimmer of hope. The presence of a supportive partner offers solace and a reminder that challenges are part of the journey.

The beauty of “That’s The Way Love Goes” lies in its simplicity and honesty. Haggard doesn’t offer grand pronouncements or sugar-coated sentiments. Instead, he paints a realistic picture of love, acknowledging its imperfections while celebrating its enduring power. The song serves as a reminder that love, with all its twists and turns, is a fundamental part of the human experience – a beautiful melody that shapes our lives.The Uncertain Musical Legacy of Merle Haggard | The New Yorker

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Lyrics: That’s The Way Love Goes

I’ve been throwing horseshoes over my left shoulder
I’ve spent most all my life searching for that four-leafed clover
Yet you ran with me chasing my rainbows
Honey, I love you too and that’s the way love goesThat’s the way love goes, babe, that’s the music God made
For all the world to sing, it’s never old it grows
Losing makes me sorry, you say “Honey, now don’t worry”
Don’t you know I love you too and that’s the way love goesThat’s the way love goes, babe, that’s the music God made
For all the world to sing, it’s never old it grows
Losing makes me sorry, you say “Honey, now don’t worry”
Don’t you know I love you too and that’s the way love goes…

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