Unraveling the Enigmatic Tale Behind Merle Haggard’s Song: “That’s The Way Love Goes”
Prepare to embark on a fascinating journey into the heart of country music as we uncover the captivating story behind Merle Haggard‘s timeless hit, “That’s The Way Love Goes.” This extraordinary song holds a unique distinction in the realm of country music, having reached the coveted number one spot on the charts twice, performed by two different artists.
The origins of “That’s The Way Love Goes” can be traced back to a momentous day when songwriter Sanger D. Shafer, affectionately known as “Whitey” Shafer, and his friend Lefty Frizzell embarked on a songwriting adventure. Their destination was Dallas Frazier’s secluded cabin, a serene haven that provided the perfect setting for their creative endeavors. Shafer had a melody brewing in his mind, along with the first verse of a budding composition. When he shared it with Frizzell, the phrase “That’s the way love goes” effortlessly slipped from Lefty’s lips. Instantly, they knew they had stumbled upon the perfect title. In a burst of inspiration, the rest of “That’s The Way Love Goes” swiftly took shape, marking the birth of a country music gem.
On that very day, Shafer and Frizzell crafted another remarkable song, the critically acclaimed “I Never Go Around Mirrors.” While Frizzell’s original rendition reached number 25 on the charts in the spring of 1974, it would find a renewed appreciation years later when Keith Whitley expressed his admiration for the track. However, despite Whitley’s desire to release his own version, his record label deemed it “not commercial enough,” leading to a missed opportunity for the talented artist.
During the latter part of 1973, another key player entered the picture. Johnny Rodriguez, a rising star in the country music scene, found himself at a guitar pull gathering in Nashville. Joined by influential figures such as Dallas Frazier, Merle Haggard, and the song’s creators, Shafer and Frizzell, the atmosphere buzzed with creative energy. As the evening drew to a close, and everyone prepared to depart, Lefty Frizzell made an unexpected request—to share one final song. That song was none other than “That’s The Way Love Goes.”
Captivated by the song’s allure, Merle Haggard expressed his immediate interest, eager to claim it for himself. However, at that time, Haggard had just completed an album and had no scheduled studio time. Determined to seize the opportunity, Shafer wasted no time and brought “That’s The Way Love Goes” to the studio where Johnny Rodriguez was recording. Without hesitation, Rodriguez embraced the song, recording a captivating rendition that would skyrocket to number one on February 16, 1974, marking his third consecutive chart-topping hit.
For Merle Haggard, the journey to finding his definitive version of “That’s The Way Love Goes” was a more complex endeavor. Over the years, Haggard recorded the song four or five times, experimenting with different tempos, band line-ups, and arrangements. However, it wasn’t until he collaborated with producer Ray Baker, a longtime acquaintance from the mid-1960s, that the magic truly happened.
Their initial recording session together yielded a remarkable outcome with the number one single “You Take Me For Granted,” written by Haggard’s wife, Leona Williams. Yet subsequent sessions proved challenging, as Haggard’s band, known as “The Strangers,” took their time in the studio. Baker, accustomed to maximizing time and resources, suggested utilizing more efficient studio musicians for the session, a suggestion that Haggard readily accepted.
However, the greatest obstacle proved to be Haggard’s unconventional recording schedule. Known for his nocturnal habits and late mornings, Haggard was reluctant to record at 10:00 a.m. Undeterred, Baker personally drove to Haggard’s lakeside apartment and managed to coax him into the studio before his band members were even awake, eliminating any potential distractions.
The strategy paid off, as Haggard flawlessly recorded three songs in a mere two hours and twenty minutes. Among those three was the iconic “That’s The Way Love Goes,” which claimed the number one spot on Billboard’s country singles chart on February 11, 1984. The song also earned Haggard his first Grammy Award for “Best Country Vocal Performance by a Male,” solidifying its status as a cherished masterpiece in his remarkable career.
Join us as we delve deeper into the captivating story of “That’s The Way Love Goes,” a song that transcends time and continues to resonate with audiences, proving that true love and enduring melodies have an everlasting power in the realm of country music.
Artist: Merle Haggard
Released: 1983
Album: That’s the Way Love Goes
Lyrics
I’ve been throwing horseshoes
Over my left shoulder
I’ve spent most all my life
Searching for that four-leaf clover
Yet you ran with me
Chasing my rainbows
Honey, I love you too
That’s the way love goes
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
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
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
Losing makes me sorry
And you say, “Honey, don’t worry
Don’t you know I love you too?”
And that’s the way love goes
