In the tapestry of country music history, there exists a rare gem – a melody that ascended to the top of the charts not once, but twice, sung by two different artists. Merle Haggard‘s rendition of “That’s the Way Love Goes” claimed the throne on Billboard’s country singles chart exactly a decade after Johnny Rodriguez’s version achieved the same feat.
The genesis of “That’s the Way Love Goes” can be traced back to a moment of creative synergy between songwriter Sanger D. Shafer, affectionately known as “Whitey” Shafer, and his companion Lefty Frizzell. Their journey began on a crisp fall day in ’73 as they embarked on a songwriting escapade to Dallas Frazier’s cabin. Nestled in seclusion, inspiration flowed freely. Shafer, with a melody dancing in his mind and the first verse of a nascent tune, shared his vision with Frizzell. Upon hearing it, Lefty quipped, “Well, that’s the way love goes,” thus christening the song. In the span of an hour, fueled by their creative synergy, they birthed “That’s the Way Love Goes” into existence.
On that same fateful day, Shafer and Frizzell also breathed life into another composition, the lauded “I Never Go Around Mirrors.” Despite Frizzell’s original rendition peaking at #25 in the spring of ’74, it would find renewed vigor almost fifteen years later when Keith Whitley expressed interest in recording it. However, despite Whitley’s passion, his label deemed the song “not commercial enough,” shelving his rendition.
Fast forward to a Nashville night at the Continental Inn in late ’73, where a gathering of songwriters engaged in a timeless tradition known as a “guitar pull.” Among the luminaries present were Johnny Rodriguez, Dallas Frazier, Merle Haggard, Lewis Talley, Whitey Shafer, and Lefty Frizzell. As the evening wound down, Lefty, with a twinkle in his eye, seized the moment to debut “That’s the Way Love Goes.”
Haggard, captivated, yearned to claim the song immediately. However, studio constraints thwarted his desires. Undeterred, Shafer facilitated a rendezvous between “That’s the Way Love Goes” and Rodriguez’s recording session the following day. Johnny, recognizing the song’s allure, embraced it wholeheartedly, birthing his third consecutive number one hit on February 16, 1974.
Merle Haggard’s journey with “That’s the Way Love Goes” wasn’t without its trials. Despite recording the song multiple times over the years, he struggled to capture its essence. It wasn’t until he joined forces with producer Ray Baker, a longtime acquaintance, that the stars aligned. Their collaboration bore fruit with the #1 single “You Take Me for Granted.” Yet, subsequent sessions proved arduous, hindered by Haggard’s band’s laid-back approach.
Baker, undeterred, orchestrated a strategy to streamline the process. He enlisted a cadre of efficient studio musicians and, against all odds, convinced Haggard to embrace early morning recording sessions. The gamble paid off. Merle effortlessly recorded three songs, including “That’s the Way Love Goes,” in a mere two hours and twenty minutes.
The culmination of their efforts saw “That’s the Way Love Goes” ascend to the zenith of Billboard’s country singles chart on February 11, 1984. Furthermore, it earned Haggard his inaugural Grammy for “Best Country Vocal Performance by a Male,” solidifying its place in the annals of country music history.
In the tapestry of country music, “That’s the Way Love Goes” stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. Its journey, marked by serendipitous encounters and steadfast determination, serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
- Artist: Merle Haggard
- Album: That’s the Way Love Goes
- Released: 1983
Lyrics
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 goes.
That’s the way love goes, babe,
That’s the music God made
For the whole wide world to sing
It never gets 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
Thats the way love goes, babe,
That’s the music God made
For the whole wide world to sing
It never gets 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…