Song Information
Title: That’s the Way Love Goes
Artist: Merle Haggard
Songwriters: Lefty Frizzell & Sanger D. Shafer
Original Release: First recorded by Johnny Rodriguez in 1973
Merle Haggard’s Version: Released in January 1983 as the title track from his album That’s the Way Love Goes
Label: Epic Records
Producer: Ray Baker
Chart Performance: Haggard’s version became his 30th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Originally written by country legends Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer, the song was first made popular by Johnny Rodriguez. However, Merle Haggard’s 1983 version remains the most iconic, earning him a Grammy Award in 1984 for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and emotional depth, delivering a tender message with classic country instrumentation.
Song Meaning
“That’s the Way Love Goes” is a soft, reflective ballad about the inevitability and unpredictability of love. In this song, Merle Haggard takes on the voice of a seasoned man who understands the emotional tides of romance. He gently reassures his partner that love, with all its ups and downs, doesn’t always have to make sense — it just is. The lyrics are comforting, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of love: sometimes painful, sometimes blissful, but always worth holding onto.
Merle’s voice brings warmth and authenticity to every word. Rather than offering poetic metaphors or dramatic confessions, he keeps the lyrics simple and conversational. It’s as if he’s sitting across from you, having a heartfelt talk about life and relationships. The steel guitar and gentle rhythm give the song a lullaby-like flow, making it one of Haggard’s most emotionally soothing recordings.
In a world of heartbreak ballads, this song is a rare moment of emotional acceptance, reflecting how love flows — sometimes quietly, sometimes unpredictably — and we’re better off going along with it.
Explained: Why We Fear the Calm Moments in Love
One subtle message behind the song is the fear many people have of calm, steady love. We’re conditioned to associate love with excitement, passion, or even chaos — not stillness. In “That’s the Way Love Goes,” Merle Haggard doesn’t sing about fireworks or dramatic goodbyes; instead, he focuses on the quiet, constant presence of love. And for some, that calmness feels unfamiliar or even unsettling.
This issue resonates with listeners who’ve experienced the highs and lows of emotional relationships and now find themselves in something more peaceful. The song gently suggests that the mature phase of love may not come with grand gestures, but with everyday moments of care, laughter, and understanding. That idea can be difficult to accept, especially for those used to more turbulent romance.
Merle Haggard, with his life full of real struggles and redemption, had the right voice to convey this message. His delivery makes us pause and reflect: Maybe love doesn’t need to shout to be true. Maybe it just needs to stay. This is the deeper truth hidden beneath the simple melody — one that’s easy to overlook, but powerful when embraced.
Watch the Song Video
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcUZst4vcAM