Introduction
Merle Haggard’s “Today I Started Loving You Again” is a country ballad that transcends genre, resonating with anyone who’s ever known the bittersweet ache of rekindled love. Written in 1968 by Haggard and his then-wife Bonnie Owens, the song’s journey from B-side obscurity to country music legend is as captivating as its lyrics.
Despite being penned by a couple known for their stormy relationship, “Today” breathes with a quiet tenderness. The narrator, years after a painful separation, finds himself haunted by memories of his former love. A familiar scent, a forgotten melody, a shared sunrise – each evokes a rush of emotions, reigniting the embers of a love he thought long dead.
The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity. Haggard’s voice, raw and honest, carries the weight of regret and longing, while the gentle strumming of his guitar echoes the bittersweet rhythm of a heart remembering. The lyrics, devoid of melodrama, paint vivid images of a love lost and found again in the tapestry of memory.
Released as the B-side to Haggard’s 1968 hit “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde,” “Today” initially went unnoticed. But its quiet power eventually seeped into the hearts of listeners, becoming a country radio staple and Haggard’s signature ballad. It crossed genres, covered by artists like Elvis Presley and Barbara Streisand, and continues to resonate with audiences today.
“Today I Started Loving You Again” is more than just a love song. It’s a testament to the enduring power of memory, the way past loves can shape and reshape our present. It’s a reminder that even when a fire seems extinguished, its embers can always be rekindled, reminding us that love, like life itself, is a journey of constant rediscovery.
So, prepare to be swept away by the poignant beauty of “Today I Started Loving You Again.” Let Haggard’s voice guide you through the bittersweet landscape of memory and rediscover the embers of love that may still flicker within you.