Introduction
That’s the Way Love Goes: A Look Back at Haggard’s Heartbreak Ballad
Merle Haggard’s 1983 song “That’s the Way Love Goes” isn’t just a country croon about a failed romance. It represents a turning point in Haggard’s personal life and career.
Released on the album of the same name, “That’s the Way Love Goes” arrived during a period of turmoil for the country legend. Haggard’s tempestuous relationship with his fourth wife, Leona Williams, was facing its final chapter. The album itself reflects this, offering a more melancholic tone compared to Haggard’s previous works.
While details remain private, several songs on “That’s the Way Love Goes” hint at the couple’s struggles. The title track itself speaks of promises broken and the inevitability of heartache. Lines like “Love can leave you stranded, high and dry” resonate with a sense of disillusionment.
Haggard was known for his storytelling lyrics, and “That’s the Way Love Goes” is no exception. The song doesn’t delve into specifics, allowing listeners to project their own experiences onto the narrative. This universality is a hallmark of Haggard’s songwriting, ensuring his music connects with audiences across generations.
“That’s the Way Love Goes” showcased Haggard’s emotive vocal range, particularly on ballads. His signature baritone perfectly conveys the sorrow and resignation in the lyrics. The backing band, The Strangers, complements the vocals with a subtle country arrangement, underscoring the emotional weight of the song.
Despite its melancholic tone, “That’s the Way Love Goes” isn’t a song about bitterness. The acceptance in the lyrics, the acknowledgment that love can be fleeting, offered a relatable perspective for those facing heartbreak.
The song became a hit, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It remains a touchstone for Haggard’s fans and a testament to his ability to capture the complexities of love and loss. So, as the first notes of “That’s the Way Love Goes” play, settle in for a journey through heartbreak, delivered with Haggard’s signature blend of raw emotion and country twang.