About The Song
Certain songs possess a timeless quality, capturing a universal human emotion with such clarity and simplicity that they become embedded in the very soul of country music. “Today I Started Loving You Again” is undoubtedly one such song. Penned by the legendary Merle Haggard along with his then-wife and fellow performer, Bonnie Owens, this unassuming ballad has resonated deeply with listeners for decades, becoming one of the most beloved and frequently covered standards in the genre.
Its journey began in 1968, not as a high-profile A-side, but rather as the B-side to Merle Haggard‘s single “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde.” Despite its humble placement, the song’s raw honesty and relatable theme of rekindled feelings struck an immediate chord. Radio stations and jukeboxes often favored the B-side, and through sheer listener demand and word-of-mouth, “Today I Started Loving You Again” began its ascent into the pantheon of country classics. It became one of Haggard‘s most requested songs in live performances throughout his career, a testament to its enduring connection with his audience, even though his original recording never charted on its own.
Adding significantly to the song’s prominence was the powerful interpretation recorded by Tammy Wynette, also in 1968. Included on her hit album D-I-V-O-R-C-E, Wynette’s version brought the song’s heartbreaking narrative to an even wider audience. With her signature “tear in the voice” delivery, she tapped into the song’s core vulnerability, cementing its status as an essential country ballad. Both Haggard‘s original and Wynette‘s cover are considered definitive interpretations, showcasing how the song’s simple structure and profound emotion could be powerfully conveyed by different, yet equally legendary, artists.
It’s worth noting that while Merle Haggard and Tammy Wynette were contemporaries, giants who undoubtedly respected each other’s work and whose careers often intersected, a prominent duet recording between them specifically of “Today I Started Loving You Again” is not one of their widely known collaborations. Their immense individual contributions to this particular song’s legacy, however, are undeniable. Haggard co-wrote and originally performed it, while Wynette delivered one of its most famous and impactful interpretations, both happening around the same pivotal year, 1968.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its devastatingly simple premise: the sudden, unexpected return of profound feelings for someone from whom the narrator believed they had moved on. The opening lines perfectly capture this emotional ambush: “Today I started loving you again / I’m right back where I’ve really always been.” It speaks to the persistence of connection, the way strong emotional bonds can lie dormant only to be reawakened by a memory, a thought, or perhaps seemingly nothing at all. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation, an acknowledgment that the attempt to sever the connection was ultimately unsuccessful (“I got over you just long enough / To let my heartache mend / Then today I started loving you again”). It’s a masterful portrayal of the cyclical nature of deep feelings and the heart’s stubborn refusal to completely let go.
Musically, both Haggard’s and Wynette’s versions typically embody classic country balladry. The arrangements are often spare, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics and the vocal performance to take center stage. You’ll usually hear the essential elements: the melancholic cry of a steel guitar, the steady rhythm of acoustic guitar and bass, perhaps a touch of understated piano. There’s no need for elaborate production; the song’s power resides in its directness and raw honesty.
Even today, in 2025, “Today I Started Loving You Again” remains a frequently performed and requested song, a standard held dear by generations of country music fans. Its universal theme of rekindled emotions ensures its relevance continues, touching anyone who has ever experienced the surprising return of feelings they thought were long past. The definitive versions by Merle Haggard and Tammy Wynette, along with countless covers by other artists, secure its place as an absolute cornerstone of the country music songbook. It’s a testament to the enduring power of simple, honest songwriting delivered straight from the heart.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Ivl_JxSf