Introduction:
Emerging from the rich tapestry of the American songwriting scene in the early 1970s, Kris Kristofferson’s “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” struck a poignant chord with its melancholic reflection on lost love. Released in 1971, the song quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the country and folk genres, resonating deeply with audiences yearning for a raw and honest portrayal of heartbreak.
Kristofferson, a former Rhodes scholar turned singer-songwriter, brought a unique perspective to the country music landscape. His gruff vocals and introspective lyrics resonated with a generation disillusioned by the Vietnam War and searching for a more authentic voice. “Loving Her Was Easier” embodied this spirit perfectly.
The song, entirely written and composed by Kristofferson himself, showcased his talent for crafting relatable narratives. While the specific details of the lost love remain veiled, the emotions are laid bare. The narrator paints a picture of a love that transcended societal expectations – a woman “not ashamed to be a woman or afraid to be a friend.” Theirs was a connection that felt effortless, fueled by shared dreams and unwavering belief. The line, “Dreaming was as easy as believing,” captures the essence of their idyllic yet ultimately fleeting love.
“Loving Her Was Easier” isn’t a song about anger or blame. It’s a lament for a love that could not endure, a bittersweet acceptance of a reality that shattered the narrator’s world. The poignant line, “It was never gonna end and loving her was easier than anything,” encapsulates the devastating realization that the love they shared wasn’t built to last.
The song’s success transcended genre boundaries. While Kristofferson’s own rendition resonated with country audiences, the song’s universal themes attracted a wider following. Artists like Roger Miller, Waylon Jennings, and even the supergroup The Highwaymen (comprising Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kristofferson, and Jennings) all recorded their versions, further solidifying the song’s place in American music history.
“Loving Her Was Easier” remains a staple on country radio stations and continues to be a popular choice for artists across genres. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Kristofferson’s songwriting prowess and the song’s ability to capture the universal ache of lost love.
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Lyrics:
Hey, I wanna tell you before we get out of here tonightHow much we appreciate the good feeling you’ve been throwing back at usBecause it’s a-, we’re in it for the love and not the money, darlingBut if it wasn’t for y’all’s money we couldn’t do it, so God bless you for that
I have seen the mornin’ burnin’ golden on the mountain in the skiesAchin’ with the feelin’ of the freedom of an eagle when she fliesTurnin’ on the world the way she smiled upon my soul as I lay dyin’Healin’ as the colors in the sunlight and the shadows of her eyes
Wakin’ in the mornin’ to the feelin’ of her fingers on my skinWipin’ out the traces of the people and the places that I’ve beenTeachin’ me that yesterday was somethin’ that I’d never thought of tryin’Talkin’ of tomorrow and the money love and time we had to spendLovin’ her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again
Comin’ close together with a feelin’ that I’ve never known before in my timeShe ain’t ashamed to be a human or afraid to be a friendI don’t know the answer to the easy way she opened every door in my mindBut dreamin’ was as easy as believin’, it was never gonna endAnd lovin’ her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again