Introduction:
“Let Me Live With Love (And Die With You)” is a heartfelt ballad by American country music artist Ricky Van Shelton. The song was released in 1988 and is a track from his critically acclaimed second studio album, Loving Proof. This album, released in September 1988, solidified Shelton’s position as a rising star in country music, following the success of his debut, Wild-Eyed Dream. As expected from a Ricky Van Shelton track of that era, the song firmly falls within the country music genre, characterized by its traditional instrumentation, storytelling lyrics, and Shelton’s distinctive baritone vocals.
While “Let Me Live With Love (And Die With You)” was not released as a standalone single that charted on the major country airplay charts, it played a significant role as an album cut on Loving Proof. The album itself was a massive success for Shelton, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and ultimately being certified Platinum by the RIAA, indicating sales of over one million copies. The album yielded several chart-topping singles, including “I’ll Leave This World Loving You,” “From a Jack to a King,” and “Living Proof,” all of which became No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Although “Let Me Live With Love (And Die With You)” did not achieve the same individual chart success as these singles, its inclusion on such a highly successful and influential album means it reached a broad audience of country music fans. It is remembered as a testament to Shelton’s vocal prowess and his ability to deliver poignant country ballads, contributing to the overall strength and popularity of Loving Proof, an album often cited as one of the best country releases of the late 1980s.