Introduction:
Country music power couple Tammy Wynette and George Jones released their duet “We Loved It Away” in 1975. The song, featured on the album “George, Tammy & Tina”, became a poignant testament to the enduring power of love in the face of challenges.
Wynette, known as the “First Lady of Country Music,” possessed a voice that resonated with vulnerability and strength. Jones, nicknamed “The Possum” for his distinctive vocals and phrasing, delivered a heartfelt performance that complemented Wynette’s perfectly. This pairing, both on and off the stage, proved to be a formidable force in country music.
“We Loved It Away” wasn’t just another love song. It delved into the complexities of a relationship, acknowledging the doubts and struggles couples face. The lyrics, penned by songwriters George Richey and Carmol Taylor, paint a picture of a love that weathers storms. The song opens with a nod to the skepticism surrounding the relationship, with friends questioning its longevity. “All my friends told me, we’d never make it/ That love to you was just a game you played,” sings Jones, setting the stage for a love story that defies expectations.
Wynette responds, admitting the difficulties but emphasizing the power of their connection: “And I’ll admit at times we had rough goin’/ But in each other’s arms we loved it away.” This central theme of overcoming challenges through love becomes the song’s core message. The duet progresses, acknowledging moments of restlessness and a yearning for freedom, yet highlighting the comfort and solace found in each other’s embrace. “And I’ve been told, my love could never hold you/ To tie it down’s a price you’d never pay,” sings Wynette, expressing the concerns some might have about commitment. Jones responds, “And I’ll admit there’s times when you got restless/ But in each other’s arms we loved it away,” reiterating the power of their bond to overcome insecurities.
“We Loved It Away” became a hit for Wynette and Jones, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1975. The song’s success further solidified their status as country music royalty and resonated with audiences who identified with the trials and tribulations of love. Though their personal relationship would face its own struggles, “We Loved It Away” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of love as a refuge and a source of strength.
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Lyrics:
All my friends told me, we’d never make it
That love to you was just a game you played
And I’ll admit at times we had rough goin’
But in each other’s arms, we loved it away
And I’ve been told, my love could never hold you
To tie it down’s a price you’d never pay
And I’ll admit there’s times when you got restless
But in each other’s arms, we loved it away
Step by step, we walked the road together
Hand in hand love grew more everyday
When trouble came we held on to each other
And in each other’s arms, we loved it away
And in each other’s arms, we loved it away