Introduction
“That’s The Way Love Goes” has a fascinating history that intertwines with the careers of two country music legends: Merle Haggard and Lefty Frizzell.
Originally written by Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer, “That’s The Way Love Goes” was first intended to be recorded by Frizzell himself. However, Haggard, a longtime admirer of Frizzell’s work, had already attempted to record the song in the mid-1970s during his time with Capitol Records. This earlier version, unreleased at the time, is described as having a lighter and more whimsical feel compared to Haggard’s later rendition.
Johnny Rodriguez released the first recorded version of “That’s The Way Love Goes” in 1973, though Lefty Frizzell also recorded his own version that same year. However, Frizzell’s version was relegated to a B-side and never achieved widespread recognition.
Merle Haggard’s version of “That’s The Way Love Goes” released in 1983, became a defining moment in his career. It reached number one on the Billboard country singles chart, solidifying Haggard’s status as a country music powerhouse. The song’s success was tinged with personal sadness, as Haggard and his wife Leona Williams divorced that same year, a fact that some listeners saw reflected in the song’s themes of heartbreak and lost love.
“That’s The Way Love Goes” endured as a country music staple, earning Haggard a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance — Male in 1984. He even revisited the song in 1999 with a duet featuring country singer Jewel. This later version reached number 56 on the country charts, showcasing the song’s lasting appeal across generations.
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