Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Released in 1971 on The Silver Tongued Devil and I, “Loving You Was Easier” (often known as “Loving Her Was Easier”) is one of Kris Kristofferson’s most romantic and tender compositions. Unlike his more political or gritty songs, this ballad celebrates love in its purest, most effortless form. It is a song of gratitude rather than loss, written with a poet’s delicacy and a lover’s vulnerability. The track quickly became a favorite in Kristofferson’s repertoire, covered by a wide range of artists including Willie Nelson, Tompall & the Glaser Brothers, and Roger Miller. Its gentle tone and lyrical intimacy made it stand out as one of the most beautiful love songs of its era.
Origins of the Song
Kristofferson wrote “Loving You Was Easier” during a period of artistic and personal transformation. After years of struggle in Nashville, he had finally found success as both a songwriter and performer. His songs were being recorded by major artists, and his own career as a recording artist was gaining momentum.
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The track was recorded as part of his second album, The Silver Tongued Devil and I, which blended social commentary, outlaw narratives, and tender ballads. “Loving You Was Easier” represented the softer, more intimate side of Kristofferson’s artistry, balancing the darker material on the record.
Why Kris Kristofferson Released “Loving You Was Easier”
Including “Loving You Was Easier” on the album was a deliberate choice to showcase the breadth of Kristofferson’s songwriting. While many knew him for songs like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which captured loneliness and despair, this ballad revealed his capacity to capture the beauty and ease of true intimacy.
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Releasing the song also allowed Kristofferson to affirm his identity as not only a chronicler of life’s struggles but also as a poet of love. It quickly became one of his most frequently covered works, proving its resonance with other performers and audiences.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
At its core, “Loving You Was Easier” is a celebration of effortless love. The narrator describes how being with the person he loves makes everything simpler, lighter, and more beautiful. The song rejects drama and complication, focusing instead on the deep peace and joy that comes from being with the right person.
Key themes include:
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Ease of True Love: The song contrasts the struggles of life with the simplicity of love that feels natural and fulfilling.
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Gratitude: The narrator does not take love for granted; he marvels at its beauty and ease.
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Vulnerability: The lyrics reveal the narrator’s willingness to open his heart fully, without fear.
Kristofferson’s delivery makes the song even more poignant. His rough, world-weary voice contrasts with the tenderness of the words, creating a balance between fragility and strength that resonates deeply with listeners.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, “Loving You Was Easier” is one of Kristofferson’s most graceful compositions.
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Vocals: His delivery is soft, understated, and intimate. The imperfections in his voice only heighten the authenticity of the emotions.
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Instrumentation: The arrangement is delicate, built around acoustic guitar, bass, and subtle strings or piano. The instrumentation is designed to frame the lyrics without overshadowing them.
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Mood: Warm, tender, and deeply romantic.
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Style: A folk-country ballad with singer-songwriter sensibilities, leaning toward simplicity and intimacy.
The production is restrained, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics and Kristofferson’s vulnerable performance.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “Loving You Was Easier” was not a major hit for Kristofferson himself, but it became highly successful when recorded by others. Tompall & the Glaser Brothers released a version in 1981 that reached the Top 5 on the country charts. The song’s adaptability across performers and genres testified to its universal appeal.
Culturally, it cemented Kristofferson’s reputation as one of the great love-song writers of his time. At a moment when country music was embracing both outlaw grit and mainstream polish, this song stood out as a timeless ballad that crossed boundaries, appealing to folk, pop, and country audiences alike.
Legacy of “Loving You Was Easier”
Today, “Loving You Was Easier” is recognized as one of Kris Kristofferson’s finest love songs. Though it may not carry the cultural weight of “Me and Bobby McGee” or the political edge of “The Law Is for Protection of the People,” it endures because of its sincerity and beauty.
For Kristofferson’s legacy, the song underscores his versatility. He could write about loneliness, addiction, protest, or heartbreak, but he could also capture the quiet joy of love in ways that were both poetic and accessible. “Loving You Was Easier” remains a staple in his catalog and a favorite among fans who admire his ability to balance toughness with tenderness.
More broadly, the track stands as one of the great love ballads of the 1970s, joining the ranks of songs that defined intimacy and vulnerability in the singer-songwriter tradition. Its continued presence in cover versions ensures that it remains alive in both country and popular music.
More than fifty years after its release, “Loving You Was Easier” still speaks to listeners seeking a portrait of love that feels natural, gentle, and true. It is one of Kristofferson’s most enduring gifts to music—a reminder that sometimes the greatest poetry is found in simplicity.