Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Released in 1971 on Kris Kristofferson’s second studio album The Silver Tongued Devil and I, “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” is one of his most beautiful and poetic compositions. Unlike some of his more rugged, plainspoken songs, this ballad is tender and lyrical, celebrating the profound peace and joy of being in love. The song quickly became a favorite among fans and fellow musicians alike. It charted modestly for Kristofferson himself, but cover versions by artists such as Roger Miller, Tompall and the Glaser Brothers, and Willie Nelson helped carry it into the mainstream. Its combination of emotional intimacy and literary elegance has made it one of Kristofferson’s signature works.
Origins of the Song
Kristofferson wrote “Loving Her Was Easier” during a particularly fertile period of songwriting in the early 1970s, when his reputation as one of Nashville’s most innovative lyricists was growing rapidly. Having already gained fame with songs like “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” he was moving beyond the rough-edged storytelling of barrooms and broken lives into more philosophical and romantic territory.
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The song was included on The Silver Tongued Devil and I, released in July 1971. This album solidified Kristofferson’s reputation not only as a songwriter but also as a performer in his own right. While his rough voice sometimes divided critics, the sheer beauty of the lyrics in “Loving Her Was Easier” silenced many detractors, proving that he could deliver delicate ballads with authenticity and sincerity.
Why “Loving Her Was Easier” Was Released
By 1971, Kristofferson’s career was ascending rapidly. His songs were being recorded by some of the biggest names in country and pop music, and he himself was emerging as a central figure in the outlaw country movement. “Loving Her Was Easier” was released because it showcased a different side of his artistry: the romantic poet rather than the rugged drifter.
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Although Kristofferson’s own version only reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 28 on the Hot 100, its impact was magnified by cover versions. Tompall and the Glaser Brothers’ rendition in 1981 climbed to number 2 on the country charts, introducing the song to a new generation. Its enduring popularity demonstrated the universal appeal of its message and melody.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
“Loving Her Was Easier” is, at its core, a meditation on the serenity and completeness found in true love. Unlike the loneliness of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” or the raw desire of “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” this song captures a moment of peace, gratitude, and transcendence.
The opening lines set the tone:
“I have seen the morning burning golden on the mountains in the skies,
Aching with the feeling of the freedom of an eagle when she flies.”
Here, Kristofferson equates love with natural beauty and freedom, suggesting that being in love is the highest form of human experience.
The chorus distills the message:
“Loving her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again.”
The lyrics convey both simplicity and profundity. They acknowledge that love is not only transformative but also fleeting, leaving the narrator with gratitude for what was experienced, even if it may never come again.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Kristofferson’s recording of the song is tender and understated.
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Acoustic guitar provides the primary accompaniment, keeping the arrangement simple and intimate.
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Subtle orchestration adds warmth, but never overshadows the vocal or lyrics.
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Kristofferson’s vocals, though rough around the edges, are filled with sincerity. His gravelly tone contrasts with the song’s elegance, creating a balance between raw honesty and poetic expression.
Other interpretations brought different textures:
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Tompall and the Glaser Brothers gave the song rich harmony vocals and a more polished country arrangement.
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Willie Nelson performed it with his signature phrasing, lending it a folksy, contemplative air.
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Roger Miller and Ray Price highlighted its lyrical beauty with smooth, melodic renditions.
The flexibility of the composition allowed it to thrive across country, folk, and pop genres.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
While Kristofferson’s own single achieved moderate chart success, the song’s cultural impact was much greater. Its poetic lyrics and universal message made it a favorite among fellow songwriters and performers. Within Nashville, it reinforced Kristofferson’s reputation as a lyrical innovator who was pushing the boundaries of country music.
The song’s widespread appeal was confirmed by the Glaser Brothers’ 1981 cover, which became a top country hit. Over time, it has been embraced as one of Kristofferson’s defining works, often cited in discussions of the greatest country love songs.
In addition, “Loving Her Was Easier” reflected the growing sophistication of country music in the 1970s. Alongside artists like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, Kristofferson was helping to move the genre toward more literary and personal songwriting, paving the way for the outlaw country movement.
Legacy of “Loving Her Was Easier”
Today, “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” is considered one of Kris Kristofferson’s finest achievements as a songwriter. Its lyrical beauty, blending natural imagery with human emotion, has ensured its place among the great ballads of American music.
The song continues to be performed and recorded, with each version revealing new facets of its depth. For Kristofferson, it remains a highlight of his live performances, treasured by fans who regard it as one of his most heartfelt expressions.
More broadly, the song illustrates the unique power of Kristofferson’s writing. Even with a rough, unpolished voice, he could capture universal truths about love and life with poetic grace. The song stands as a testament to his ability to merge literary sophistication with emotional authenticity.
More than fifty years after its release, “Loving Her Was Easier” remains a timeless reflection on the beauty of love and the gratitude it leaves behind. It endures not only as a classic of Kristofferson’s catalog but also as one of the most enduring love songs of the 20th century.