Merle Haggard, a titan of country music and an icon of the Bakersfield sound, gifted the world with “Today I Started Loving You Again” in 1968, though it didn’t achieve significant chart success until its re-release in 1972. Haggard, born in 1937, was a true “Okie from Muskogee,” embodying the struggles and resilience of the working class. His raw, authentic voice and poignant songwriting resonated deeply with audiences, earning him countless accolades including multiple Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His discography boasts numerous chart-topping hits and enduring classics that cemented his legacy as a musical storyteller.
“Today I Started Loving You Again,” written by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens (his then-wife), is a poignant ballad that explores the agonizing realization of lost love. It’s not a joyous celebration of newfound affection, but rather a heartbreaking confession of delayed appreciation. The song’s narrator laments not fully cherishing his partner during their time together and only understanding the depth of his feelings after they are gone. He acknowledges his mistakes, admitting to taking the relationship for granted and now, filled with regret, he finds himself desperately wanting what he carelessly discarded.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal theme of regret and the painful consequences of taking love for granted. Audiences have long connected with the raw emotion and honesty in Haggard’s performance, recognizing the familiar ache of missed opportunities. Critics and fans alike praised Haggard’s vulnerable delivery and the song’s simple yet powerful lyrics. While not an immediate chart-topper, “Today I Started Loving You Again” has become a beloved classic, covered by numerous artists across various genres and consistently cited as one of Haggard’s most impactful and emotionally resonant songs. It continues to move listeners with its timeless message of love, loss, and the bitter sting of belated realization.
