Though Ketchum first began recording in the mid-1980s, not until his 1991 record deal with Curb Records did he have a major hit with the album Past The Point Of Rescue. The title cut to the album was a Top 3 single, and other singles that met similar success included "Small Town Saturday Night" and "Sure Love".
In 1994 Ketchum toured Britain, issuing the single "Past The Point Of Rescue" on that side of the Atlantic. Though the single failed to make the UK Top 100 pop charts, it received extensive airplay on country radio. The album Every Little Word (of which the UK release featured a bonus disc of past US hits including "Past The Point...") made the Top 40 on the UK country charts and also did the same back in the US.
Ketchum continued to record and release new material. His final US releases were Father Time in 2008, and I'm the Troubadour in 2014.
His film credits included appearing in the 1988 film Heartbreak Hotel and a small role in the 1994 film Maverick.
Loving You Makes Me A Better Man
Hal Ketchum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These things I don't know how to do
You make me think I can
I've got a long way to go
But I know what I know like the back of my hand
Loving you makes me a better man
Time after time I've been lost
Just couldn't find my way
You shed a light on the path through the night
Leading right to the side where I stand
Loving you makes me a better man
I make mistakes, didn't have what it takes
Just to walk out, leave it alone
I've got a long lot of heartaches that follow me home
Time goes on, I watch it disappear
I've got a mind of my own
Now that I have you near
You came to me and it's easy to see
There's a line that I've crossed in the sand
Loving you makes me a better man
Loving you makes me a better man
Hal Ketchum's song Loving You Makes Me A Better Man is an ode to a person who has completely transformed his life and made him a better person. Ketchum begins by acknowledging that he doesn't know everything and there are certain things he struggles with. However, the person he loves has this magical power to make him believe in himself and think that he can achieve anything. The person inspires him to become a better man and try things that he could have never imagined.
Ketchum goes on to talk about his past mistakes and how he was often lost and didn't know where he was going. But the person he loves has shown him the light and guided him on the right path. He talks about how their love has helped him overcome heartaches and has made him realize that he is strong enough to face any challenge. Ketchum emphasizes that since he has met the person, he can see how his life has evolved in a positive direction.
In conclusion, Loving You Makes Me A Better Man is a powerful love song that speaks about the transformative power of love. It highlights how love can inspire people to become better individuals and give them the strength to overcome their shortcomings and past mistakes. The song's lyrics are a testament to the power of love and how it can bring out the best in people.
Line by Line Meaning
Loving you makes me a better man
Being with you enriches my character and helps me improve myself.
These things I don't know how to do
I lack certain skills in life that you inspire me to learn.
You make me think I can
Your encouragement gives me the confidence to try new things and achieve my goals.
I've got a long way to go
I still have a lot to learn and to overcome in my personal journey.
But I know what I know like the back of my hand
Although I'm still in the process of growing, I am certain of what I stand for.
Loving you makes me a better man
Reiteration of the opening line, emphasizing the significance of the love they share.
I've been wrong more than I cared to say
I have made plenty of mistakes in the past, some of which I'm not proud of.
Time after time I've been lost
I have felt confused and directionless on multiple occasions.
Just couldn't find my way
I struggled to find my purpose and direction in life.
You shed a light on the path through the night
Your love and support guide me through tough times and challenges.
Leading right to the side where I stand
You bring me to a place of clarity and understanding.
Loving you makes me a better man
Reiteration of the opening line, emphasizing the transformation his love has brought about.
I make mistakes, didn't have what it takes
I am not perfect and have failed at times due to my own limitations.
Just to walk out, leave it alone
I resorted to avoiding difficult situations instead of confronting them head-on.
I've got a long lot of heartaches that follow me home
I carry emotional baggage from my past experiences that still affect me.
Time goes on, I watch it disappear
I have struggled to make progress and feel like life is slipping away.
I've got a mind of my own
I have my own thoughts and ideas that I hold true.
Now that I have you near
Your presence brings comfort and reassurance in my life.
You came to me and it's easy to see
Your arrival in my life has made a clear and positive impact.
There's a line that I've crossed in the sand
I have moved beyond my previous limitations and boundaries.
Loving you makes me a better man
Reiteration of the opening line, emphasizing the profound influence their love has had on his life.
Contributed by Landon O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dynamite Dylan
.Loving you makes me a better man
These things I don't know how to do
You make me think I can
I've got a long way to go
But I know what I know like the back of my hand
Loving you makes me a better man
I've been wrong more than I cared to say
Time after time I've been lost
Just couldn't find my way
You shed a light on the path through the night
Leading right to the side where I stand
Loving you makes me a better man
I make mistakes, didn't have what it takes
Just to walk out, leave it alone
I've got a long lot of heartaches that follow me home
Time goes on, I watch it disappear
I've got a mind of my own
Now that I have you near
You came to me and it's easy to see
There's a line that I've crossed in the sand
Loving you makes me a better man
Loving you makes me a better man
Dave Slonaker
Sad to learn of his passing Monday, 11/23/20. I love his version of this song. One of my favorites. May he rest in peace.
glenroy56
Clearly one of the best country singers of the last few decades...
Melissa McPartlin
Such an incredible talent. So much honest feeling in that beautiful voice.
SouthCarolinaPicker
.. I couldn't agree more, MM .. MrK IS a MonsterTalent .. And a unique and one of a kind vocalist, as well .. .. And a personable and genuine guy; from all I've heard
Mark Newell
One of my favorite Hal songs !! Took my wife to see Hal live for her 60th birthday on July 20, 2013 at FischerHaus Cantina in Fischer TX. She says it was the best birthday she ever had !! Hal was in rare form and had us backstage for a little one on one time. He is a very appreciative of his fans and is truly approachable. Thanks Hal, for being who you are !!
SouthCarolinaPicker
.. Haven't had the pleasure of one of his shows, but a good friend who has one of the "giutar gigs" at the Opry echoes your sentiments about MrKefchum .. He even had Hal autotgraph a CD (One More Midnight) and sent it to me .. Sure didn't expect that and I'll never forget his generosity .. He is a MonsterTalent and a NationalTreasure; for sure
SouthCarolinaPicker
.. Oops! Where is spell-check? Should have been, " .. .. guitar gigs .. .. " and " .. .. autograph.. .. " ;))
Pat Keeler
Mark Newell. i miss him. was so handsome w dark hair. my friend saw him in nashville
Pat Keeler
Mark Newell saw hal getting off his bus.
Valeria Campos
Lo más bello que he escuchado este dia! ❤