Jeannie Seely’s mother has said that Jeannie was just four when she learned… Read Full Bio ↴Jeannie Seely’s mother has said that Jeannie was just four when she learned to stretch up, tune the knob on her family’s big console radio to 650 WSM and keep it there. Jeannie Seely is still on the dial at 650 WSM—performing regularly on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Jeannie, who was raised near Townville, Pennsylvania, remembers sitting in the family’s Ford, eating popcorn and drinking soda pop, listening to the Opry on Saturday nights while her parents played cards at friends’ houses.

By age 11, she was performing on a weekly radio show in nearby Meadville and a few years later turned up on TV in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Years of playing auditoriums, small clubs, and country music parks followed. Moving to California, she worked as a secretary with Liberty and Imperial Records in Hollywood before moving to Nashville in 1965 at the urging of Opry member Dottie West.

“I don’t know enough to go there yet,” Jeannie remembers telling West. Dottie’s response: “Jeannie, that’s where you go to learn.”

A recording contract with Monument Records gave Jeannie her first hit in 1966 with the bluesy Hank Cochran tune “Don’t Touch Me,” which went to the top of the charts and earned her a Grammy Award. One year later, the singer who became famous as “Miss Country Soul” fulfilled her childhood dream by becoming a member of the Opry cast.

Other hits followed—“I’ll Love You More (Than You Need),” “Can I Sleep in Your Arms,” and “Lucky Ladies.” Jeannie briefly worked as duet partner of Porter Wagoner and had a successful touring and recording partnership with fellow Opry member Jack Greene, including the Top 10 single “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You.” Jeannie is also a successful songwriter, with songs cut by Dottie West, Faron Young, Connie Smith, Willie Nelson, and Ray Price. Just one of her memorable songs is “Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye,” a 1973 hit for Young.

Known for her plainspoken ways and sometimes earthy humor, Seely published a book of witticisms, Pieces of a Puzzled Mind, in 1989.

In 2000, Jeannie, who has made frequent stage and screen appearances, hit the road for Atlantic City to portray the character of Louise opposite her friend Terri Williams in Always ... Patsy Cline. The role was that of an energetic, funny woman with a heart full of love for her friends and for country music—a part she knew quite well.

In 2003, Seely released Life’s Highway, a country/bluegrass project with contributions from famous friends including Steve Wariner, the Osborne Brothers, and the Whites.

It's Only Love
Jeannie Seely Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I get high when I see you go by, (my oh my)
When you sigh my inside just flies, (butterflies).
Why am I so shy when I'm beside you.

It's only love and that is all,
Why should I feel the way I do.
It's only love and that is all,
But it's so hard loving you.

Is it right that you and I should fight, (every night)
Just the sight of you makes nighttime bright, (very bright)
Haven't I the right to make it up girl.

It's only love and that is all,
Why should I feel the way I do.
It's only love and that is all,
But it's so hard loving you.

Yes it's so hard loving you.
Loving you.

Overall Meaning

In Jeannie Seely's song "It's Only Love", the first verse illustrates the feeling of being in love and infatuated with someone. The singer describes feeling elated when the person they love passes by, as if they are high on happiness. The sight of them brings a physical sensation of butterflies in the stomach, yet the singer feels shy around them. The second verse delves into the challenges that come with love. Despite the feelings of love, the two individuals involved are constantly fighting, making it difficult to maintain the relationship. At the same time, the singer questions whether they have the right to apologize and make up. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's only love" to remind listeners that love can be challenging, but ultimately, it is still love.

The lyrics of this song ring true to many individuals who have experienced the ups and downs of love. The elation when you're in love can feel like nothing can bring you down, and the challenges that come with it can feel unbearable at times. The lyrics touch on the common theme of feeling conflicted when it comes to love.

Line by Line Meaning

I get high when I see you go by, (my oh my)
When I see you, I feel a rush of excitement and joy.

When you sigh my inside just flies, (butterflies).
Your smallest gesture fills me with butterflies in my stomach.

Why am I so shy when I'm beside you.
I'm so overwhelmed by my feelings that I can't express myself around you.

It's only love and that is all,
These strong emotions I'm feeling can simply be attributed to love.

Why should I feel the way I do.
I can't understand why these feelings are so intense.

But it's so hard loving you.
Despite my love for you, this relationship is difficult to navigate.

Is it right that you and I should fight, (every night)
Is it acceptable that our relationship involves constant conflict and disagreement?

Just the sight of you makes nighttime bright, (very bright)
Even just seeing you makes everything feel brighter and better.

Haven't I the right to make it up girl.
Don't I deserve the opportunity to make things right between us?

Yes it's so hard loving you.
Once again, the sentiment that despite love, this relationship is challenging.

Loving you.
Overall, despite the difficulties, the singer is still very much in love with the subject of the song.