In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
It Sure Was
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If she told you that she'd been untrue?"
I'd say, "I won't say I won't be sorry, no.
It sure was love while it lasted."
They said, "How will you feel deep inside
When the love you believed in has died?"
I ain't sayin' it won't hurt me
It sure was love while it lasted
That you've given me to face
I have had my share of the sunshine
I can stand a little rain.
So we don't give a damn what they say
We've go something they can't take away
'Cause whatever comes tomorrow
It sure was love while it lasted
It sure was good while it lasted
It sure was love while it lasted.
In "It Sure Was," Kris Kristofferson reflects on a past love and acknowledges the eventual end of it. The song follows a conversation between the singer and others who ask him how he would feel if he found out his lover had been unfaithful, to which he responds that while he would be sorry, he acknowledges that the love they had was real and valuable. The singer then reflects on the positive memories and experiences that he shared with his former flame, and acknowledges that even though the love may have ended, it was still real and meaningful to him.
The song serves as a bittersweet reminder of the fleeting nature of love and relationships, and the importance of cherishing the good times that were shared. The lyrics also touch on the idea that even though a love may eventually end, the memories and experiences that were shared will continue to have value and impact in the future.
Line by Line Meaning
They said, "What do you think you would do
If she told you that she'd been untrue?"
They asked me how I would react if she ever admitted to infidelity
I'd say, "I won't say I won't be sorry, no.
It sure was love while it lasted."
I would tell them that I can't promise I won't feel bad, but I know that our love was real and meaningful.
They said, "How will you feel deep inside
When the love you believed in has died?"
They questioned me on how I would handle the emotional pain of a love that has ended.
I ain't sayin' it won't hurt me
It sure was love while it lasted
I won't deny that it will hurt, but I will always cherish the love that we shared.
I'll be livin off of the good times
That you've given me to face
I have had my share of the sunshine
I can stand a little rain.
I will always remember the happy memories we had together as I face this difficult time. I have experienced joy before, so I know I can make it through this pain.
So we don't give a damn what they say
We've go something they can't take away
'Cause whatever comes tomorrow
It sure was love while it lasted
We don't care about the opinions of others because we know that our love was genuine and can't be taken away. No matter what happens in the future, we will always have the memories of our love.
It sure was good while it lasted
It sure was love while it lasted.
Our love may have ended, but it was good while it lasted and will always be a source of cherished memories.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sophia R
What a powerhouse couple!!! The chemistry was so powerful. How sad it didn’t work. 😢
Kjell Eriksson
Their love worked but the whiskey destroyed it.
Elizabeth Spriggs
They are still friends
Margo
Two great voices ,love listening to all their records . Greatest song writer and his mastery with words is fabulous!!
Anise Whiteman
I cherish my Rita Coolidge record. What a beautiful voice. I do not understand why her career was so short. ❤❤
Lana Hieftje
Beautiful!!! I still love listening to their songs together! Wow, no one can harmonize as well as Rita!!! Love Rita's eyes!!!!!
Susan Wong
I love them so much their voices blend so well .Kris and Rita God bless!🙏
Narelle Dearden
Never tire of listening to Kris's songs & looking at him singing pure magic. Such a clever man. Love him.
Tim Flowers
Kris Kristofferson my all time favorite singer. Can't get enough of his songs
Jan Hensley
Thank you. Love this! They sang great together.