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
Love Is The Way
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A tiny blue marble is spinning through space
Born in the splendor of god's holy vision
And sliding away like a tear down his face
Closer you see the whole wide holy wonder
Of oceans and mountains and rivers and trees
And the strangest creation of many, the human
Now the warriors are waving their old rusty sabres
The preachers are preaching the gospel of hate
By their behaviour determined to teach us
A lesson we're soon to be learning to late.
Look closer my brother, we're killing each other
And we'd better stop and get started today
Because life is the question and life is the answer
And God is the reason and love is the way.
Because life is the question and life is the answer
And God is the reason and love is the way.
Because life is the question and life is the answer
And God is the reason and love is the way.
Yes, life is the question and life is the answer
And God is the reason and love is the way.
The lyrics of Kris Kristofferson's "Love Is The Way" ponder the vastness of the universe and the beauty of the Earth as seen from the perspective of God. The imagery is striking - a tiny blue marble spinning through space, born from God's vision and sliding away like a tear from his face. The song recognizes the wondrous creations on the planet we call home, from oceans to mountains, but most significantly, the human race with its dreams, laughter and freedom. However, it also reflects on the darker side of humanity, where wars and hate preachings still prevail.
Kristofferson implores us to take a closer look at the reality of the world - wars, hate, and division. The song is a call to action - an acknowledgement that the human race is tearing itself apart and burying the love and goodness present in every individual. There is no time to waste, no room for self-pity, and no excuse for not starting today. Life itself is the question we must answer, and our reason to believe that love is the only way to move forward.
The message of "Love Is The Way" is timeless and universal, reminding listeners that love is the way to combat hatred and division in all its forms. Kristofferson's lyrics highlight the importance of looking beyond the surface to find the goodness that resides within each of us, as well as recognizing the worth of every other person on the planet. The song is a poignant reminder that every individual's actions can have a positive impact on the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep in the heart of the infinite darkness
In the vast expanse of space, there exists a tiny but special planet.
A tiny blue marble is spinning through space
The planet is a small but significant part of the universe.
Born in the splendor of god's holy vision
It was created by a divine power with a purpose.
And sliding away like a tear down his face
It is fragile and precious, like a tear that falls from the eye.
Closer you see the whole wide holy wonder
As you get closer to the planet, you realize the beauty and divinity in every aspect of it.
Of oceans and mountains and rivers and trees
The planet is blessed with natural wonders that are awe-inspiring.
And the strangest creation of many, the human
The humans are the most intelligent creatures on this planet, capable of great things.
A creature of laughter and freedom and dreams
They are emotional beings, capable of experiencing joy, freedom, and imagination.
Now the warriors are waving their old rusty sabres
Unfortunately, some humans use violence to solve problems.
The preachers are preaching the gospel of hate
Some others are spreading messages of hate instead of love and compassion.
By their behaviour determined to teach us
These humans are determined to impose their beliefs and ideologies on others.
A lesson we're soon to be learning to late.
It's a warning that if this continues, we will face dire consequences.
Look closer my brother, we're killing each other
Humans are responsible for the destruction of their own kind and nature.
And we'd better stop and get started today
It's a call to action for humans to start making changes before it's too late.
Because life is the question and life is the answer
The meaning of life is a mystery to solve and everyone has their own answer.
And God is the reason and love is the way.
God created life for a reason and the ultimate solution to every problem is love.
Because life is the question and life is the answer
Reiteration of the above line to emphasize its significance.
And God is the reason and love is the way.
Reiteration of the above line to emphasize its significance.
Because life is the question and life is the answer
Reiteration of the above line to emphasize its significance.
And God is the reason and love is the way.
Reiteration of the above line to emphasize its significance.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shoulderghost1
You mean that a "golden throat " doesn’t a good singer make!
Kristofferson is my all time hero when it comes to songwriting. The depth of those lyrics that so accurately capture certain real (difficult/scary/lonely, even happy) moments of my life is something no other writer/singer has done.
I’ve been listening to Kris for well over 40 years now. In my opinion nobody else delivers Kristofferson like Kristofferson himself. But the word is ‘delivers’, not golden-throated singing. He readily recognizes his ‘unvarnished’ voice and modestly says that it’s great to hear other voices with more gloss do his songs justice.
Guess what? Give me that from-heart, unvarnished version any day over (no disrespect) smoother/easier on the ear versions. And that includes Janis J and Johnny C.
My taste in music doesn’t have to be easy on the ear, once it’s heavy on the heart. Kris fits what I mean!
@wwhytue
"Love Is The Way"
Deep in the heart of the infinite darkness
A tiny blue marble is spinning through space
Born in the splendor of God's holy vision
And sliding away like a tear down his face
Closer you see the whole wide holy wonder
Of oceans and mountains and rivers and trees
And the strangest creation of many, the human
A creature of laughter and Freedom and dreams
Now the warriors are waving their old rusty sabres
The preachers are preaching the gospel of hate
By their behavior determined to teach us
A lesson we're soon to be learning too late
Look closer my brother, we're killing each other
And we'd better stop and get started today
Because life is the question and life is the answer
And God is the reason and love is the way
Because life is the question and life is the answer
And God is the reason and love is the way
Because life is the question and life is the answer
And God is the reason and love is the way
Yes, life is the question and life is the answer
And God is the reason and love is the way
@susanneisbill3052
Kris broke away from the expectations of his family and turned his back on comfort and security to pursue his dreams. Took guts, but his ultimate success was due in large part to his formidable talent and Mensa level intelligence. And maybe God had a hand in insuring that the world would forever have access to his precious gifts of song and poetry.
@michellecahill1433
Amen! Thank God for Kris and his talent!
@charlotte50224
Yes, what a huge loss it would have been to the world, if he'd remained at West Point teaching English, instead of pursuing his passion! I view it as his family's loss that they turned his back on him for going after his dream! But it was definitely the world's blessing! I can't even imagine my life without his music in it. I discovered him when I was in college, and love his music as much now as I instantly did then. And I'm 72!
@suellen91447
I used to question Kris’s line in this song…god is the reason….now I understand…god is the reason for much discord in the world…I have loved Kris since the 70s…gosh, this means 50 years…yes, I am 76…😊
@brunoklassen7248
Jesus is the way to the heaven
@frankoshields6643
God is the reason, and love is the way. Lots of great songs with lots of great lines in them. But this line is at the top of them all. Kris Kristofferson is among the greats of lyrical composer's. So many songs his hands have written, but this one along with Why Me Lord are divinely inspired. Thank you Kris for all the great soul inspiring truths of the human existence.
@zendog8592
Words cannot even scratch the surface or come close to express the heartfelt gratitude I feel for Kris for being a thread throughout my 64 yrs. Kris Kristofferson is not outside me, he is in my bones. He wakes up the tenderness that often lies dormant in my self-centred heart. Thank you for your posts they make my day but most of all thank you Kris.
@delfinacabagui2260
Thanks for your music 🎶 Kris KRISTOFFERSON..I like all your songs much as I love to hear it every day..💞 watching from Phillipines.. 👋👋
@graftedinforever971
❤️
@karencrawford64
This song says it all. Everything the Bible talks about is Love is the Way. Kris you did it again. You are wonderful at painting a picture in the listener’s mind in your songs. Thanks for your talent and making the decision to go for your dreams of being a singer in Nashville. We love you for it.