That's The Way Love Goes
Merle Haggard Lyrics


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I've been throwing horseshoes
Over my left shoulder
I've spent most all my life
Searching for that four-leafed clover

Yet you ran with me
Chasing my rainbows
Honey, I love you, too

And that's the way love goes
That's the way love goes, babe
That's the music God made
For all the world to sing

It's never old, it grows
Losing makes me sorry
You say, "honey, now, don't worry"
Don't you know I love you too?

And that's the way love goes

That's the way love goes, babe
That's the music god made
For all the world to sing

It's never old, it grows
Losing makes me sorry
You say, "honey, don't worry"
Don't you know I love you too?





And that's the way love goes, oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Merle Haggard's song That's The Way Love Goes convey a message about the cyclical nature of love, and the ups and downs that come with it. Haggard sings about his lifelong search for happiness and good luck, throwing horseshoes and seeking out four-leafed clovers. However, despite his past struggles, he's found someone who's run with him and supported him as he chases his dreams. He acknowledges that he loves this person and understands that that's just how love is. It's imperfect and cyclical, but always growing and changing.


Throughout the song, Haggard emphasizes the song's title, repeating that's the way love goes, babe over and over again. He also touches upon the idea that losing makes him sorry, but that his partner reassures him that it's okay and that she loves him too. This message speaks to the idea that sometimes love isn't always perfect, but that it's worth it to keep going, even when things are tough.


Overall, That's The Way Love Goes is a song that touches on some universal truths about love and relationships. It's a reminder that love isn't always easy, but that it's worth it to keep pushing through the hard times.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been throwing horseshoes
I've been trying my luck for a long time


Over my left shoulder
Doing things in a traditional and superstitious way


I've spent most all my life
I've invested a lot of time


Searching for that four-leafed clover
Hoping for good luck and fortune


Yet you ran with me
You accompanied me on my journey


Chasing my rainbows
Supporting my dreams and aspirations


Honey, I love you, too
Expressing mutual love and affection


And that's the way love goes
That's just how love works


That's the way love goes, babe
That's how our love works


That's the music God made
That's love, the melody of life created by God


For all the world to sing
A universal feeling that everyone can relate to


It's never old, it grows
Love is always fresh and continues to flourish


Losing makes me sorry
Failing to keep love makes me regretful


You say, "honey, now, don't worry"
Comforting me and showing support


Don't you know I love you too?
Reassuring each other of mutual love and affection


And that's the way love goes, oh
That's how love works, oh yeah




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lefty Frizzell, Sanger Shafer, Sanger D Shafer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@NicksStrengthandPower

Who else is binge-listening old Haggard songs right now? RIP Merle.

@gridirongal

+Nick's Strength and Power for 2 days now! Even had to play him between my high school classes(I teach), so this generation could hear some real music, and "Are the Good Times Really Over for Good" is so relevant to what I am teaching them right now about the turmoil of Vietnam and counterculture.

@billsmith7041

+Nick's Strength and Power Sure am missing him

@violetbennett2407

I have to listen some everyday.

@suewatkinsmehlenbacher8587

It is now 2022! I love YouTube, and it's little time capsules of our memories without even knowing it! I will binge watch & listen until The Hag sings me back home! ❤️

@josettgordon9374

me! Love this man- anyone care for some rainbow stew?

33 More Replies...

@hilliard55

I played this the other day as my dad was unconscious and dying. I think he heard it. This was the last song he ever heard.

@leslielile-suggs7444

beautiful that you were there.....and that is the way love goes even letting go

@lucycheney3619

This is my dad's favorite. Mine as well! 🙏❤

@meoffjack9348

He got to hear the voice of a legend. His final
Moments I’m sure he knew you loved very very much. And you will reunite with him in our heavenly place.

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