“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s a certain kind of beauty in songs that capture love’s fleeting nature. “Loving Her Was Easier” by Kris Kristofferson embodies this perfectly—a reflection on a love so effortless and pure that it leaves an indelible mark long after it’s gone. Written by one of country music’s most profound songwriters, this track stands as a testament to Kristofferson’s ability to convey complex emotions with striking simplicity.
About the Composition
- Title: Loving Her Was Easier (than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)
- Composer: Kris Kristofferson
- Premiere Date: Released in 1971
- Album/Opus/Collection: The Silver Tongued Devil and I
- Genre: Country, Soft Rock
Background
“Loving Her Was Easier” was written by Kris Kristofferson during a period of great creative inspiration in the early 1970s. This song became a centerpiece of his 1971 album The Silver Tongued Devil and I, and it quickly resonated with audiences. The inspiration behind the song is said to be Kristofferson’s experience with intense, yet ultimately unretainable love, which he describes through a poetic lens. Its lyrics explore the simplicity of feeling loved and the wistful realization of its impermanence.
The track was initially received with critical acclaim, solidifying Kristofferson’s reputation not just as a performer, but as a formidable songwriter capable of conveying deep truths with a subtle elegance. Its inclusion in The Silver Tongued Devil and I—an album that helped define Kristofferson’s career—cements its place in the landscape of 1970s country music.
Musical Style
Musically, “Loving Her Was Easier” blends the soulful warmth of country with a soft rock sensibility. Its gentle, flowing melody is underscored by delicate acoustic guitar work, which provides a soft, soothing backdrop for Kristofferson’s tender, gravelly voice. The instrumentation is sparse yet poignant, allowing the listener to focus on the lyrics’ emotional weight. The song’s structure is straightforward, with a refrain that subtly shifts the listener’s perspective, mirroring the changing nature of love itself.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Loving Her Was Easier” revolve around the theme of effortless love, describing a romance that felt natural and fulfilling. Lines like “I have seen the morning burning golden on the mountains in the skies” evoke vivid imagery, while phrases such as “loving her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again” convey a sense of longing and nostalgia. The song captures a delicate balance between joy and melancholy, celebrating a beautiful moment while acknowledging its ephemeral nature.
Performance History
Over the years, “Loving Her Was Easier” has been performed by numerous artists, each adding their own flavor to the song’s gentle poignancy. Notably, it has been covered by Willie Nelson and Tompall Glaser, showing its wide appeal and adaptability across different musical styles. Kristofferson himself has often performed it live, with his gravelly, world-weary voice lending even more depth to the song’s bittersweet message. Audiences have responded to it with quiet appreciation, recognizing the song’s ability to evoke personal memories of love and loss.
Cultural Impact
“Loving Her Was Easier” remains one of Kristofferson’s most beloved tracks, often cited as a prime example of his lyrical genius. Its cultural impact extends beyond country music, influencing a generation of songwriters in both the country and soft rock genres. The song’s introspective lyrics and simple yet profound composition have made it a timeless piece, covered and referenced in various media as a classic ode to love’s simplicity and sorrow.
Legacy
The enduring importance of “Loving Her Was Easier” lies in its universal relatability. Kristofferson’s honest portrayal of love—uncomplicated, beautiful, and heartbreakingly transient—continues to resonate with listeners, making it as relevant today as it was in 1971. Its influence on country and rock balladry can be felt in the works of artists who followed, cementing its place as a quintessential love song in American music history.
Conclusion
“Loving Her Was Easier” is more than just a song; it’s a gentle reminder of love’s uncomplicated beauty and the bittersweet ache of losing it. For those who’ve experienced a love like the one Kristofferson describes, it feels like a personal anthem. Whether you’re new to Kris Kristofferson’s music or have cherished this song for years, it’s worth revisiting—perhaps with a glass of something warm and a heart open to nostalgia.
Video
Lyrics
I have seen the mornin’ burnin’ golden on the mountain in the skies
Achin’ with the feelin’ of the freedom of an eagle when she flies
Turnin’ on the world the way she smiled upon my soul as I lay dyin’
Healin’ as the colors in the sunshine and the shadows of her eyes
Wakin’ in the mornin’ to the feelin’ of her fingers on my skin
Wipin’ out the traces of the people and the places that I’ve been
Teachin’ me that yesterday was somethin’ that I’d never thought of trying’
Talkin’ of tomorrow and the money love and time we had to spend
Lovin’ her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again
Comin’ close together with a feelin’ that I’ve never known before in my time
She ain’t ashamed to be a woman or afraid to be a friend
I don’t know the answer to the easy way she opened every door in my mind
But dreamin’ was as easy as believin’ it was never gonna end
And lovin’ her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again