About the song
“Livin’ on Love,” a poignant country ballad written and performed by Alan Jackson, resonates with its portrayal of enduring love and the simplicity of life’s joys. Released in August 1994 as the second single from his album *Who I Am*, the song swiftly climbed the charts, marking Jackson’s ninth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and also reaching the top of the Canadian Country Tracks chart.
The song’s narrative unfolds across different stages of a couple’s life, chronicling their journey from youthful beginnings with nothing to their name, to growing old together while still deeply in love. Jackson’s lyrical prowess shines through, capturing the essence of commitment and the enduring bond shared between two people who navigate life’s ups and downs with love as their anchor.
Critically, “Livin’ on Love” was well-received for its authenticity and musicality. Thom Jurek of Allmusic praised the song as a “mid-tempo honky tonker” enriched with lively instrumentation and lyrics that skillfully blend sentimentality with charm. Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe echoed this sentiment, awarding the song a B+ grade and appreciating its catchy melodies and endearing narrative, despite similarities he noted to Jackson’s earlier hit “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane.”
Directed by Piers Plowden, the music video for “Livin’ on Love” premiered in mid-1994, complementing the song’s theme with visuals that resonate with the song’s storyline. The video captures moments of everyday life interspersed with scenes of Jackson performing, further emphasizing the song’s relatable themes of love, companionship, and the passage of time.
“Livin’ on Love” not only topped the country music charts but also made an impact on the broader music landscape, reaching number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart in the United States. Its success solidified Alan Jackson’s reputation as a masterful storyteller in country music, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt narratives and timeless melodies.
As a testament to its enduring popularity, “Livin’ on Love” remains a beloved classic in Alan Jackson’s repertoire, cherished for its heartfelt depiction of love’s enduring power and the joys found in life’s simple pleasures.
Video
Lyrics
Two young people without a thing
Say some vows and spread their wings
And settle down with just what they need
Livin’ on love
She don’t care ’bout what’s in style
She just likes the way he smiles
It takes more than marble and tile
Livin’ on love
Livin’ on love, buyin’ on time
Without somebody nothing ain’t worth a dime
Just like an old fashion story book rhyme
Livin’ on love
It sounds simple, that’s what you’re thinkin’
But love can walk through fire without blinkin’
It doesn’t take much when you get enough
Livin’ on love
Two old people without a thing
Children gone but still they sing
Side by side in that front porch swing
Livin’ on love
He can’t see any more
She can barely sweep the floor
Hand in hand they’ll walk through that door
Just livin’ on love
Livin’ on love, buyin’ on time
Without somebody nothing ain’t worth a dime
Just like an old fashion story book rhyme
Livin’ on love
It sounds simple that’s what you’re thinkin’
But love can walk through fire without blinkin’
It doesn’t take much when you get enough
Livin’ on love
Livin’ on love, buyin’ on time
Without somebody nothing ain’t worth a dime
Just like an old fashion story book rhyme
Livin’ on love
It sounds simple that’s what you’re thinkin’
But love can walk through fire without blinkin’
It doesn’t take much when you get enough
Livin’ on love
No, it doesn’t take much when you get enough
Livin’ on love