“Loving Her Was Easier” by Kris Kristofferson: A Romantic Love Ballad

About the song

Kris Kristofferson’s “Loving Her Was Easier” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time that has become a cornerstone of the country music canon. Released in 1972, this heartfelt ballad offers a reflective look at a relationship that has ended, and the enduring emotional impact it leaves on the narrator.

Kristofferson’s distinctive, soulful voice perfectly complements the song’s melancholic tone. With lyrics drawn from nature and intimate details, he paints a vivid picture of a love that was once effortless but is now a cherished memory. The lines, “Loving her was easier than anything I’ve ever done, But holding her was harder than trying to hold the sun,” encapsulate the paradoxical nature of love: it can be both simple and profoundly challenging.

The song’s sparse instrumentation, featuring gentle acoustic guitar and subtle pedal steel guitar, creates a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that complements the lyrics. This stripped-down approach allows Kristofferson’s vocals and the words themselves to take center stage.

“Loving Her Was Easier” has transcended its original release to become a timeless classic. Its universal themes of love, loss, and longing have resonated with audiences for generations. The song’s popularity is evident in the fact that it has been covered by numerous artists, including Roger Miller and Tompall & the Glaser Brothers. Each interpretation brings a unique perspective to the song, but the core themes remain constant.

Kris Kristofferson was a pioneer in country music, often delving into darker, more introspective themes that challenged the traditional conventions of the genre. “Loving Her Was Easier” is a prime example of Kristofferson’s ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Key Takeaways:

• A country music classic with widespread appeal
• Explores the complexities of love and loss
• Vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics
• Sparse instrumentation for a focused emotional impact
• A timeless song that has been covered by many artists

Additional Insights:

• The song’s key of C major contributes to its optimistic undertone, even amidst the melancholy.
• The use of natural imagery grounds the song in reality while also evoking a sense of longing.
• The song’s popularity is a testament to its enduring emotional power.

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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