Introduction
A Love Rekindled: The Story Behind “Today I Started Loving You Again”
“Today I Started Loving You Again,” a hauntingly beautiful duet by country music legends Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens, might not have been a chart-topping hit, but it holds a special place in the hearts of country fans and for Haggard himself. Composed in 1967, the song offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between the two musicians.
Haggard and Owens’ paths crossed in Bakersfield, California, where both were trying to make their mark in the country music scene. Owens, a talented singer in her own right, became a crucial part of Haggard’s band, The Strangers. Their connection went beyond music; a romance blossomed, though Owens was married at the time.
The origins of “Today I Started Loving You Again” itself are steeped in lore. According to one story, Haggard sent Owens on a simple errand – to grab him a hamburger. By the time she returned, the melody and a good portion of the lyrics were already written.
The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a love rekindled. The opening lines, sung by Haggard, set the scene: “Woke up this mornin’, sun peekin’ through the blinds / Couldn’t remember for a while, what was on my mind / Then I saw your picture, smilin’ back at me / Today I started loving you again, as strong as it can be.”
Owens’ voice intertwines perfectly with Haggard’s, adding harmony and depth to the emotional ballad. The simple yet evocative lyrics explore the cyclical nature of love, with doubt and distance giving way to a renewed sense of affection.
While “Today I Started Loving You Again” never achieved mainstream success, released as the B-side to Haggard’s hit “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde,” it has become a treasured gem for fans. Years later, Haggard himself acknowledged his enduring love for Owens, highlighting the song’s personal significance.
Whether born from a quick errand or a deeper contemplation, “Today I Started Loving You Again” stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, its ability to fade and reignite, capturing a raw vulnerability that resonates with listeners even today.