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Introduction
Released in 1971 on Kris Kristofferson’s album The Silver Tongued Devil and I, “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” is a beautifully poignant reflection on love, loss, and the bittersweet memories of a past relationship. The song reached #4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became one of Kristofferson’s signature songs, standing out for its poetic lyrics and introspective tone.
Kristofferson, renowned for his storytelling and lyrical depth, shines in this track. The song encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a relationship that was once perfect, only to realize that the ease of loving that person will never be replicated. There’s a sense of nostalgia, but also an acceptance that such love belongs to the past. Kristofferson’s unique ability to blend raw emotion with philosophical reflection is what makes this song resonate so deeply with listeners.
The opening lines immediately draw you into the emotional core of the song:
“I have seen the morning burning golden on the mountain in the skies / Aching with the feeling of the freedom of an eagle when she flies.”
These vivid images, combined with Kristofferson’s gentle delivery, evoke a sense of serene beauty, as though he’s reliving the peaceful, carefree moments of the relationship. But this tranquility is underscored by the realization that this love, while once perfect, can never be recaptured.
As the song unfolds, Kristofferson sings with a quiet sense of resignation. His voice, rough yet tender, conveys the weight of someone who has loved deeply but knows that those days are behind him. The lines:
“Loving her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again.”
sum up the essence of the song—a recognition that the simplicity and purity of that love stands in stark contrast to the complications and challenges of life. There’s an implicit understanding that nothing, not even future relationships, will match the ease and natural connection he once had.
Musically, “Loving Her Was Easier” is understated yet elegant. The simple acoustic arrangement allows Kristofferson’s lyrics to shine. The melody, though uncomplicated, complements the emotional depth of the song, giving it a timeless quality. It’s the kind of song that lingers in your mind long after it ends, not because of any grand instrumentation, but because of the honesty and vulnerability it conveys.
One of the reasons this song stands out in Kristofferson’s catalog is how personal it feels. While many of his songs explore broader themes of freedom, rebellion, and the complexities of life, “Loving Her Was Easier” is intimate, a glimpse into a man reflecting on one of the purest emotions he’s ever experienced. It’s not just about romantic love, but about the sense of peace and completeness that came with it, and the profound sense of loss in knowing that it’s gone.
What makes Kristofferson’s performance of this song so powerful is the way he conveys emotion without excess. His delivery is unadorned, almost conversational, which only amplifies the sincerity of his words. There’s no need for vocal acrobatics or dramatic flair—the strength of the song lies in its simplicity.
Kris Kristofferson has always been a master of blending poetry with music, and “Loving Her Was Easier” is a prime example of that talent. He captures the fleeting nature of love, the way it can feel effortless in the moment, yet impossible to recreate once it’s gone. The song speaks to anyone who has loved deeply and looks back on that time with both fondness and a touch of sadness, knowing it will never be the same.
In the landscape of country music, “Loving Her Was Easier” remains a classic—a song that transcends its time and continues to speak to new generations of listeners. It’s a testament to Kristofferson’s enduring ability to touch on the universal themes of love and loss with such grace and humility. Even decades later, the song feels as fresh and relevant as it did upon its release, a true hallmark of a timeless ballad.
Video
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…