About the song
Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson’s rendition of “Today I Started Lovin’ You Again.” While this track is a venerable standard in country music, originally penned by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens and a hit for Haggard in 1968, the version by Crow and Nelson, featured on his 2002 duets album The Great Divide, offers a fresh, intimate take on a beloved theme. It’s far more than just a cover; it’s a beautiful conversation between two generations of musical masters, breathing new life into a poignant declaration of love’s renewal.
The lyrics of “Today I Started Lovin’ You Again” delve into the subtle yet profound realization that love isn’t a one-time event, but a continuous choice, a daily recommitment. The narrator describes waking up each day and falling in love anew with their partner, acknowledging that despite any challenges or the passage of time, the feeling remains fresh and strong. It’s a narrative that speaks to the resilience and depth of true affection, suggesting that genuine love is something constantly nurtured and rediscovered. Phrases like “Today I started lovin’ you again / I’m right back where I’ve always been” and “And when I saw you I saw the sun / I know that my life has just begun” perfectly capture this sense of daily renewal and profound appreciation. The song speaks to the universal human experience of long-term relationships, where familiarity deepens rather than diminishes affection, and where the decision to love is made, consciously or unconsciously, every single day. It resonates deeply with anyone who understands that the enduring magic of love lies in its capacity for perpetual rebirth.
The vocal performances by Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson on “Today I Started Lovin’ You Again” are a masterclass in collaborative artistry, each bringing their unique touch while complementing the other perfectly. Willie Nelson’s voice, with its inimitable, weathered sincerity and conversational phrasing, delivers the core sentiment with profound authenticity, sounding like a man who has truly lived every word. Sheryl Crow’s clear, soulful vocals intertwine with his, adding layers of contemporary warmth and emotional resonance. Her presence brings a gentle, almost wistful counterpoint to Nelson’s seasoned delivery, creating a beautiful dialogue that feels both ageless and fresh. They don’t just sing the words; they inhabit the enduring nature of the love story, making the listener feel the shared history and renewed passion. Their combined brilliance lies in their ability to respect the song’s classic roots while infusing it with their individual styles, connecting with audiences through their shared chemistry and genuine emotional understanding. It’s a truly moving duet that exemplifies the power of complementary voices.
The musical arrangement of “Today I Started Lovin’ You Again” in this rendition is characteristically warm, understated, and deeply rooted in acoustic country tradition, allowing the powerful vocals and poignant lyrics to shine. It typically features a gentle, melodic acoustic guitar, often with Nelson’s signature “Trigger” adding its unique character, providing a fundamental, intimate foundation. Subtle piano chords and a soft, unobtrusive rhythm section create a comforting, swaying backdrop, while delicate steel guitar flourishes add that essential country melancholy and emotional depth. The instrumentation is tasteful and precise, never overpowering the voices but instead providing a rich, supportive bed for their emotional delivery. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, allowing every instrumental nuance and, crucially, the interplay between Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson’s vocals to be heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable accessibility. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimate and universally appealing, perfectly suited for a timeless declaration of enduring love.
“Today I Started Lovin’ You Again” resonated profoundly with audiences because its themes of rediscovered love, daily commitment, and the enduring nature of affection are universally understood and deeply felt. This particular collaboration between Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson remains a cherished interpretation, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, every new day means “Today I Started Lovin’ You Again.”
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Lyrics
Today I started loving you again
And I’m right back where I’ve really always been
I got over you just long enough to let my heartaches mend
And then today I started loving you againWhat a fool I was to think, I could get by
With only these few teardrops that I’ve cried
I should have known the worst was yet to come
And that crying time for me had just begun
And today I started loving you againToday I started loving you again
